Festivals and Seasonal Holidays

Festivals and seasonal holidays are another part of the rhythm of life on the RISS campus.

RISS recognizes that residents come from different backgrounds, cultures, faith traditions, and life experiences. Because of that, the campus holiday calendar intentionally includes cultural observances, faith-based celebrations, secular community traditions, and seasonal gatherings throughout the year.

These may include Hanukkah, Eid observances, Ramadan-related gatherings, Diwali, Obon, Chinese New Year, fall festivals, spring gatherings, summer celebrations, and other traditions represented by residents, staff, volunteers, partners, and the wider community.

(Participation in religious observances is never forced.)

The goal is exposure, inclusion, education, and shared community experience.

Some events may be quiet and reflective. Others may include meals, decorations, music, guest speakers, resident-led activities, cultural presentations, or larger community gatherings.

These celebrations also create practical opportunities for residents to help with planning, setup, food service, hospitality, logistics, cleaning, communication, and follow-through.

Like the broader Rhythms of Life calendar, these events are not just entertainment.

They help rebuild connection, memory, belonging, community, and joy.

If you believe reintegration should be built intentionally, not reactively, we invite you to explore how you can help bring the RISS model to life.