Spiritually Speaking

Small Town’s Simple Approach to Peace

Nineteen years ago, one of the churches in our little town started organizing a Peace Walk on the first day of each year.

Badi ShamsDecember 7, 2019

McMindfulness, thoughts on a CBC interview with author Ronald Purser

A clear look at the current popularity of mindfulness and how it differs from Buddhist meditation practises

Soshin McMurchyDecember 4, 2019

Celebrating Rohatsu Through Right Speech

How can we learn to use the Buddhist teaching of Right Speech in everyday life?

Soshin McMurchyNovember 30, 2019

Forgiving oneself or others is no easy act

Forgiveness is often difficult, much talked about, and yet so important for humanity

Paul NewmanNovember 23, 2019

Truth - an essential component for survival

Truth reflects integrity, and without integrity, man is nothing.

Suresh BasrurNovember 20, 2019

We must keep our hope as we search for truth

In the search for truth, we must keep our faith, hope, dignity, and our humanity

Suresh BasrurNovember 16, 2019

Lest we Forget, and lose spiritual attentiveness

Why Remembrance Day helps to cultivate spiritual attentiveness

Larry ScottNovember 9, 2019

A Clearer View of You

A one-hour talk about identity with Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Lyle Young of Ottawa

Matthew JacksonNovember 6, 2019

How spiritual identity is related to healing

Discovering our spiritual identity and relationship to God, enables us to experience healing in our lives

Matthew JacksonNovember 2, 2019

Kristallnacht Remembrance Events

Two events for community participation that focus on learning about, and remembering Kristallnacht. (Night of Broken Glass)

Spiritually SpeakingOctober 31, 2019

Canadian election is over but persistence must continue

The Federal election is completed, but we must continue to persist for greater justice for all.

Rev. Lyle McKenzieOctober 26, 2019

Changing the Way we Make Change

What can we do to create positive change in more effective and healing ways?

Eric HellmanOctober 23, 2019

Human Library Project gives rise to questions

The human library promises to be one of these libraries that brings together fun and learning in the most unique way.

Karima RamjiOctober 19, 2019

Magic and the Rabbinate - a talk

Sunday October 27 at 4 pm at Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, Victoria

Spiritually SpeakingOctober 15, 2019

News challenges us, but we can still be thankful

Thanksgiving prompts us to consider the roots of our faith and to be grateful for its lessons

Keith SimmondsOctober 12, 2019

Finding our humanity in a difficult world

Our deepest humanity is rooted in knowing that we are connected.

Rev. Shana LynngoodOctober 9, 2019

Tackle problems behind the headlines together

Whatever the headlines bring tomorrow, we will need to face them together.

Rev. Shana LynngoodOctober 5, 2019

The Latest on Israel Today

Talk on Israel to be given at Emanu-El Synagogue, Victoria

Spiritually SpeakingOctober 2, 2019

Jewish New Year brings questions for us all

The Jewish New Year is a time for personal reflection

Rabbi Harry BrechnerSeptember 28, 2019

Do We Need to Justify Our Spending?

Do we have to justify our spending? Many people are rethinking their answer to this question.

Badi ShamsSeptember 25, 2019

When deep conversations awaken us to yearn for better

Having the courage to have deep conversations can bring change

The Reverend Canon Nancy FordSeptember 20, 2019

Trust, like that of the Prophet Musa, can keep us safe

The timeless lesson on the trust of the prophet Musa, or Moses, is relevant to us today

Maryam BakshSeptember 14, 2019

Discovering a relationship with God through community

What is a ‘relationship with God’ to begin with? And why would anyone want one?

The Ven. Alastair McCollumSeptember 10, 2019

Finding God is not as hard as you think

Let's not walk past those opportunities to experience God is the simple beauty of life

The Ven. Alastair McCollumSeptember 7, 2019

The place of meditation in transitions

Transitions are hard. Any change in our state of being, whether personal or cultural, provokes anxiety

Wayne CodlingSeptember 4, 2019

Zen Meditation - a powerful integrator

Meditation, especially as part of a group, is a powerful integrator of every person's shifting notions about their own place in the world

Wayne CodlingAugust 31, 2019

Benefits of Public Accountability in Church

Together, as a church we want to reflect the richness of that body in all its diversity.

Lyndon SayersAugust 28, 2019

Take a leap of faith at this moment in history

As a church, now is the time to take a leap of faith, opening our doors and forging new partnerships

Lyndon SayersAugust 24, 2019

Synagogue Sketches of the Western World

Join artist,Ben Levinson on Thursday, September 5, 2019, 7 – 9 pm at the opening reception for his exhibition

Spiritually SpeakingAugust 21, 2019

Humanistic Judaism promotes personal growth

There is a strong secular Jewish tradition of free thinkers from Spinoza to Isaac Asimov to Albert Einstein.

