The memorial footbridge provides a spot for contemplation. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)
Wilson Chapel is a place for quiet contemplation, religious and spiritual observance, and gathering in community. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)
The gazebo on Haupt Pond is a quiet place to relax. (Photo by Sam Brooks '12)
Welcome
Welcome to the Class of 2025 and all new and returning students: Fill out the interest form here to get started connecting with religious and spiritual life, clubs, interfaith opportunities, holiday event announcements and more. We are looking forward to a full semester of gatherings, be they in-person, online, or hybrid as policies allow. Check out the "Religious Life on Campus" section of the website for tradition-specific information.
Yom Kippur, Shabbat, & Sukkot
- Sign up for Services, meals, and more: Yom Kippur and 2nd Shabbat Registration
- More information: See our Jewish Student Life page or be sure to sign up for Jewish life updates via the interest form. As with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur gatherings will include a mix of in person and online options. Use the registration link above to RSVP for any in-person events (Pre- Yom Kippur dinner, Yom Kippur services, Break Fast, and the 2nd Shabbat of the semester). Services are in partnership with Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs. Updates will be shared with the Jewish Student Life and Hillel email lists as they become available. See this page for more on accommodation policies and a calendar of holidays and observances.
- Sukkot: See Skidmore Hillel on SkidSync and updates from Jewish Student Life and Hillel for more information, including gatherings to help build and decorate our sukkah right in the middle of campus (Friday 9/17 before Shabbat, and Sunday 9/19).
Weekly Schedule
Our Fall 2021 schedule is here! Questions? Want to add an event? Let us know: orsl@skidmore.edu . Schedule subject to change. Individual event listings also available on SkidSync (Log in to SkidSync with your Skidmore login in formation, scroll down to "All Events" and click on "View More Events" to see ORSL event listings).
Where are we?
We have moved to new office space in Case Center. Come see us in Case 207 where you can now find all of the offices of Campus Life & Engagement. Contact us via orsl@skidmore.edu or see the "Meet the Staff" page for specific contact information.
Holidays and Observances
See this page for more on accommodation policies and a calendar of holidays and observances. Over the Spring 2021 we worked with students, clubs, and colleagues to plan online and, when possible, in-person observances for holidays and special observances including: Ash Wednesday, Lent, Purim, Maha Shivaratri, Nawruz, Passover, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Easter, Ramadan, and more! As we look to Fall 2021 we anticipate hosting and collaborating on a number of observances including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Maha Navaratri, Mawlid Nabi, Día de Muertos and All Saints, Diwali, Advent, Hanukkah, and more! Want to be sure you know the plans for an observance or want to help with planning with these or other observances? Connect with relevant clubs or ORSL to be added to email lists, check out ORSL and clubs on SkidSync, or just get in touch with our office.
Mindfulness Program
Check out the Skidmore Mindfulness page for more information about the progarm, including guided meditations recorded by our own Jennifer Schmid-Fareed, Coordinator of Skidmore Mindfulness.
Clubs
Clubs have been doing wonderful work to connect students online and in person this year! Check them out on Instagram or get in touch with us to find out more: Challah for Hunger, Christian Fellowship, Hayat, Hillel, Muslim Students Association, Newman Club. You can sign up for clubs via SkidSync (Skidmore login required to sign up and to see all of the offerings) and at Club Fair at the start of each semester. Is your club missing? Want to start a new one? Let us know!
The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) provides opportunities for members of the Skidmore community to develop their religious and spiritual lives and to build community within, between, and beyond traditions.
We encourage enriching dialogue, meaningful ritual and enduring friendships among people of all religious backgrounds.
We offer:
- religious services
- holiday observances
- contemplative practices
- speakers and lectures
- educational programs
- discussion groups
- community-service opportunities
- social-justice projects
- club advising
- individual spiritual counsel
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Contacting a chaplain or spiritual advisor Connect with the ORSL:
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Wilson Chapel Wilson Chapel is a beautiful space for worship and wonder, retreat and reflection.
The space does not belong to any one tradition or religion and it can be transformed
easily to fit specific ritual needs. When not scheduled for campus events, it is available
to the Skidmore community for personal reflection and prayer. Events at the chapel
include yoga, meditation, religious prayers and services, and events that explore
many forms of spiritual and contemplative practice.During the academic year: When not otherwise reserved, the chapel is normally open from around 7 am. to around 11 p.m. during the school year for use by students, staff, and faculty. Those interested in reserving Wilson Chapel for outside use, including weddings, should consult the External Facilities Rental information from the Skidmore College Scheduling Office. Note: Space availability for off-campus groups may be restricted due to Covid-19 policies. |
Contact orsl@skidmore.edu with questions, to sign up to receive regular emails with links and updates, or for information including accessibility and accommodations. Unless otherwise noted, gatherings are open to Skidmore students, staff, and faculty with priority for students when space is limited. Online and hybrid options may be available; just ask!
