Category Archives: Interfaith Matters

Walking About Smith As Us:
Muslim Students’ Perspectives

First-year student Yacine Fall wrote the following paper for her English 118 course, “Youth Activism”; the assignment is to write a photojournalist essay on the life of a Smith student. She chose to look at what it is like to … Continue reading

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Conveying True Welcome

In these times of discrimination against immigrants, people of color, those seeking refuge, and so many other groups, in addition to a rash of gun violence and natural disasters which have displaced and traumatized whole communities this fall, it is … Continue reading

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Ancient Standard Time

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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Welcome Across Faiths

What does it mean to really welcome somebody? Not just to say, “you are welcome here,” but to truly make a space feel welcoming and inviting to someone? We’ve chosen “welcome” as our theme at CRSL for the year, and … Continue reading

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The Baby Torah

“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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Camino Pilgrimage:
Walking in Faith

This past summer, I set out on a pilgrimage across Spain with my friend Chelsea.  We walked along the El Camino de Santiago, in English “The Way of Saint James,” a total of nearly 500 miles. We walked over mountains, … Continue reading

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Reflecting on the 2016 Election

The results of the 2016 elections have come as a shock to many Smith students and members of the greater Northampton community. I’ve felt weight of the worry, fear, and confusion as I walk to class with my fellow students. … Continue reading

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Exploring the Different Sects of Christianity

The history of the Christian church spans over 2000 years and encompasses some splits that have developed into different sects over time. Carol Zaleski, a professor in the religion department, specializes in the philosophy of religion, world religions and Christian … Continue reading

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White Responses to Racism:
A Discussion about Allyship with Ellen Sulser

A handful of students gathered in Bodman lounge, located in the basement of Helen Hills Hills Chapel, on Thursday, September 22 to discuss white work in anti-racism. The talk touched on a variety of topics within the framework of white … Continue reading

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Mourning, Intersectionality, and Hope
Part II: Don’t Be Selective

We have been focusing our  vigils on  shedding light in places where the inquiry and fervor of the media does not go. To vigil means to “pay attention” and to be “watchful.” Members of our diverse community are often directly affected … Continue reading

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