Alan RutkowskiAugust 17, 2019

The Veil and Human Rights

The importance on the right to choose is at the heart of the debate about the veil.

Sheila FloodAugust 14, 2019

Meditation for Full Moon Ceremony

Everyone is invited to participate in this event

Wayne CodlingAugust 12, 2019

United, we can break the pattern of polarization

How do we break the habitual pattern of taking sides and fighting about issues, whether they’re political, philosophical or scientific?

Sheila FloodAugust 10, 2019

Encounter with bears offers fresh, more spiritual view of life

Seeing all creation through the lens of divine Love, can change how we see and interact with nature

Anna Bowness-ParkAugust 3, 2019

Ten Zen ways to find meaning in life

Zen practice for a beginner is about sitting still, in silence, on the cushion for a few minutes a day with focus.

Soshin McMurchyJuly 31, 2019

We must wake up and, together, take positive action

What does it take for us to wake up?

Soshin McMurchyJuly 27, 2019

What can be done with the widening gap between the rich and the poor?

The 26 richest people on earth in 2018 had the same net worth as the poorest half of the world’s population

Badi ShamsJuly 24, 2019

Lessons from an Economics Professor helped understanding of the Bible

“Learn to discern”. An enduring lesson on reading the Bible, from an unlikely source.

Drew SniderJuly 20, 2019

Praying for a mindful third way

Prayer that is mindful can help our focus and change our reactions in daily life

Kevin AschenbrennerJuly 18, 2019

Summer Spirit Walks at UVic Interfaith Chapel for everyone

This summer come and try the Spirit Walks at Finnerty Gardens

Sheila FloodJuly 17, 2019

What an online video game taught me about community

A lesson on the importance of community comes in an unexpected way.

Kevin AschenbrennerJuly 13, 2019

Reversing false prosperity; creating true planetary equality

Too much prosperity for so few creates an imbalance that can and must be corrected

Suresh BasrurJuly 9, 2019

Graduation brings challenge of competitiveness

Seeing competitiveness in a more spiritual light brings out better qualities in the workplace

Suresh BasrurJuly 6, 2019

Celebrate Pride Week and inclusion in church

The Victoria Pride Society proclaim a mission and goals that we as a faith community should be proud to support.

Rev. Lyle McKenzieJune 29, 2019

How does the philosophy of Karma fit into science and religion?

According to the basic Sanskrit definition, karma simply means “action.”

Badi ShamsJune 26, 2019

Spirituality, Morality and Economics rely on each other

Morality and economics should balance each other rather than competing for organizing and governing economics.

Badi ShamsJune 22, 2019

Feel the benefit of silence, waiting and listening

Silence or stillness allows us to focus and not be on the run all the time

The Right Reverend Logan McMenamieJune 15, 2019

Faith and Technology: A Powerful Combination for Personal and Spiritual Improvement

To help me stay on track with my Jewish faith this year I had some help from technology:

Fiona PrinceJune 13, 2019

Struggle with prayer highlights war within us

Prayer should be a tine of reverence, so why can it be so difficult sometimes?

Fiona PrinceJune 8, 2019

Invitation to a talk at Congregation Emanu-El

“Facts vs Fiction: Essays on the Holocaust, Jewish Literature and Yiddish in Chava Rosenfarb’s Confessions of a Yiddish Writer and Other Essays”

Spiritually SpeakingJune 5, 2019

Hope is a key word in the work of Our Place Society

Active Hope is a practice… something we do rather than have.

Rev. Julianne KasmerMay 31, 2019

Calling all artists - a presentation of Jewish art

Emanu-El Synagogue, Victoria on Sunday, June 2 at 2 pm to 5 pm

Spiritually SpeakingMay 29, 2019

The power of love in a simple wave

Love is an action that can sometimes be as simple as a wave

Anna Bowness-ParkMay 24, 2019

Improving communication skills essential for a better world

We need to find ways to communicate across our places of difference.

Shana LynngoodMay 22, 2019

Spring offers understanding of spiritual seasons of life

Spring can give us fresh perspectives about renewal

Shana LynngoodMay 18, 2019

Mass Shootings: What Can We Possibly Do About Them?

How can we lessen the emotional burden of people that may lead them down this awful path?

Badi ShamsMay 15, 2019

A circle of chairs at heart of Annual World Partnership Walk

Consultation with local communities is at the core of development work done by Aga Khan Foundation Canada.

Karima RamjiMay 11, 2019

Self-love is not all about you

What does healthy self-love really mean and look like?

Paul NewmanMay 8, 2019

Jews are still persecuted in the name of Jesus

Anti-Semitism, especially in people of Christian religion, is a big mistake.

