News

Dan Loomis and ensemble showcase ‘Job’s Trials’ at Syracuse University

NYC recording artist, composer and educator Dan Loomis and his ensemble, featuring Noa Fort, Yoon Choi,  Nathan Ellman-Bell and Jeff Miles, as well as Richard Crawford as the narrator, are visiting Syracuse University for an exciting residency! Join us for one or all of the events below.

October 9

Dan Loomis and his ensemble clinic and jam with the Setnor School Jazz & Commercial Music program’s Orange Juice Jazz Combo on Saturday night! Come by for a night of excellent music-making and collaboration.

Food will be served at 7 p.m. in Shemin Galleria (outside Shemin Auditorium). The jam session will begin at 8 p.m. in Shemin Auditorium, located in Shaffer Art Building.

October 10

Join us for a Malmgren Concert at 4 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel featuring special guest performers, Dan Loomis and his jazz ensemble.

Loomis, a bassist and composer, will lead the ensemble in his latest work, “Job’s Trials: A Jazz Song Cycle.” It is an evocative musical dive into an ancient, universal story exploring why bad things happen to good people.

In this fresh and thought-provoking work, the biblical story of Job is told by the character Ha Satan, whose narration is accompanied by original jazz compositions.

In person and online

All are welcome to join us in Hendricks Chapel! Or experience this program online through Zoom, which will open at 4 p.m. ET.

Dinner to follow

This concert will be followed by a dinner and panel discussion on the performance and the story of Job. Panelists and guests will explore what it means when bad things happen to good people through the lenses of music, faith and philosophy.

Panelists: Pastor Daren Jaime, Imam Mohammed ElFiki, and Rabbi Sarah Noyovitz

All are welcome to join at 5:30 p.m. in the Shemin Galleria, located in the Shaffer Art Building. Space for the dinner is limited. To reserve a seat, please RSVP via email to chapel@syr.edu.

Parking

Parking available in Quad Lot and Irving Garage. Visit parking.syr.edu for more information.

Accessibility

Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) and captioning will be provided. For more information or to request accommodations, contact Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 or chapel@syr.edu.

The Malmgren Concerts are special installments of Music and Message.

 

About the Malmgren Concert Series

The Ester Drake and John Vincent Malmgren Concert Series was made possible by a generous gift from Syracuse University alumna Ester Malmgren to Hendricks Chapel in 1991.  The series offers the Syracuse community the highest quality of arts at no cost.  The series typically includes three-to-four concerts each year at Hendricks Chapel, many of which feature the organ, Ester Malmgren’s favorite instrument.

Community invited to Malmgren Concerts at Hendricks Chapel

Join us for the Fall 2021 season of the Malmgren Concert Series! Upcoming programs and event details below.

October 3: This Land is Ours

Join us for a Malmgren Concert featuring special guest performers, Mirror Visions Ensemble. 

Mirror Visions Ensemble’s programs take audiences on an imaginative journey through song. During this concert, soprano Justine Aronson, tenor Scott Murphree, baritone Mischa Bouvier and pianist Grant Wenaus will perform an engaging program including folk songs, civil war ballads, and new works by living American composers that highlight the depth and diversity of the American experience.

October 10: Job’s Trials

Join us for a Malmgren Concert featuring special guest performers, Dan Loomis and his jazz ensemble.

Loomis, a bassist and composer, will lead the ensemble in his latest work, “Job’s Trials: A Jazz Song Cycle.” It is an evocative musical dive into an ancient, universal story exploring why bad things happen to good people.

In this fresh and thought-provoking work, the biblical story of Job is told by the character Ha Satan, whose narration is accompanied by original jazz compositions.

Dinner to follow: This concert will be followed by a dinner and panel discussion on the performance and the story of Job. All are welcome to join at 5:30 p.m. in the Shemin Galleria, located in the Shaffer Art Building.

The Malmgren Concerts are special installments of Music and Message.

 

In person and online

All are welcome to join us in Hendricks Chapel! Or experience this program online through Zoom, which will open at 4 p.m. ET each Sunday with the same link.

Parking

Parking available in Quad Lot and Irving Garage. Visit parking.syr.edu for more information.

Accessibility

Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) and captioning will be provided. For more information or to request accommodations, contact Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 or chapel@syr.edu.

 

About the Malmgren Concert Series

The Ester Drake and John Vincent Malmgren Concert Series was made possible by a generous gift from Syracuse University alumna Ester Malmgren to Hendricks Chapel in 1991.  The series offers the Syracuse community the highest quality of arts at no cost.  The series typically includes three-to-four concerts each year at Hendricks Chapel, many of which feature the organ, Ester Malmgren’s favorite instrument.

