CRSL Newsletter
March 10, 2023
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Peace Now: Not the Absence of Tension but the Presence of Justice
Not the Presence of War, But the Absence of Weapons
When I was seventeen, I had a purple T-shirt; it said PEACE NOW. My best friend Annie had a green one - we got them at a protest against nuclear weapons. Later on, in the 90’s, we protested the first war in Iraq, and a few years later, the second one. Our activism was inspired by, or even part of, what had come to be called the anti-war movement, which inspired slogans such as “Negotiation Not Annihilation,” “Make Love Not War,” and “Anything War Can Do, Peace Can Do Better.”
Peace would seem to be a universally acceptable concept, but during some of those years, wearing a “peace now” T-shirt would have been controversial. The anti-war movement began in protest of the war in Vietnam, for which young men between 18-26 were getting drafted. Thus, the cause was urgent for young people and their loved ones, and they were on the front lines of the protest against the war and the increasing militarism in U.S. society. It is often said that Martin Luther King’s role in the Peace Movement/opposition to the Vietnam War was the “last straw” between him and his detractors, and that his assassination in 1967 in Memphis, Tennessee, resulted from his insistence on the inextricability of poverty, racism and militarism. It was one thing to gain civil rights for Black people from whom they had been denied, it was another thing to speak out against the very forces upon which this country had been built.
Militarism is defined as the belief or the desire of a government or a people that a state should maintain a strong military capability and to use it aggressively to expand national interests and/or values. It may also imply the glorification of the military and of the ideals of a professional military class and the predominance of the armed forces in the administration or policy of the state.
However, militarism manifests in many ways other than warfare in the traditional sense.
The manufacturing and availability of guns is one of the starkest manifestations. Since the beginning of the semester, there have been countless gun deaths in the United States, and while there is not an agreed upon definition of what constitutes a mass shooting, it is generally considered an instance in which over four people are killed in one location by one actor; and there have been at least nine of these. In January, there were four mass shootings in California in under two weeks.
While police brutality results from a confluence of factors, including policing's origins in slave patrolling, it is also a fruit of militarism. U.S. law enforcement has become increasingly militarized post 9-11, as has the percentage, already high, of the economy spent on weaponry. Weapons manufactured en masse for wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been sold with taxpayer money at dramatically reduced rates to law enforcement, and it has increasingly drawn upon military tactics. These aggressive methods of law enforcement have been developing since the 1980’s when infrastructures weakened and crime increased in poor neighborhoods. The 1994 Crime Bill incentivized arrests and, in turn, helped create the mass incarceration crisis. Criminal justice professor Peter Kraska has defined militarization of police as “the process whereby civilian police increasingly draw from, and pattern themselves around, the tenets of militarism and the military model” (sometimes referred to as the Military-Industrial Complex”).
We are living in an increasingly militaristic time.
So where is the peace movement now?
Reverend Matilda Cantwell is Smith College's Director of Religious and Spiritual Life and College Chaplain.
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End the Silence, Stop the Violence
A Generating Justice and Joy Event
Monday, March 27, 6:30 p.m.
Helen Hills Hills Chapel
To address gun violence, domestic hate crimes, and build peace and trust in our community. Join us for an evening of peace building and a simple meal of bread and soup with gluten free options, and a comfort food desert TBA. For more information and to sign up: https://forms.gle/sVzhGb5V3vJnZF1bA.
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Vigil for Turkey and Syria:
CRSL Statements on Earthquakes
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A Statement from Kim Alston, Muslim Student Advisor
Earthquakes hit border region around Turkey and Syria; tens of thousands of people have died or are trapped in the rubble! This is a devastating traumatizing calamity and your prayers and support are needed.
A 7.8 earthquake hit Southeast Turkey and Northwest Syria on Monday, February 6, 2023 (approximately the size of the UK). Over 52,000 people were killed, 85,000 people injured and 6,500 buildings collapsed. Over 60 aftershocks were reported, with one measuring 7.6 in magnitude and another devastating earthquake weeks later on February 20, measured at 6.4 magnitude. One of the hardest hit areas was Gaziantep province in Turkey, which has a large refugee population.
What do we say to someone who has lost a relative, a child, an uncle, a mother? We know words cannot suffice. We struggle to console you, to face you with our own inadequacies, with terrifying fear of the unknown, the vulnerability and grief that marks this moment in time. The Qur’an beckons us to pray. “Oh you who have attained faith, seek help through patience and prayers.” (HQ 2:153) And it also warns us of the time. “By the passage of time! Surely humanity is in grave loss, except those who have faith, do good, and urge each other to the truth, and urge each other to perseverance.” (HQ Al Asr, 103)
So for those of us who feel frightened, here is a prayer from the “Fortress of a Muslim”: “La ilaaha illallaah! There is none worthy of worship but Allah!”
And for those who want to say an invocation for the bereaved (those who are deprived of a close relation or friend due to death), here is a prayer that Prophet Muhammad used to say, “May Allah magnify your reward, and make perfect your bereavement, and forgive your departed.” Amin.
