Tag Archives: identity

Mezuzah: How a Jew Marks Liminal Space by Rabbi Bruce Bromberg Seltzer

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Anna Ostow
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The mezuzah is a very important and visible symbol of a Jewish building or room.  It establishes that a space is in some way tied to Jews–by use or ownership.  Mezuzah is a biblical Hebrew word for doorpost but usually … Continue reading →

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CRSL Shepherds a Re-energized Ramadan at Smith

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Kim Alston
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Whenever we guide others on a path or journey, whether spiritual or physical, it is a great responsibility for the appointed leader. The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life holds this sacred role dear to its heart. Students know when … Continue reading →

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Mrs. New’s Tattoo

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser
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I remember the first time I really saw the numbers tattooed on Mrs. New’s arm. I had seen them before, but by 11 years old, I knew enough to really see them.  I remember a 2 and a long chain … Continue reading →

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Memory and History

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser
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Memory and Historiography–the writing of history–are two forces that stand in opposition for the heart and soul of a people.  Of the two, memory has much more power than history.  I learned this from a small book I read in … Continue reading →

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Shooting a Virus Dred Feminist Rant #16

Posted on July 23, 2020 by Kim Alston
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The corona virus exposes unmistakable crises in capitalism. While we reconfigure our expectations and lifestyles because of a virus few of us knew about three months ago, we endure this unimaginable crisis under a ruthless economic philosophy that sacrifices people … Continue reading →

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Times of Captivity, a Time of Liberation

Posted on April 9, 2020 by Matilda Cantwell
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For the next two issues, our newsletter will focus on the theme of liberation. Passover, the holiday which began last night, April 8, commemorates the successful exodus of the Hebrew people out of slavery in Egypt. The COVID-19 crisis kept … Continue reading →

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Statement on Sri Lanka from Religious and Spiritual Life

Posted on April 29, 2019 by Matilda Cantwell
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Dear Students, Once again we are writing our horror, grief, and outrage about yet another massacre at a place where people were practicing their faith, this time on Easter, the highest of Holy Days for Christians. https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/04/21/outpouring-sorrow-after-more-200-killed-easter-sunday-bombings-sri-lanka While the Christian … Continue reading →

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Reflect, Resist, Rejuvenate

Posted on March 4, 2019 by Matilda Cantwell
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Dear Friends, We chose to highlight as our theme “Reflect, Resist, Rejuvenate” this year because we think these are the three ingredients we all need to live in the present historical moment, and, as general practices of the spiritual life. … Continue reading →

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Do We Need Religious Community?

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Jenna Haines '19
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Religion graces us with the tools to grapple with grief, loss, death, love, and connectedness. Religion is service: to oneself, to others, to duty. Religion is the recognition of a Universal network of love and justice. For some, religious community … Continue reading →

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Reflection on Muslim Student Advising

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Kim Alston
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For many years Muslim students at Smith College built a sense of community among themselves with little assistance from the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. They organized events, planned activities and led holy observances largely through the behest of … Continue reading →

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