"The Invulnerable Fortress" - Sanctuary in Prayer
Suheil Laher
Thu Jan 21, 06-07:00pm, 1-134
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
It is said that God inspired John, the son of Zechariah, to command the Children of Israel to “remember God, for the likeness thereof is the likeness of a man who is swiftly pursued by an enemy, until he reaches an invulnerable fortress in which he secures himself. So, too, the servant [of God] will not secure himself from Satan except through remembrance of God.”
Prayer provides refuge, and emotional and responsive help to many. Ibn al-Jazari (d. 1429 CE) named his compilation of Islamic supplications "The Invulnerable Fortress," and found spiritual refuge in it from a bleak situation.
We shall look at the opening section of this book, which provides an overview and insights into prayer and supplication in Islam, and also at a selection of particularly beautiful prayers from it (all in English translation).
Contact: Suheil Laher, (617) 448-6361, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy
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Ask the Chaplains
MIT Board of Chaplains
Mon Jan 11, 07:30-09:30pm, 2-105
Single session event
This is your chance to have a lively dialog with representatives of Judaism,
Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and the Baha'i Faith. Members of
the MIT Board of Chaplains will give very brief summaries of these religious
traditions. Then the audience can ask them anything they want!
Contact: Christina English, W11, x3-7707, cenglish@mit.edu
Sponsor: Board of Chaplains
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Biblical and Rabbinic Women You Haven't Yet Met
Rabbi Michelle Fisher
Wed Jan 13, 20, 27, 12-01:00pm, W11 - Small Dining
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Repeating event. Participants welcome at any session
Explore some of the lesser known women in the Bible and Rabbinic Literature. These are really characters who turn some of what we think we know on its head. We'll look at the original texts and explore what these women's stories teach us. Women to be explored include: Serach bat Asher, Lillith, and Ba-Kol.
Kosher lunch will be provided
Contact: Rabbi Michelle Fisher, (617) 253-2982, rabbif@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Comparing Bibles
Rabbi Sam Seicol
Thu Jan 21, 04:30-05:30pm, W20-PDR #3
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
The Jewish, Catholic/Anglican, and Protestant communities teach and read from “the Bible”. This session will offer an overview on the similarities and differences among the three “Bible”s. Historical and theological issues will be presented for discussion. The purpose of this time will be to understand differing views and not advocate on behalf of any one system.
Contact: Rabbi Sam Seicol, (617) 253-2982, rabbisam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Economic Justice & Christian Faith
Nicholas Hayes
Wed Jan 20, 06:45-08:00pm, W11 Main Dining Room
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Are theology and economics two different worlds? What is wealth? What do we owe the future? Join the conversation on these important topics, which will be framed by a short video featuring ethicist Kathryn Tanner and economist Sir Partha Dasgupta. A light dinner will be served.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/lem
Contact: Amy McCreath, W11.007, x3-2983, mccreath@mit.edu
Sponsor: Episcopal Chaplaincy
Cosponsor: Lutheran Ministry at MIT
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Epiphany Party
Amy McCreath, Tim Seitz
Wed Jan 6, 06:45-08:00pm, W11 Main Dining Room
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 05-Jan-2010
Single session event
Join in dinner, games, and fun, celebrating the feast of the Epiphany, one of the oldest Christian celebrations. King cake, storytelling, music, magi, and games from around the world. Participants are also welcome to come earlier, for our Epiphany worship service in MIT Chapel at 5:15 pm.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/lem
Contact: Amy McCreath, W11.007, x3-2983, mccreath@mit.edu
Sponsor: Episcopal Chaplaincy
Cosponsor: Lutheran Ministry at MIT
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Gregorian Chant & the Rudiments of Latin
Leonardo Ciampa
Fri Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, 12-12:45pm, MIT Chapel
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 04-Jan-2010
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)
Experience Gregorian chant in the beautiful acoustics of the Chapel. You will painlessly learn to read music, both in square note notation and modern notation. You will also learn the basics of Latin grammar in a solid, clear, but creative and fun manner.
Contact: Leonardo Ciampa, (617) 913-8647, leonardociampa@hotmail.com
Sponsor: Chaplain to the Institute
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Hymn Sing
Ben Johnson
Wed Jan 27, 05:15-06:30pm, W15 (MIT Chapel)
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Get your new year off to a good start with an hour of singing your favorite hymns and discovering others' favorites. We'll have hymnals from lots of Christian traditions available, and our pianist will support our song. If you have a hymn to suggest that probably isn't in the hymnals, bring some copies to share. Stay for hearty (free!) dinner afterwards, in the Main Dining Room of W11.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/lem
Contact: Amy McCreath, W11.007, x3-2983, mccreath@mit.edu
Sponsor: Episcopal Chaplaincy
Cosponsor: Lutheran Ministry at MIT
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Introduction to the Baha'i Faith
Reena Joubert, Rahmat Cholas
Mon Jan 25, 07:30-09:00pm, Coffeehouse (W20)
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Prereq: none
Come learn about a new global religion of 6 million members spread across over 200 countries. The Baha'i Faith not only accepts the divinity of other world religions, but fully integrates and extends their scriptures in a single unified framework brought by its founder, Baha'u'llah, 150 years ago. Talk with MIT Baha'is about spiritual underpinnings in the science and religion, the oneness of mankind and other topics.
