Events & Programs
The Smith years are ones of growth and change. The time you spend here as a student allows for new experiences, new directions, new challenges, and often, questioning. We offer weekly programming and other religious and spiritual events to foster learning and dialogue. These programs may combine reflection, discussion, prayer and self-discovery, giving students encouragement for a lifetime of spiritual development. If you have an idea for a program, please contact Maureen Raucher or Kim Alston.
Religious & Spiritual Events on Campus
Observing Holidays
It can be both a joy and a challenge to take the time to observe your religious holidays during college. The Center for Religious & Spiritual Life offers on-campus programming for several religious holidays, and we can help you find services in the community for other holidays. College policy states that any student who is unable to attend classes, exams or work due to a religious observance will be excused and given an opportunity to make it up. This information can be found under the Religious Expression section in Campus Life on the Course Catalog.
Local Congregations & Places of Worship
Local congregations are very welcoming to students, and offer worship and other programs that are open to the public. See our list of local congregations and places of worship.
Weekly Programming for Spring 2023
Meditation
Mondays 5-6 p.m., Sanctuary
Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend weekly mindful meditation in the tradition initiated by Ruth Ozeki. The meditation is led by Ruth Ozeki and Mary Beth Brooker. A simple, relaxed, silent practice of sitting and walking meditation, using chairs or floor cushions. Initial meditation instruction will be offered. All levels are welcome.
Mindful Mondays
Mondays 12:15pm, Campus Center 003
If you are looking for a place to make connections and practice tools for awareness and self-acceptance, come join Mindful Mondays! With light meditation, embodiment practice, and discussion, we make a space that encourages healing and community. Bring your lunch and all are welcome! aostow@smith.edu with questions.
Spirituali-Tea - TBA
Interfaith Spirituali-tea--formally known as Interfaith Lunch--is a safe, welcoming communal space for the spiritual, the faithful, the doubting, and the curious. This is a student-led CRSL program dedicated to discussion about spiritual and religious life at Smith and beyond. Each week we focus on a different topic, sharing from our own experiences. Tea and fresh baked goods provided! contact crsl@smith.edu for more information and meeting dates
Jummah Prayer
Transportation is provided to area mosques. If you are interested in attending, meet in the outside rear of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel at 12:25 p.m. The van will leave by 12:30 p.m. and return to campus no later than 2:30 p.m. Remember to bring a prayer rug and complete your ablution beforehand. Extra prayer rugs are available inside the CRSL, if needed. To reserve your seat, email crsl@smith.edu. If you are interested in attending a mosque of other various traditions, which in many cases may not be located in the Pioneer Valley, contact Kim Alston, Muslim Student Adviser at kalston@smith.
Soup, Salad & Soul
Fridays, 12:00pm, but arrive when you can! Bodman Lounge
Enjoy lunch and take part in student-led discussions on spirituality and life. Home cooked vegetarian soup and seasonal salads!
SCJC Shabbat
Fridays at 5:30 p.m., Kosher Kitchen, Jordan House
Shabbat services are held weekly every Friday evening. Please email scjc@smith.edu for more information. All students are welcome.
Tajweed
Saturdays at 3:30pm, Sanctuary
LEARN QURAN WITH TAJWEED FOR BEGINNERS with Islamic Studies Teacher Arina Beg.
Learn how to read the Quran beautifully and become more close to Allah SBT
“…and recite the Qur’an slowly and distinctly.” (Holy Quran 73:4)
Learn to recite the Quran with proper tajweed and pronunciation. Step by step process where we will learn the basics of Tajweed rules starting with the correct pronunciation of the letters and their characteristics, then the basic Tajweed rules In sha Allah.
Tajweed will take place in the Bodman Lounge on Saturday, April 1st and Saturday, April 15th.
Catholic Mass
Sundays at 3:00 p.m., Sanctuary
With Smith College Newman Catholic Club and Fr. Val Nworah. Members of the Smith community and Five College students are welcome!