Interfaith Youth Core to visit campus

Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) is a nationally respected nonprofit organization that equips the next generation of citizens and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for leadership in a religiously diverse world. Partnering with higher education institutions and corporations, IFYC is dedicated to making interfaith cooperation the norm and building an Interfaith America in the 21st century.

Hendricks Chapel has invited IFYC representatives to visit campus on Sept. 23-24 to engage in a series of workshops and trainings, for both the broader campus community and Hendricks Chapel students, staff, leaders and chaplains.

The following are opportunities to engage with IFYC this week:

Deep Listening for Learning

Date: Thursday, September 23

Time: 3-5pm

Location: Noble Room of Hendricks Chapel

All members of the Syracuse University campus community are invited to this session, where participants will explore and share how their work is connected to the engagement of religious diversity. For additional information, please visit the Syracuse University Events Calendar posting.

 

The Skills of Interfaith Leadership”

Date: Thursday, September 23

Time: 6-9pm

Location: Noble Room of Hendricks Chapel

Hosted in cooperation with the Student Assembly of Interfaith Leaders (SAIL), this Interfaith Youth Core dinner and discussion will equip all student leaders with the capacity to celebrate religious and spiritual diversity while finding common values in service to a common good.

 

Research Findings on the Interfaith Diversity Experiences and Attitudes Longitudinal (IDEALS) Survey

Date: Friday, September 24

Time: 10-11:30am

Location: Noble Room of Hendricks Chapel

This “All Hendricks” Meeting will feature Interfaith Youth Core staff sharing their findings of the Interfaith Diversity Experiences and Attitudes Longitudinal (IDEALS) Survey, a research project that seeks to understand undergraduate student encounters with religious and worldview diversity on a national scale. The design and scope of IDEALS makes it possible to examine how the interfaith diversity experiences and attitudes of students change over time and to pinpoint programs, activities, and other environmental factors that foster meaningful interactions with diverse others.

20th Anniversary of 9/11 Memorial Service to Be Held on Sept. 11 in Hendricks Chapel

The dean and chaplains of Hendricks Chapel will host a memorial service on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 8:46 a.m. in the Main Chapel to honor the 2,977 people killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, on the same date 20 years ago.

The memorial service will also be livestreamed on Zoom. Registration is not required to join the livestream.

As a tribute of remembrance and resilience, this ceremony will express appreciation for the unity, compassion and courage displayed among those responding to the tragedies brought forth that day.

The service will include a reflection from Chancellor Kent Syverud, offerings of remembrance and resilience, musical tributes, and the ceremonial ringing of 20 chimes and lighting of 20 candles.

Music will be provided by the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble, as well as student vocal ensembles organized by José (Peppie) Calvar of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

“Over the past 20 years we have witnessed both beauty and brokenness, and by pausing to gather and reflect as a campus community, we hope to spark and sustain healing and hope for all those committed to serving as instruments of peace,” says Rev. Brian Konkol, Dean of Hendricks Chapel.

The program will begin at 8:46 a.m., the exact time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center in 2001, and the program will conclude at 9:30 a.m.

All students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to this service. Please note that on-campus events are subject to public health conditions and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. For the latest information relevant to campus, please visit the Stay Safe website.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) and captioning will be provided.

For more information, contact Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu or 315.443.2901.

South African Musician Zolani Mahola to Speak for Hendricks Chapel Conversation Series

Zolani Mahola, South African singer, actress, storyteller and world-renowned inspirational speaker, is the next guest for “Matters that Matter: A Conversation Series from Hendricks Chapel.”

Mahola will join Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol for a virtual conversation on Thursday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. ET. They will discuss Mahola’s journey as a musician, change agent and storyteller.

The virtual event can be accessed through Facebook Premiere on Hendricks Chapel’s Facebook page or on Hendricks Chapel’s YouTube page. Pre-registration is not required, and the conversation is free and available to all.

Mahola is the former lead singer of the internationally acclaimed pan-African South African music group Freshlyground. The group rose to international fame for their collaboration with Shakira on the song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” which was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

In 2019, Mahola began her solo music career, and wrote and starred in a one-woman play based on her life titled “The One Who Sings,” for which she earned a Fleur Du Cap award. Mahola is an ambassador for the Give Her A Crown campaign, a female empowerment platform using storytelling to affect gender-based violence in South Africa. Her debut solo album is slated for release in September 2021.

