Nichole Mancone Fisher

The event, presented as the final chapel service for the semester during the Advent season, featured a message by student Luke Bitzkie titled "Message by Luke Bitzkie – December 2, 2025." The message focused on the passage of the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-14) and its connection to Advent, suggesting that the sorrow in the original text, supplemented by midrashic commentary about weeping angels, highlights a paradoxical hope. The speaker also presented an original midrash connecting the sorrow of Isaac's near-sacrifice to the impending fate of the infant Christ. The service included scripture readings from Genesis, communal singing of Advent spirituals such as "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" and "Go Tell It on the Mountain," and concluded with a communion reflection emphasizing remembering Christ's body and blood in the present moment.

The event featured faculty lightning lectures centered around the theme 'incarnating love' and specifically addressing the question 'Who is my neighbor?'. Several professors presented their perspectives. Dr. Ariel Feldman discussed the parable of the Good Samaritan, focusing on the historical context of Jewish-Samaritan relations and critiquing a purely Christian interpretation that overlooks the role of the Torah in the narrative. Dr. Will Gaffne examined the concept of neighborliness through Leviticus Chapter 19 and womanist theology, emphasizing community, accountability, restoration, and equity. Dr. Jeremy Williams explored the American dilemma between 'care and carceralism' in interpreting the parable, suggesting modern readers often default to calling authorities rather than offering care. Dr. Tim Lee began discussing the topic by referencing the perceived neighborliness of Fred Rogers.