SC Connecticut News

Maytal Saltiel was installed as Yale’s eighth university chaplain during a ceremony in Battel Chapel on Sept. 8.

Lifted by music and words of blessing, Yale’s multi-faith community gathered to celebrate the next chapter in the university’s spiritual life. Students, faculty members, university religious leaders, local clergy, family, and friends watched on as Saltiel officially assumed her role.

The ceremony reflected the diversity of faith traditions at Yale and the chaplaincy's role in promoting love, respect, and kindness during challenging times.

“We gather this afternoon to celebrate religious and spiritual life at Yale, past, present, and future,” said Kimberly Goff-Crews, Yale’s secretary and vice president for university life. “More particularly, we gather to celebrate Maytal and all she has already done to keep our community together — and look forward to the new directions she will take us.”

Saltiel joined Yale 11 years ago as an assistant chaplain. She served as interim university chaplain following Sharon Kugler's retirement in 2023 before being named the eighth chaplain in January. As chaplain, Saltiel oversees Yale’s varied faith and spiritual programs on campus.

“I deeply believe in our ability to be an interfaith community," said Saltiel, who is Yale’s first Jewish chaplain.

Saltiel is praised as a leader who “brings a depth of knowledge, compassion, and openness that can embrace diversity across every dimension,” said Yale President Maurie McInnis. “She understands that intellectual rigor and religious devotion can co-exist."

McInnis also reflected on spirituality's role in Yale’s history — both its original mission to educate Congregational ministers and painful past events such as early trustees owning enslaved people. Connecticut Hall will be reconstituted as the new home of Yale’s chaplaincy program.

“What began as a modest training ground for male Congregational ministers has become a truly multi-religious community,” McInnis noted.

The installation ceremony included blessings from students and members of the chaplaincy program: Rev. Ian Oliver; Shawkat M. Toorawa; Rev. Jenny Peek; Rabbi Avigayil Halpern ’19; Rev. OrLando Yarborough III; Nola Dorji; Maanasa Nandigam; Medad Lytton; Zawadi Kigamwa; Sarah Mahmoud.

Performances were given by University Church in Yale Choir; Magevet (Yale's Jewish a capella group); and the Yale Gospel Choir.

Former Chaplain Sharon Kugler lauded Saltiel for her empathy and insight. “Maytal, bless your own daring dreams for this work at Yale,” Kugler said.

Saltiel concluded with a prayer hoping that faith communities commit to showing up for each other positively: “As we leave this space today... may we always lead with love.”