Category Archives: Holidays

Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a Tzadik

Posted on October 5, 2020 by Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser
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After Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, 11-year-old Micah Blay made a pilgrimage to the U.S. Supreme Court and blew the shofar for the hundreds of people gathered there. In keeping with Jewish custom, they laid small stones on the steps … Continue reading →

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Fear and Freedom: Hand in Hand

Posted on April 16, 2020 by Matilda Cantwell
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“The caged bird sings with a fearful trill, of things unknown, but longed for still, and his tune is heard on the distant hill, for the caged bird sings of freedom.”  ― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Here … 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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Uncertainty

Posted on March 25, 2020 by Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser
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There is a Jewish holiday dedicated to uncertainty. Its very name, Purim, means “dice.” During the holiday, the community reads the Book of Esther, a biblical book in which God is never mentioned. In the Book of Esther, God works … Continue reading →

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Smith College Vespers Scriptural Readings, Poems, and Prayers

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Matilda Cantwell
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Smith College Christmas Vespers  December 8, 2019  WELCOME Advent is the season when the revolution of people aligns with the revolution of the earth. Advent is a time when people – all people all over the world – light candles … Continue reading →

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Ramadan 2019

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Jenna Haines '19
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Ramadan Mubarak! Blessed Ramadan! For Muslims all across the world Ramadan is a special time of year. Muslims use the month of Ramadan to grow closer to the Creator and renew their commitment to their faith. Learn more about what … Continue reading →

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Holy Week Resources

Posted on March 27, 2018 by Center for Religious and Spiritual Life
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Below is a listing of Holy Week programming at Smith and local community congregations. Click on the header to see the website for each congregation. Helen Hills Hills Chapel, Smith College March 30, 1 p.m. ~ Good Friday Meditation, centering … Continue reading →

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Christmas Season Festivities at Smith

Posted on December 25, 2017 by Lizzie Stephani '18J
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To prepare for the Christmas season and wrap up fall semester, a number of events took place at Smith and in the surrounding area including the annual Christmas Vespers concert in John M. Greene Hall, an advent dinner in the … Continue reading →

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Ancient Standard Time

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser
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In September, Jewish students entered a slightly different time zone—Ancient Standard Time. Coming to school as Smith students, theirs was the season for back-to-school, classes beginning, and maybe Mountain Day. However, as Jewish students, September was also Rosh HaShanah, the … Continue reading →

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The Baby Torah

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Rhonda Shapiro-Rieser
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“Do you want a Torah?  It belonged to my great-grandfather. My family is either going to donate it to our synagogue or give it to you.” The year was 2011, and the question came from a student, Emma Cooke, as … Continue reading →

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