Contact: Reena Joubert, rlj@mit.edu
Sponsor: Bahai Association
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Islam 101
Suheil Laher, Hossam Al-Jabri
Wed Jan 27, 06-07:30pm, 2-151
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
- Is Islam a religion of peace, as former-President Bush declared after 9/11?
- What is the Muslims' concept of God? The afterlife?
- Who was the Prophet Muhammad?
- What do Muslims say about Moses? Jesus?
- What are the 5 pillars of Islamic practice (devotion)?
- What is the Shariah?
Here is your opportunity to get an overview of what Islam is really about.
Bring all your questions, there will be time for discussion!
Contact: Suheil Laher, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy
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Islamic Theology
Suheil Laher
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Why do we exist? What happens after death?
A theology is a worldview that answers these questions. This series (3 lectures with Q&A) explains the core concepts of Muslim theology: Belief in God, Revelation and Afterlife. It is suitable both for non-Muslims, who seek insight into this, and Muslims, who want a more detailed understanding or review. Other topics include: Reason and Faith, Resurrection, Destiny & Free Will.
Contact: Suheil Laher, W11, (617) 448-6361, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy
Concept of God
Suheil Laher
This session focuses on the first and most important core belief: belief in God (Allah). We will start with an overview of Islam, and some other preliminaries, including the role of reason in Islam, then move on to talk about the existence of God and God's attributes. We will also touch on the concept of human free will.
Tue Jan 12, 06-07:30pm, 1-371
Scripture and Prophethood
Suheil Laher
This session focuses on the second core belief of Islam, which is the belief in prophets as mortal human beings who conveyed God's guidance to mankind. We also talk about books (scriptures) which some of these prophets received from God.
Thu Jan 14, 06-07:30pm, 1-371
Eternity
Suheil Laher
The final session in this series explores Muslim belief in the life after death, including concepts of the soul, human responsibility, and judgment.
Tue Jan 19, 06-07:30pm, 1-371
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Jewish Medical Ethics and Health Care Reform: A Traditional Perspective
Rabbi Gershon Segal
Thu Jan 21, 28, 05:30-06:30pm, W11 - Community Room
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
The recent Health Care Reform debate has generated much discussion about end of life issues, treatment of the elderly, abortion and health care rationing. This series will address some of these issues using the Talmud, Maimonides, Shulchan Aruch and other traditional Jewish sources.
Contact: Rabbi Gershon Segal, ravsegal@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Jewish Text Study with Rabbi Ganz
Rabbi Ganz
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
The class will focus on concepts. And although original texts will be used, English translations are provided. As such, no prior knowledge of Hebrew is required to participate.
Contact: Eliad Shmuel, W11-040, x3-2982, eliad@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
Empathy for the Less Fortunate
Rabbi Ganz
Do we - and furthermore, can we - truly tune in to the suffering of the underprivileged? If not, how can one develop the ability and sensitivity to tune in to the misfortune of everyone…from a friend or spouse with a headache to a terribly broken down “street person?”
Mon Jan 4, 12-01:00pm, 12-122
Can Truly Noble Intentions Motivate Terrible Wrongdoing?
Rabbi Ganz
For example, how should we view religious fanatics who murder in the name of G-d? Are they truly religious, but perhaps misguided, or are they simply murderous thugs who operate under the pretext of religion?
Mon Jan 11, 12-01:00pm, 12-122
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Jewish Views on Creation
Rabbi Sam Seicol
Tue Jan 12, 03-04:00pm, W20-PDR #3
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
The creation stories in the book of Genesis may be read in a variety of ways. This session will explore some of the ways that Judaism has approached these stories. Participants will be encouraged to wrestle with the historical, scientific, and moral issues involved in reading the opening chapters of Genesis.
Contact: Rabbi Sam Seicol, (617) 253-2982, rabbisam@MIT.EDU
Sponsor: Hillel
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LBGT and Christianity
Abigail Francis, Nicholas Hayes, Sean Delmore
Tue Jan 26, 06-08:00pm, W11 Main Dining Room
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
The hateful rhetoric is wrong: being queer and being Christian is not an either/or proposition! How can Christian voices aid the struggle for GLBT civil rights? How do Christians integrate their GLBT identities and their faith, and find affirming faith communities? Regardless of your own spiritual identity, how do you respond to anti-gay Christian rhetoric? Join us for a free dinner and panel discussion exploring the intersection of GLBT identities and Christian spirituality. Panelists will address their own approach to scripture and tradition, the challenges of being queer in a Christian context and of being Christian in a queer context. We will conclude with facilitated discussion that includes the panelists. All are welcome!
Contact: Abigail Francis, 50-005, x3-0684, afran@mit.edu
Sponsor: LBGT@MIT
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Parting from the Four Attachments: A Buddhist Retreat
Tenzin Priyadarshi
Sat Jan 23, 10:30am-04:00pm, Twenty Chimneys (MIT
Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Single session event
Prereq: None
The retreat will consist of teachings, discussion and meditation sessions. Text will be provided.