This will be the 17th installment of “Matters that Matter: A Conversation Series from Hendricks Chapel,” a virtual series hosted by Hendricks Chapel that brings local and national thought leaders together in conversation to discuss critical matters facing society. Learn more at chapel.syracuse.edu.

For more information, email Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu.

Meet the Hindu Students Association’s 2021-22 leaders

About HSA

The Hindu Students Association (HSA) at Syracuse University aims to bring the practice of Hinduism to all its students. HSA seeks to foster an environment of Hindu spirituality, tradition, and faith through an open, welcoming and inclusive community. We host celebrations for major holidays, such as Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Holi.

Words from our Student Leaders

President: Siya Kumar
Hi! My name is Siya and I am a sophomore majoring in Public Health and minoring in Policy Studies. As President of HSA, the leadership team and I hope to share the rich Hindu culture and traditions with our campus community through beautiful celebrations, holidays, and worship. Especially after the pandemic, we’re excited to foster an inclusive environment where Syracuse University students and the community can come together to experience Hindu spirituality. Some events that we look forward to hosting this year include Ganesh Chaturthi pooja, Diwali, and Holi.

Vice President: Akshara Singh
Hi! My name is Akshara Singh, I am a sophomore with a double major in Psychology and Communications & Rhetorical Studies. I am from Kathmandu, Nepal, and I’m super excited to be the Vice President of the HSA and a part of the HSA team. I am thrilled to share the beautiful Hindu culture, in which I grew up in, with my fellow peers and Syracuse University students!

Social Media and Outreach Chair: Rufus Sivaroshan
Hello! My name is Rufus Sivaroshan and I’m a sophomore in the Bandier Program. I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hinduism was a big part of my life growing up, and I know many students at SU share the same experience. I’m so excited for all the activities we have planned for the fall semester! We hope that the HSA provides students with a safe space to keep in touch with their roots and practice their faiths.

Treasurer: Akshay Kapur
Hey, I’m Akshay Kapur. I’m heading into my sophomore year and I’m a finance major at the Whitman School. I’m in love with sports which is one of the reasons I choose this amazing school. I want to be able to help the HSA organize events as well as ensure we have enough funding to make them special. To get a sense of home from a club is rare and I want this club to feel like home for all.

Celebration Honoring Syracuse Music Legend Elijah Harris Set for July 17 at Hendricks Chapel

While a beloved Central New York musician died unexpectedly last year, he will be remembered this month not by how his life tragically ended, but the spirit in which he embraced it.

Elijah Harris Jr. (photo courtesy of Syracuse.com)

Popular troubadour and local legend Elijah Harris Jr., who was killed by a pair of hit-and-run accidents in April 2020, will be honored during a celebratory memorial service from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at Hendricks Chapel.

All members of the community are invited to this special observance being organized by his daughter, Lakisha Harris and her family, and hosted by Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies. Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the family asks that attendees wear masks to keep the community safe.

“Mr. Harris could be heard on the streets of downtown and across University Hill, where folks delighted in seeing his presence and listening to his special brand of music,” says College of Professional Studies Dean Michael Frasciello. “We’re proud to play a part in honoring him and the influence he had on many other musicians.”

The service will feature tributes by family members and friends, performances by those who have been impacted by his artistry, an opportunity to receive a portrait of “Eli,” as he was known, and a gift card from J Michael Shoes on Marshall Street.

“My dad used music to communicate and to teach others how to love through music,” says Lakisha Harris. “This celebration will be a reflection of his passion and inspiration.”

Last fall, the Harris family established the Eli Harris Scholarship Fund, through the College of Professional Studies, which will assist a part-time music student annually. Learn more about the scholarship. To make a donation in memory of Eli Harris, please contact Jeff Comanici, executive director of advancement and external affairs, at 315.443.1409 or jjcomani@syr.edu.

For more information about Eli Harris’ memorial service, please contact Lakisha Harris at 315. 418.5536 or elialleyway@yahoo.com.

Chaplaincies host Pre-Welcome programs for incoming students

Transitioning into college is one of the most significant moments in many young adults’ lives. To help students feel more at home, the Jewish and Muslim chaplaincies of Hendricks Chapel have created unique Pre-Welcome programs for incoming Syracuse University students.

FreshFest with Syracuse Hillel

Syracuse Hillel is proud to offer FreshFest, a three-day Pre-welcome program for 100 incoming students and 50 upper-division student FreshFest mentors. Move-in early, learn about Jewish life at Syracuse University, get to know campus and the Syracuse area through a variety of activities. You’ll be paired with an upper-division mentor who will welcome you to campus and answer any questions you may have about your experience.