Note: In person gatherings are subject to cancellation or change according to health and safety policies. Sign up for updates or RSVP to events to receive change notices.
MONDAYS
Led by Skidmore Mindfulness student staff Noa Golan. Space is limited. RSVP on Skidsync (search "Monday Gentle Yoga" or sign up for the Mindfulness newsletter to receive weekly links and reminders). Open to all levels of practice. Mats available. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Join us in our new space for Open Meditation. This is an opportunity to explore your own contemplative practice, breathe and be before you start your day. You can drop-in for any amount of time between 9am-10am. Case 205 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center, near the ATM. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Prayer from a range of Christian traditions. Newcomers always welcome. Case 205 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center by the ATM (former SCEMS location). Online/hybrid options available. Contact: kdiggory@skidmore.edu
Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP. Wilson Chapel is located by the North Woods, just across the parking lot from Palamountain and Tisch. Contact: kdiggory@skidmore.edu
Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by Martina Zobel (JSL Coordinator, ORSL). Part of the Skidmore Mindfulness Program. Case 205 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center, near the ATM.Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Stop by for a casual discussion of topics and texts related to Jewish tradition. All are welcome, regardless of religious background. Newcomers welcome throughout the semester. Led by Martina Zobel, Coordinator of Jewish Student Life. Case 203 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center. Contact: mzobel@skidmore.edu
Led by Skidmore Mindfulness student staff Isabella Pedulla and Franca Bibow. A mindful flow, centered on connecting you to your mind, body, and heart. Space is limited. RSVP on Skidsync (search "Monday Vinyasa Yoga" or sign up for the Mindfulness newsletter to receive weekly links and reminders). Open to all levels of practice. Mats available. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Join Newman Club for this monthly Monday evening gathering to meditate upon the mysteries of the Rosary and pray for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Faculty and Staff welcome.
Rosaries are available for people to borrow along with printed copies of the prayers for people to follow along.
See Newman Club on SkidSync for more information. Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
TUESDAYS
Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by Mindfulness Program student staff Olivia Rosenblum. Case 205 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center, near the ATM. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
A quite, meditative yoga class based on Yin principles. Led by Skidmore Mindfulness Coordinator Jennifer Schimd-Fareed. Space is limited. RSVP on Skidsync (search "Tuesday Yin Yoga" or sign up for the Mindfulness newsletter to receive weekly links and reminders). Open to all levels of practice. Mats available. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP. Wilson Chapel is located by the North Woods, just across the parking lot from Palamountain and Tisch. Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by Mindfulness Program Coordinator Jennifer Schmid-Fareed. Case 205 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center, near the ATM.Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Join Skidmore Mindfulness student staff Noa Golan for an evening of relaxation and sound healing. Students will sit or lay in shavāsana while Noa fills the space with beautiful meditative sound. This class is very relaxing and no experience is needed. Space may be limited. RSVP via SkidSync (search "Tuesday Sound Healing" or sign up for the Mindfulness newsletter to receive weekly links and reminders). Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Newman Club weekly gatherings happen on Tuesday evenings and alternate between general meetings with fellowship (and often games and the occasional guest speaker!) and student-led Catholic Bible Studey. See Newman Club on SkidSync for more information. All students weclome. Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
WEDNESDAYS
Led by Skidmore Mindfulness student staff Noa Golan. Space is limited. RSVP on Skidsync (search "Wednesday Gentle Yoga" or sign up for the Mindfulness newsletter to receive weekly links and reminders). Open to all levels of practice. Mats available. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Join us in our new space for Open Meditation. This is an opportunity to explore your own contemplative practice, breathe and be before you start your day. You can drop-in for any amount of time between 9am-10am. Case 205 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center, near the ATM. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Chill Space - Open Hours at Wilson Chapel: 2-5 pm
Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP. Wilson Chapel is located by the North Woods, just across the parking lot from Palamountain and Tisch. Contact: kdiggory@skidmore.edu
Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by Mindfulness Program Coordinator Jennifer Schmid-Fareed. Case 205 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center, near the ATM. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Led by Skidmore Mindfulness student staff Isabella Pedulla. A mindful flow centered on connecting to your breath, body, and heart. Space is limited. RSVP on SkidSync (search "Wednesday Vinyasa Yoga" or sign up for the Mindfulness newsletter to receive weekly links and reminders). Open to all levels of practice. Mats available. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