Paul NewmanMay 4, 2019

Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration Event

Everyone is invited to to this year's Yom HaShoah commemoration "From Generation to Generation."

Spiritually SpeakingApril 30, 2019

The Passover offers timeless lessons for everyone

Passover centers around a festive meal called a seder where symbolic foods and rituals aid in telling the story of liberation.

Rabbi Harry BrechnerApril 27, 2019

Easter can continue on all year

Easter celebrates the fact that Jesus is still alive as a living spirit who touches people's lives in many different ways today

Paul NewmanApril 24, 2019

Easter story speaks of hope and new life

The Easter Vigil is an important reminder of our need for hope, courage and forgiveness

The Reverend Canon Nancy FordApril 20, 2019

Earth Day Reminder - We are not on our own

The approach of Earth Day 2019 this Monday comes with a couple of alarming news stories

Drew SniderApril 17, 2019

Gospel Mission gives more than food

Gentrification of downtown Vancouver spurs Gospel Mission to seek new home for its work.

Drew SniderApril 13, 2019

Divine grace is available for all – no exceptions

So what is grace and why is it for everyone?

Keith SimmondsApril 5, 2019

Choosing to love in a time of hatred is powerful

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Ven. Alastair McCollumApril 3, 2019

Enforced waiting teaches value of discipline

The value of waiting teaches patience and grace.

The Ven. Alastair McCollumMarch 30, 2019

Story of Hebrews' liberation cries out to be universal

The story of the liberation of our Hebrew ancestors from slavery cries out to be universalized.

Alan RutkowskiMarch 23, 2019

Exploring the Sephardic Legacy series

This is the fourth presentation, scheduled for Sunday, March 24, 2:00 pm at Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue,

Spiritually SpeakingMarch 21, 2019

Victoria Multifaith Society sends a letter of support to our Mosques

Victoria Multifaith Society writes an open letter of love and solidarity with the Muslim community

Victoria Multifaith SocietyMarch 19, 2019

St Patrick's Day celebrates Irish culture rather than a religion

You don’t have to be saintly or even Irish, to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day.

Larry ScottMarch 16, 2019

Discovering fearlessness through meditation

The Buddhist practice of meditation can teach much about being fearless

Wayne CodlingMarch 13, 2019

What will the closing of churches in our communities really mean?

What will be the contours of our communities look like when places dedicated to the sacred finally turn into condos, restaurants and boutique clothing outlets?

Christopher PageMarch 11, 2019

Meditation can help change how we think

Results of studies in neuroplasticity show that meditation can help rewire the brain

Wayne CodlingMarch 9, 2019

Global Democracy Part II: The Path to Peace

Power in the era of world peace will require balance and skill

Sheila FloodMarch 6, 2019

Global integration needs more humane system

What changes are needed internationally to create a democratic, sustainable, humane world?

Sheila FloodMarch 2, 2019

Eva Salomon's War: Author, Gabriela Golinger talks about her book

Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, 1461 Blanshard Street, Victoria V8W 2J3 on Sunday, March 3 at 2:00 pm.

Spiritually SpeakingFebruary 27, 2019

Charity is so much more than the giving of money

Charity includes the giving of gentleness, the giving of caring, the giving of love

Maryam BakshFebruary 23, 2019

Celebrating all kind of families

Family Day is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of family life today

Paul NewmanFebruary 16, 2019

Responding to Love’s call to heal our planet

Learning from communities both at home and away can teach lessons on love for our planet

Keith SimmondsFebruary 13, 2019

A health-care professional's quest to experience God

“A Spiritual Revolution: the Quest to Experience God” at the First Church of Christ, Scientist (1205 Pandora Avenue) on Thursday, February 21 at 7:30 pm.

Matthew JacksonFebruary 9, 2019

From Doomsday Cult in Indiana to Practising Jew in New York City

Wed. Feb. 13th 5.30-6.30pm. University of Victoria, Engineering and Computer Sciences Bldg. Room 108.

Spiritually SpeakingFebruary 6, 2019

Celebration of Sephardic Jewish Culture

February 10, from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm at Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, 1461 Blanshard Street, Victoria V8W 2J3

Spiritually SpeakingFebruary 5, 2019

Finding opportunities for kindness a healthy new year promise

A simple example of kindness can inspire a goal to nurture and be a witness to kindness

Rev. Julianne KasmerFebruary 2, 2019

World Interfaith Harmony Week - an opportunity to come together

The Victoria Multifaith Society with UVic Multifaith Services and UVic’s Equity and Human Rights are hosting a free evening of bridge-building and cultural sharing at the UVic Chapel on Feb 6,

Soshin McMurchyJanuary 30, 2019