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A Statement from Reverend Matilda Cantwell
Friends, the confluence of foreign wars, domestic terrorism such as mass shootings and police brutality the spoils of racism and climate change on the heels of and ongoing pandemic are overwhelming all of us. On top of it all, the recent earthquake in Turkey has destroyed whole regions and historic sites, and demolished an already war-torn Syria in almost unimaginable ways. There are Syrian refugees living right here in the Valley, having come through a refugee resettlement program. And, there are Syrian and Turkish students and those from neighboring regions right here among us. Some are international students, some domestic students with families still living in these regions.
One way to develop empathy for our fellow students for whom this is the case is to imagine, for example, that our grandparents' house and neighborhood, where we grew up visiting and playing, has been demolished. Sometimes we–or at least I—tend to feel so relieved when there have been no casualties of loved ones that we forget the other losses are nevertheless profound.
Here at Smith we are bound together by the common goals of our liberal arts education and the promises of women’s education, inclusive and hopefully celebrating of, trans and non-binary people. As complex as it is at times, we are committed to living in a diverse community, though we diverge deeply in our socioeconomic, racial, and global origins, and occupy different places on the spectrum of privilege.
To "vigil" means to stay awake. There is a saying about prayer: “Prayer doesn’t change God, it changes us.” To vigil is similar, we bear witness to strengthen our connections to humanity and hence to our best selves.
Smith College can and should recognize our geographic and ideological neighbors--yet we cannot forget our commitment to equity and inclusivity in our diverse community. Therefore, as we express our solidarity with, and do whatever we can to participate in aid efforts for Ukraine battered by a ruthless invasion which has killed approx. 200,000 people, soldiers and civilians alike, we must also take this earthquake deeply into our hearts: it is one of the greatest disasters in recent history.
We are not helpless. Our education helps prepare us to commit to being global citizens. Now is a good time to renew that commitment. Yes, we all have so much on our plates and life can seem so overwhelming; but we are called to care about life beyond domestic or regional boundaries. We need not, and probably should not bury ourselves in news and media—nor can we “do it all." If there are opportunities to help in concrete ways, take them if you can. But sometimes it is enough to just stay awake, which can just mean looking around to members of our community to wonder about who they are and what they might be experiencing.
Students, your first priority is your education, and the time and attention it takes to engage in it is different for all of us. As Rabbi Tarfon said in commenting on Micah 6:8: “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”
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CRSL Welcomes You To Our Spaces
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Chapel Sanctuary
The sanctuary is a holy and sacred space where religious observances from many different faith traditions are held. Through the use of its resources such as a flexible floor plan, AV system, and wonderful acoustics, students have found the sanctuary to be a welcoming space that supports their rituals, performances, and practices. Cultural celebrations and beloved Smith traditions such as Baccalaureate and Pet A Pet Day occur in the space, as do meditations and mindfulness programs.
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Soft seating in the Chapel Sanctuary, pictured above, allows for multiple uses.
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Bodman Lounge
Located in the chapel’s lower level, Bodman Lounge has couches, Wi-fi, a library of religious texts and an audio visual system. We encourage informal use of the space without a reservation, but students, faculty, and staff can reserve the space for events. The space accommodates 25 people, and can be accessed by a flight of stairs or the elevator at the rear of the building. Bodman is a true interfaith space and there are representations, including a library, of varied religions, spiritual and wisdom traditions.
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Bodman Lounge, featured above. |
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Reflect, Resist, Rejuvenate Lounge
The RRR Lounge is a contemplative waiting area and a meditation room, for anyone of any tradition. We welcome anyone to meditate on a cushion or sit quietly on a couch, journal, sketch, read poetry or a sacred text or any literature that is contemplative for you. We ask that this room be free from social media use, and that technology use be limited. If you need to work on a computer, we warmly welcome you to any other space in the building that is available. To reserve under specific circumstances, see form https://forms.gle/DGdM3KDv1nhibJco8.
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Blue Room
The Blue Room, featured above, is a non-reservable quiet space on the lower level of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel for contemplative practice, prayer or meditation. Resources in the Blue Room include religious texts, prayer rugs, meditation pillows, chimes, and candles, and the cardinal directions are marked on the walls. The Blue Room is a sacred space. Anyone using the space is asked to remove their shoes and only use it for activities that align with the space’s purpose. No food or drink is permitted in this space. Groups may use the room, but louder or larger group meetings are asked to please reserve a different space, such as the Bodman Lounge.
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Wright Hall Prayer Space
The Wright Hall Prayer Space, featured above and to the left, is located in Wright 004 and is a non-reservable quiet, contemplative space for anyone in the Smith community to pray, reflect or meditate. Resources include religious texts and prayer rugs, candles, and the cardinal directions are marked on the wall. This space is meant as a space of solace and is not intended for group meetings. If you would like to use this space, please contact Maureen Raucher or Kim Alston for access.
