This week, Dickinson presents a series of dynamic events that celebrate the diversity of religious, secular and spiritual beliefs on campus and workshops to help Dickinsonians recognize and stand up against fight faith-based discrimination.
Religious & Spiritual Community Week, formerly known as Interfaith Week, is chance to connect with, learn from and share with fellow Dickinsonians representing an array of religious, secular and spiritual traditions. This year’s event also includes a series of small-group workshops to help members of the campus community to recognize and respond productively to antisemitism.
The events are led by Dickinson’s Center for Spirituality & Social Justice and Milton B. Asbell Center for Jewish Life.
Organizers set a multicultural and convivial tone through a Monday-evening international-cuisine potluck. The week’s events continue this afternoon with a mindful labyrinth walk in the HUB Social Hall (1-4:30 p.m.). Curious-minded Dickinsonians are invited to pose their “big questions” during a Wednesday-evening event in Landis house. Thursday’s the day for Interfaith Schmoozies—that’s a time to sip and schmooze with fellow Dickinsonians. The week ends with two Friday events – Teaching Jummah at the Bosnian Mosque (pickup at the Kauffman parking lot at 11:30 a.m.) and Teaching Shabbat (5 p.m. at the Asbell Center).
The events are free, but registration, through EngageD, is required.
The Thursday antisemitism workshops will be led by Oren Jacobson of Project Shema, a respected young leader in the Jewish progressive movement. Jacobson will focus on how to recognize antisemitism, how to contribute meaningfully to an inclusive community and how to confidently and effectively discuss Israel and antisemitism with peers. Dickinson’s Resident Advisors (RAs) are among those attending the small-group workshops, as well as students and staff working in the Waidner-Spahr Library, the Department of Athletics, the Asbell Center for Jewish Life and the Offices of Residence Life and Equity & Inclusion.
“We are always really excited to lead from a place of education and help people understand and grow, and we’re really gratified that so many people from different corners of campus are excited to learn with us through these workshops” says Rabbi Marley Weiner, the Asbell Center’s director. “We hope to continue to be a resource for the Dickinson community when looking at issues such as antisemitism and help folks understand the ways in which religious equity--whether we’re talking about fighting antisemitism or islamophobia or religious discrimination of any form—is so essential to our shared work of proactively creating a safe and equitable campus.”
Published November 15, 2021