Center for Religious & Spiritual Life
The CRSL is committed to cultivating spiritual flourishing and affirming the human worth and dignity of every person. We play a pivotal role in religious literacy, spiritual support and equity at Smith. We serve those interested in exploring spiritual practice and identity within their religious affiliation and those who identify as “spiritual but not religious.” This creates the opportunity to bring together a wide range of students, experiences, and backgrounds that is uniquely expansive and elastic, and at times transformative. We are known as a place, both literally and figuratively, of refuge and restoration for the entire community even in times of disruption and pain.
The most important goal of the CRSL is radical hospitality. CRSL welcomes students exactly as they are, joyful, tired, lonely, or curious, and our mission is that they feel accepted in body, mind and soul. Regardless of whether students consider themselves religious, non-religious, spiritual but not religious, agnostic or atheist, questioning, or anything in between, this is their space. We provide and offer opportunities for serious religious observance and learning. We are queer affirming and committed to principles of equity and human rights that are at the heart of all faith and wisdom traditions.
Explore the Center
Connect with Us
Weekly Programming
Note: We have a number of resources and programs for specific faiths. Learn more.
Fall 2025
Generating Justice & Joy
Generating Justice & Joy is a community gathering program sponsored by the CRSL, often in collaboration with students and other Smith Departments. GJJ is a gathering in recognition that we all need a place to share concerns and learn what is on the hearts of our fellow community members. It is considered a “brave space” and always includes the elements of interaction, dialogue, and activity, as well as healing ritual and sharing /dialogue among participants. We generate with the understanding that gathering in solidarity is an active—not passive—activity, and that doing so can elicit joy, and joy inspires us toward connection, justice, and hope.
Check back soon for fall 2025 dates, times, and locations.
Major Holidays
See a complete list of holidays.
Academic Year 2025–26
Live, Learn, Leap, and Lead at Smith
Our students enjoy building community, satisfying their thirst for knowledge and opening up new horizons. At the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life we support your interests and collaborate with you to bring them alive. From religious and spiritual practices to wisdom-informed traditions, we foster a rich environment of support, guidance, and space for contemplation and action.
Contact Center for Religious & Spiritual Life
Helen Hills Hills Chapel
123-125 Elm Street
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063
Phone: 413-585-2750
We are open daily to the Smith community from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. for prayer, reflection, conversation, meditation, study, and worship.