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Kosher Kitchen
The kosher community kitchen (warmly referred to as the "K"), is located at Jordan House and is under the direction of Dining Services and the Rabbi/Jewish student advisor via the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (CRSL) The “K” is the main location for the Friday Night Shabbat Services sponsored by the Smith College Jewish Community Org (SCJC) in collaboration with the CRSL. It is centered around Jewish tradition and community and used regularly by Jewish student leaders, and Rabbi Noam will occasionally hold individual or small group sessions there. On Fridays it is usual to find the space teeming with choppers, would-be chefs, dishwashers, and others prepping for Shabbat. During the academic year, some special holiday events, and other occasional Jewish programming activities are held at the K.
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The Kosher K, featured above, is where Friday night Shabbat dinner and services are hosted.
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Save the Date: Tea Ceremony with Kaira Jewel Lingo
Sunday, April 2, 4:00 p.m.
Mwangi Center
Tea ceremony gathering for BIPOC students lead by our Presidential Colloquium guest of honor, Buddhist educator and author, Kaira Jewel Lingo. Sponsored by the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, Office for Multicultural Affairs, and the President's Office. For disability access information or accommodation request, please call (413) 585-2754. To request a sign language interpreter, call (413) 585-2071 or email ods@smith.edu at least 10 days before the event.
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Save the Date: Special Community Mindful Mondays
Monday, April 3, 12:00 p.m.
Paradise Room, College Conference Center
Open invitation gathering for faculty, staff, and students, lead by our Presidential Colloquium guest of honor, Buddhist educator and author, Kaira Jewel Lingo. Mindful luncheon meal will be provided with deep listening and community building. For disability access information or accommodation request, please call (413) 585-2754. To request a sign language interpreter, call (413) 585-2071 or email ods@smith.edu at least 10 days before the event.
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Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 9, 10:30 a.m.
Helen Hills Hills Chapel Sanctuary
Scripture, readings, and poetry with College Chaplain Matilda Cantwell and members of the Smith community. Easter treats for everyone! All are Welcome!
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A Note on Ramadan Preparation from Muslim Student Advisor Kim Alston
Dear Smith Community,
As Salaamu Alaykum.
The blessed month of Ramadan is two weeks away and represents a wonderful opportunity for us to strengthen our relationship with Allah (SWT). Inshallah, you were able to attend last month's Ramadan preparation workshop and found it to be beneficial, as Al Iman and CRSL worked to raise awareness of Ramadan in the Smith community. CRSL is committed to supporting students during this sacred period. If you have a need for additional considerations during Ramadan, please reach out to your professor(s) as soon as possible and continue to connect with CRSL for any support you need. Please contact Kim Alston at kalston@smith.edu for more information on observing Ramadan, or supporting your students or colleagues in their observance.
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Soup, Salad and Soul
Fridays, 12:15 p.m., Bodman Lounge, Chapel
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. The Bodman Lounge is in the basement of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel and accessible via elevator from the rear of the building. For details on food and other accessibility questions, please email aostow@smith.edu or mcantwel@smith.edu.
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Jummah Prayer
Fridays, 12:25 p.m., Chapel Sanctuary Front Lawn
We'll travel to Hampshire Mosque in Hadley on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. Meet in front of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel at 12:25 p.m. Van will leave by 12:30 p.m. and return to campus no later than 2:30 p.m. Bring a prayer rug and complete your ablution beforehand. We have extra prayer rugs if you need one. To attend, email crsl@smith.edu.
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Weekly Shabbat
Fridays, 5:30 p.m., Kosher K
The Smith College Jewish Community invites you to join us at the Kosher K at Jordan House for Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday nights at 5:30 p.m.! We'll join together in song and prayer to welcome in Shabbat as a community. Services will often be followed by Kosher vegetarian meals. All are welcome! Please reach out to scjc@smith.edu with any questions.
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Catholic Mass with Smith's Newman Catholic Club and Fr. Valentine Nworah
Sundays, 3 p.m.
Helen Hills Hills Chapel
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Mindful Mondays
Mondays, 12:15 p.m., Campus Center Room 003
If you are looking for a place to make connections and practice building self-awareness and acceptance with others, come check out our drop-in Mindful Mondays program, every Monday in-person in Campus Center Room 003, 12:15-1pm. With light meditation, embodiment practice, and discussion, we make a space that encourages healing and connection-building. Absolutely zero experience is necessary, all students are welcome, and lunch is provided. For details on food and other accessibility questions, please email aostow@smith.edu.
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Weekly Meditation
Mondays, 5:00 p.m., Chapel Sanctuary
Students, faculty, staff, and alumnae are invited to come together in person for weekly mindful meditation led by Ruth Ozeki 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 instruction will be offered each week. All levels welcome. The sanctuary is accessible via a ramp from the rear of the building; for other access-related questions, contact mraucher@smith.edu.
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Center for Religious and Spiritual Life
Helen Hills Hills Chapel
123-125 Elm Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01063
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