Web: http://www.prajnopaya.org/cal/calendar.php?mode=view&id=180
Contact: Tenzin Priyadarshi, W11-063, x4-6030, tenzin@mit.edu
Sponsor: Buddhist Community
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Religion: Bringing the World Together or Tearing the World Apart?
Kevin Ford, Prof. Ben DeVan
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: None
In the turmoil of today's world, religion is often prominent. In the secular west, it is often blamed for the turbulence; while for much of the world it is seen as the solution to problems. Prof. Ben DeVan will examine this question by comparing and contrasting the views of both the secularists and the world's major religions.
Contact: Kevin Ford, W11-071, x2-1782, ivcf@mit.edu
Sponsor: Graduate Christian Fellowship
Part 1
Ben DeVan Harvard Div. School
DeVan was most recently Instructor in Religion at Peace College; he also taught humanities, philosophy, and African-American literature at North Carolina Central University, a historically black college in NC. He has written for numerous journals, and contributed a chapter on Martin Luther King Jr. to How to Get a Life: Empowering Wisdom for the Heart and Soul.
Fri Jan 15, 07-08:00pm, W20-407
Part 2
Kevin Ford, Prof. Ben DeVan
Fri Jan 22, 07-08:00pm, W20-407
Part 3
Kevin Ford, Prof. Ben DeVan
Fri Jan 29, 07-08:00pm, W20-407
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Retreat: Parting from the Four Attachments
Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi
Sat Jan 23, 10:30am-04:00pm, 20 Chimneys, W20-306
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
In this retreat, we will examine the pith instructions known as "Parting from the Four Attachments," universally regarded as one of the jewels of Tibetan Buddhism. These practical teachings are considered to be essential to anyone wanting to genuinely enter the practice of Dharma. Freeing oneself from the four attachments allows the sincere practitioner to recognize and avoid the typical pitfalls encountered on the spiritual path. It is believed that this teaching has the power to instill realizations on all who receive it with proper intention. Understanding the true nature of mind, that it is the source of all problems and solutions, allows one to alleviate the personal suffering that is caused by ignorance and confusion. The retreat will consist of teachings, discussion and meditation sessions. Please register on the website.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/metta/www/#parting_attachments
Contact: Ven. Tenzin Priyadarshi, tenzin@mit.edu
Sponsor: Buddhist Community
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Shabbat 101
Rabbi Sam Seicol
Fri Jan 29, 07-09:00pm, W11 - Main Dinning R
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 27-Jan-2010
Single session event
Fee: 15.00 for to help cover the costs of the dinner
This event focuses on the Friday night Jewish experience through the themes of work and rest, Sabbath as holy time, giving thanks and taking time for meditation and reflection. Come learn about the many rituals and customs of this weekly holiday from an egalitarian Jewish perspective. A delicious Shabbat dinner is included, $15.00. Rsvp by Wed, Jan 27 with rabbisam@mit.edu Event cosponsored by the MIT Conservative Minyan and the Reform Students Chavurah.
Contact: Sam Seicol, W11-040, x3-2982, rabbisam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Shabbat 101 Service
Rabbi Sam Seicol, Eliad Shmuel
Fri Jan 29, 06-07:00pm, W15 - Chapel
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Share in an educational and experiential service of welcoming of the Shabbat. This is a continuation of the Hebrew Marathon class but is open to everyone. The focus will be on the structure, meanings, and forms of the Friday evening service; with an emphasis on the songs and special reflections unique to the Shabbat.
If you would like to join us for dinner, please email rabbisam@mit.edu by Wed at noon. The price for the dinner is $15
Contact: Rabbi Sam Seicol, rabbisam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Theology of Creation: an Interfaith Panel Discussion
Bob Randolph
Wed Jan 13, 06:45-08:00pm, W11 Main Dining Room
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
What does the material world \*mean\*? How are we intended to relate to the plants, the rivers, the sky? How does our faith inform (or not) our response to climate change? An interfaith panel of MIT chaplain offer remarks on their theology of creation to open up discussion of these issues. A light (kosher) dinner will be served.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/lem
Contact: Amy McCreath, W11.007, x3-2983, mccreath@mit.edu
Sponsor: Episcopal Chaplaincy
Cosponsor: Hillel
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What Happens To Us After We Die? -- A Scripture Study
Michelle Sukup Jackson
Tue, Thu, Jan 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, 04:30-05:30pm, W20 -- PDR #1
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)
What does the Bible say about what happens after we die? What can we know? What can we count on (or not)? All students are welcome for this investigation and reflection on these questions. Participants are encouraged to come to all six sessions, if possible. Snacks and tea available. BYO Bible, or let Michelle know ahead of time if you'd like to borrow one. Everyone is welcome, regardless of religious background, sexual orientation, culture, or knowledge of scripture.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/lem
Contact: Tim Seitz, W11.035, x3-2325, tseitz@mit.edu
Sponsor: Episcopal Chaplaincy
Cosponsor: Lutheran Ministry at MIT
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