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 - Fall 2023
Meditation
Mondays 5-6 p.m., Sanctuary
Students, faculty, staff, and alumnae are invited to come together in person for weekly mindful meditation led by EJ Seibert and Mary Beth Brooker. We will do a simple, relaxed, silent practice of sitting and walking meditation, based on Zen forms. Chairs and floor cushions are available. Meditation instructions will be offered each week. All levels welcome.
Mindful Mondays
Mondays 12:15-1p.m., 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.
Jummah Prayer
Fridays 12:30-2:30 p.m., Off Campus
Join us for Jummah at the Hampshire Mosque in Hadley. Meet in front of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel at 12:25 pm. Van will leave by 12:30 pm and return to campus no later than 2:30 pm. Bring a prayer rug and complete your ablution beforehand. We have extra prayer rugs if you need one! To RSVP, email crsl@smith.edu. If you are interested in attending a mosque of other various traditions, contact Kim Alston, Muslim Student Adviser at kalston@smith.
Soup, Salad & Soul
Fridays 12:10-1:00 p.m., Bodman Lounge
Come get cozy and enjoy a hot, delicious vegetarian soup made by awesome student cooks while taking part in reflective, student-led discussions on spirituality and life! Students of all religious, spiritual, and non-religious/non-spiritual backgrounds are welcome. Limited to Smith One Card holders. For details on food and other general accessibility questions, email aostow@smith.edu or mcantwel@smith.edu
SCJC Shabbat
Fridays 5:30 p.m., Kosher Kitchen, Jordan House
Celebrate Shabbat with Smith College’s Jewish Community every Friday evening. Please email scjc@smith.edu for more information. All students are welcome.
Tajweed
Saturdays 3:30-4:30 p.m., Sanctuary
LEARN QURAN WITH TAJWEED FOR BEGINNERS with Islamic Studies Teacher Arina Beg. Learn how to read the Quran beautifully and become closer to Allah SWT “…and recite the Qur’an slowly and distinctly.” (Holy Quran 73:4) Learn to recite the Qur’an with proper Tajweed and pronunciation. Tajweed is a step by step process where we will learn the basics of Tajweed rules starting with the correct pronunciation of the letters and their characteristics. To participate, contact kalston@smith.edu.
Catholic Mass
Sundays at 3:00 p.m., Sanctuary
With Smith College Newman Catholic Club and Fr. Valentine Nworah. Members of the Smith community and Five College students are welcome! Contact crsl@smith.edu for mass details.
Special Programming
CRSL Welcome Party!
S’mores and Spirituality
Thursday 7-8 p.m., Firepit at Smith
Meet at the steps of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel, 123 Elm St. for a pilgrimage: 3 minute walk to the Firepit at Smith, where we will make (halal) S'mores, and Share, learn about and experience spirituality at Smith. (If you are not available at 7 pm, feel free to join us at the firepit anytime until 7:30 pm, when we will start our official program. For weather changes and more information, see our Facebook page.) Enjoy S'mores and Snacks around a cozy fire to bring in the new semester! All are welcome!
Learning to Meditate
Practices from Tibetan Buddhist
Tradition Mondays 7-8 p.m., Bodman Lounge
September 27, October 11 & 25, November 8 & 29 Hosted by Geshe Ngawang Singey, these bi-weekly interactive sessions will include instruction on and practice of breathing meditation, concentration meditation, blessing meditation, and tong-len (exchange of self and other), concluding with Q & A with light refreshments. All are welcome! Geshe Ngawang Singey received his ordination vow directly from His Holiness the 14 th Dalai Lama.
Al Nur Spiritual Gatherings
Mondays 6-7:30 p.m., Bodman Lounge
September 21, October 26, November 30, December 21 Hosted by Geshe Ngawang Singey, these bi-weekly interactive sessions will include instruction on and practice of breathing meditation, concentration meditation, blessing meditation, and tong-len (exchange of self and other), concluding with Q & A with light refreshments. All are welcome! To Rsvp, email kalston@smith.edu.
Dia de los Muertos
Wednesday, November 1, 6:30 p.m., Location, TBA
Enjoy a festive catered meal, music, decorate (foam) sugar skulls and shadow boxes and celebrate Dia de los Muertos in community. To Rsvp, contact mraucher@smith.edu.
Christmas Vespers
Sunday, December 3, 4 p.m., John M. Greene Hall
The story of Advent told through hymns, scripture, poetry and readings. To Rsvp, contact mraucher@smith.edu.
Generating Justice and Joy
Dates and subject matter TBA
The Generating Justice and Joy (GJJ) series brings together the campus community to respond to disruptive events -- globally, socially or politically -- through community gatherings, which involve ritual, collaboration, and mutual support.