  • Dates: Aug. 23-25, 2021
  • Cost: $320
  • Registration: As of Monday, June 14, 2021, registration has re-opened. Complete the FreshFest Registration 2021 today!

For more information or to request accommodations, contact Syracuse Hillel at 315.422.5084 or by emailing hillel@syr.edu.

Muslim Student Life Mentor Program

Have you been wondering what programs are provided for Muslim students on campus? Well, you’ve found one! The Muslim Student Life Mentor Program is run by our Muslim Student Life mentors and ​gives Muslim students on campus an opportunity to meet new people, receive peer advising, find resources on campus and explore your new campus, all before even starting your first day of classes! You will get to know the campus, find your classes and create a network in hopes to make you feel prepared and ready to begin your first year at Syracuse University!

For more information or to request accommodations, call the Office of Muslim Student Life at 856.266.8625 or email at msl@syr.edu.

About Pre-Welcome

Pre-Welcome programs are supported by the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs, and traditionally occur one to three days prior to Syracuse Welcome. Organized by interests and identity spaces, programs offer students the opportunity to meet and connect to fellow new students in small groups. Learn more on the First-Year and Transfer Programs website.

Syracuse Hillel welcomes new staff members

Syracuse Hillel is excited to welcome three new staff members joining current staff Jillian Juni and Ronen Tzadok! Rabbi Sarah Noyovitz (Rabbi Noyo) will serve as Campus Rabbi, Ian Solow-Niederman will serve as Assistant Director, and Shaina Morrel will serve as the Springboard Fellow for Social Justice.

Learn more about these new team members:

Rabbi Sarah Noyovitz headshotRabbi Sarah Noyovitz, Rabbi Noyo (she/they), grew up in southern New Hampshire, where she fell in love with Judaism. She graduated from Goucher College in Baltimore with a major in psychology and a minor in music. Goucher was also where Rabbi Noyo first got involved with Hillel and Jewish text study. She went on to attend Hebrew College Rabbinical School in Newton, MA, graduating with a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies and rabbinic ordination in 2020. When she’s not working to make Judaism more radically inclusive and accessible, Rabbi Noyo can be found teaching Zumba classes, playing guitar, and dreaming of having a bearded dragon.

Ian Solow-Niederman headshotIan Solow-Niederman (he/him) was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He received a BA in communication, with minors in Jewish Studies and Religious Studies from the University of Colorado. As a student in Boulder he was an active leader with Hillel, Alpha Epsilon Pi, and the University. After college he cemented his love for Jewish communal work with time at AEPi’s Headquarters and the American Hebrew Academy. Over 5 years as the Regional Director for BBYO in Denver he expanded membership, built partnerships, and hosted International Convention 2019. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Jewish Professional Studies from the Spertus Institute. Ian is passionate about college basketball, Taylor Swift, food, and Judaism.

Shaina Morrel headshotShaina Morrel (she/her) grew up in Central Massachusetts before attending the George Washington University in Washington, DC where she studied International Affairs, focusing on culture and human rights. She grew up immersed in the Jewish community – URJ camp, NFTY, Heller High, and in college became deeply involved in GW Hillel and founded a chapter of SAEPi, a Jewish First, Greek Second sorority on campus. Along this journey, Shaina found and fostered her love for the intersections of Judaism and social justice, immersing in learning opportunities and spaces to explore these ideas. In her free time she can be found hiking, spending time with family, practicing yoga, and in the kitchen trying new vegetarian recipes. Shaina is excited to be a part of the Syracuse University and the Hillel International communities, to learn with and from the students, and create meaningful, inclusive and intersectional programming opportunities.

Learn more about Hillel at syracusehilllel.org.

Muslim Students’ Association and Muslim Chaplaincy Support Students During Ramadan 2021

Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is an important time of reflection and empathy for observant Muslims.

Muslim prayer

This year, Ramadan lasted from April 12 through May 12, and for the first time in almost 15 years, the month of Ramadan occurred during an academic semester. The Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) and Muslim chaplaincy at Syracuse University provided students with a sense of community and support during their 30 days of fasting.

“There is a strong emotional sentiment that comes with fasting, and at the end of fasting we always look forward to celebrating with our family for Eid. It was hard being away from our families during Ramadan, especially for international students,” says Saad Sayed G’21, MSA chief strategist. “MSA believes that coming together to support each other is what we needed the most during this sacred time.”

Learn more about Ramadan on campus in Syracuse University News.