SMU Chaplain and Religious Life

The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life seeks to create an inclusive community that celebrates intellectual curiosity about religion and spirituality, nourishes ethical decision-making, cultivates deep spiritual exploration and supports faithful living. We promote moral and ethical leadership development and provide pastoral care and welcome for SMU’s religiously diverse community. Grounded in the University’s Methodist identity, the office enhances the educational mission of the university through religious and spiritual programming and services for all students, staff, faculty, and administration.

 

students at tables outdoors on grass surrounded by white drapes covered with string lights

Shabbat

Jewish students gather for regular Shabbat dinners, on and off campus, as we welcome Shabbat with candles, grape juice, challah, dinner and conversation. All are welcome! Hillel at SMU and Chabad at SMU both offer Shabbat dinners, so please check their websites for more information.

Holidays

Hillel at SMU offers High Holy Day services on campus. In the Fall, they build a Sukkah on campus and celebrate with daily gatherings. Mustangs celebrate Hannukah, Purim and Passover with special holiday foods in the dining halls including Passover friendly foods throughout Pesach. For Seder, students share the holiday observances with Hillel at SMU and Chabad at SMU. Finally, Hillel at SMU offers a yearly Yom Hashoah Holocaust Memorial March of Remembrance each spring.

 

Local Congregations

*All congregations listed below are LGBT friendly congregations.