This gathering brings together longtime practitioners and newcomers with experienced leaders from Skidmore and the local community. Individuals of all religious backgrounds are welcome. Newcomers please try to arrive before 6:25 pm, as we offer basic Zen meditation instruction for first-time attendees promptly at 6:30 pm. Late-comers are welcome to enter quietly. We sit two periods interspersed with walking meditation, typically ending by 7:45. Cushions, meditation benches, and chairs are provided; wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Questions? Email Holley Hodgins, hhodgins@skidmore.edu
THURSDAYS
Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by Mindfulness Program Coordinator Jennifer Schmid-Fareed. Case 205 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center, near the ATM. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
A quite, meditative yoga class based on Yin principles. Led by Skidmore Mindfulness Coordinator Jennifer Schimd-Fareed. Space is limited. RSVP on Skidsync (search "Thursday Yin Yoga" or sign up for the Mindfulness newsletter to receive weekly links and reminders). Open to all levels of practice. Mats available. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Hang out, take a break, study, meditate, pray, just be. Hosted by ORSL student staff. No need to RSVP. Wilson Chapel is located by the North Woods, just across the parking lot from Palamountain and Tisch. Contact: kdiggory@skidmore.edu
Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by Mindfulness Program student staff Olivia Rosenblum. Case 205 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center, near the ATM. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Stop by for a casual discussion of topics and texts related to Jewish tradition. All are welcome, regardless of religious background. Newcomers welcome throughout the semester. Led by Martina Zobel, Coordinator of Jewish Student Life. Case 203 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center. Contact: mzobel@skidmore.edu
FRIDAYS
Join us in our new space for Open Meditation. This is an opportunity to explore your own contemplative practice, breathe and be before you start your day. You can drop-in for any amount of time between 9am-10am. Case 205 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center, near the ATM. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Wilson Chapel is reserved every Friday 11:30am – 2:30 pm for Muslim prayers. Students can drop in to use the space or organize gatherings for Dhur and Jummah. Want to join a scheduled gathering or start your own? Get in touch with ORSL (orsl@skidmore.edu or stop by Case 207) and watch for announcements from the Muslim Students Association. Prayer rugs are available on shelves in the hallway to the right of the entrance.
Led by Skidmore Mindfulness student staff Franca Bibow. A mindful flow, centered on connecting you to your mind, body, and heart. Space is limited. RSVP on Skidsync (search "Friday Vinyasa Yoga" or sign up for the Mindfulness newsletter to receive weekly links and reminders). Open to all levels of practice. Mats available. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Guided meditation moment with attention to breath and mindful presence. Newcomers always welcome. Led by Mindfulness Program student staff Olivia Rosenblum. Case 205 is part of the new Campus Life & Engagement space on the 2nd floor of Case Center, near the ATM. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
Student-led egalitarian services to welcome Shabbat on Friday evenings. All are welcome. Contact:mzobel@skidmore.edu
We start with candle lighting, brachot and kiddush and continue with a delicious meal as we close the week and connect with our community. RSVP required (see Skidsync and updates from Hillel and JSL). Contact: mzobel@skidmore.edu
See Skidmore Christian Fellowship on SkidSync for more information and to sign up for the club email list. Bible Studies and other weekly gatherings to be announced as well. Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
SATURDAYS
As health and safety conditions allow, students may attend services at a local congregation. Contact Jewish Student Life Coordinator Martina Zobel (mzobel@skidmore.edu) for more information or to help organize on-campus options. We can also help with transportation. See the "Local Communities" section for a partial list of congregations.
Monthly(ish) gatherings for Havdalah to close out Shabbat and turn to the new week. Gatherings often continue with game nights or music jams. See announcements from Hillel and Jewish Student Life for details. Contact: mzobel@skidmore.edu
SUNDAYS
As health and safety conditions allow, students attend services at a number of local congregations. Contact orsl@skidmore.edu for more information and see Newman Club on SkidSync for specifics about attending Catholic Mass. Online options are available for many congregations.
Currently planned for Fall 2021: Sundays 9/12, 9/26, 10/10, 10/24, 11/7, 11/21, and 12/5). We gather for fellowship and unprogrammed worship in partnership with members of local Friends Meetings. Contact: orsl@skidmore.edu
Led by Skidmore Mindfulness student staff Noa Golan. Space is limited. A mindful and gentle yoga practice with a long sound healing shavāsana. RSVP on Skidsync (search "Sunday Gentle Yoga" or sign up for the Mindfulness newsletter to receive weekly links and reminders). Open to all levels of practice. Mats available. Contact: jschmidf@skidmore.edu
More to come! Want to request additional times or types of gatherings? Let us know: orsl@skidmore.edu or drop in to office hours or stop by Wilson Chapel during open hours starting soon!
Schedule subject to change. See SkidSync or contact us for information or to find out about additional opportunities and local services.
