Religious Observances

The Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) welcomes reunioning alumni of all religions to observe their faith traditions while on campus.  

This June’s celebrations coincide with the Jewish holiday Shavuot, and the Islamic holidays Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha. The HAA is committed to ensuring those attending Reunions and observing these holidays are able to do both as fully as possible and will work with anyone who requires accommodations in order to do so. Please reach out to the College Reunions office if you would like to explore this further based on your individual needs.  

As Reunion planning efforts continue, this page will be regularly updated with details about additional programming (HAA-sponsored and otherwise). Please stay tuned for more information.  

Shavuot (June 1-3)

Alumni celebrating the Jewish festival of Shavuot during the week of Reunions may contact Rabbi Noah Marlowe to discuss arrangements. The University welcomes alumni to join in activities hosted by Harvard Hillel which will include prayer services and festive meals.  

When registration opens in the spring, the reunion registration form will provide an opportunity for alumni to indicate needs for Kosher meals and/or special access to on-campus housing.  

Day of Arafah (June 5-6) & Eid al-Adha (June 6-7)

Alumni celebrating the Islamic holidays of Day of Arafah and Eid al-Adha during the week of Reunions may contact the Muslim Chaplains Imam Dr. Khalil Abdur-Rashid or Samia Omar with any questions regarding religious arrangements.  

When registration opens in the spring, the reunion registration form will provide an opportunity for alumni to indicate needs for Halal meals. 

Harvard Catholic Center

Sunday, June 8 | 9:30am

Alumni Reunion Mass

St. Paul's Church, Bow & Arrow Streets

Fr. George Salzmann, Celebrant

For a complete schedule of weekend Masses visit, www.HarvardCatholic.org

Harvard Hillel

Harvard Hillel looks forward to welcoming back the classes of 5's and 0's this June! Whether Harvard Hillel was your home base on campus, your Shabbat dinner go-to, the center of your social life -- or even if you've never stepped foot in the building -- Harvard Hillel wants to welcome you to join them for these exciting events during Harvard's 2025 Spring Reunions. Register here. Further program information will be available soon.

Thursday, June 5 | 3-5pm

Open House

Stop by to see our building, chat with staff, and relive your Hillel glory days!

Friday, June 6 | TBD

Pre-Shabbat Reception

Nosh a little with Hillel friends before services and/or Shabbat dinner (or wherever else your night takes you!).

Friday, June 6 | TBD

Shabbat Dinner

We're bringing out the crimson and white tablecloths. It's Shabbat dinner at Hillel, just like you remember it.

Saturday, June 7 | 3-5pm

Ice Cream Social

A perennial favorite! Enjoy J.P. Licks ice cream and shmooze with classmates in the June sunshine.

Religious Services

MinyanDateLocationStart time
Orthodox MinyanFriday, June 6

Beren Hall

(2nd Floor)

TBD
Orthodox MinyanSaturday, June 7

Beren Hall 

(2nd Floor)

TBD

Worship & Study Minyan 

(trad/egal)

Saturday, June 7

Beren Hall

(2nd Floor)

TBD

Harvard Chabad

Please join us for Reunion Shabbat at Chabad – 38 Banks Street – with your family and friends! Enjoy the sweetness of Shabbat with great cuisine, wonderful memories, and family warmth. We’d love to see you!

If you can’t join us at any of the following listed times, please stop by at any time!

Friday, June 6 | 8:00pm

Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat

Kabbalat Shabbat is a joyful service. The mood is celebratory, filled with singing, and sometimes dancing, as we anticipate the peaceful rest of Shabbat. 

Friday, June 6 | 8:45pm

Shabbat Dinner

The experience of celebrating the sweetness of Shabbat with great cuisine, spirited conversation, and family warmth. Zero pressure. Total pleasure. Shabbat Shalom!

Saturday, June 7 | 10:00am

Morning Service

The atmosphere is relaxed and uplifting, reflecting the holiness and rest of Shabbat.

Saturday, June 7 | 12:00pm

Shabbat Lunch

An elegant buffet lunch where attendees can enjoy delicious challah, a Shabbat spirit, and the warmth of a close-knit community.

Saturday, June 7 | 2:00-4:00pm

Shabbat Afternoon Reception

Pop by the Harvard Chabad tent for mimosas, desserts, old friends, and a good hangout!

If there is any way we can be helpful to you during your visit please email us or call 617.547.6124

RSVP - Reunions — Harvard Chabad

Shavuot Services and holiday meal details are all posted on our website as well.