Spiritually Speaking

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

Navigating White Fragility from one Zen Perspective

Zen training helps us pay attention to the ever changing emotional soup we live in.

Soshin McMurchyJanuary 26, 2019

Hope helps us to cope with ambiguity in life

The positive resolve of people with hope can help realize the goodness of the Creator’s intentions and offset ambiguity.

Paul NewmanJanuary 23, 2019

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity an important step

"Justice and only justice you shall pursue" (Deuteronomy) is the theme for this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Rev. Lyle McKenzieJanuary 19, 2019

Invitation to learn about the sacred texts of Judaism

“The Sacred Craft of the Sofar” with Dov Berger on Wednesday, January 30, at 7:00 pm at Congregation Emanu-El, Victoria

Spiritually SpeakingJanuary 16, 2019

Rediscovering the Virtue of Humility

Humility is needed to face some of the biggest challenges of our time.

Rev. Shana LynngoodJanuary 12, 2019

The dog that changes lives

Change can sometimes come in unexpected ways

Drew SniderJanuary 10, 2019

Redemption history of the Gridiron gives hope and courage for new year

The New Year can encourage us to look at inspiring stories of a new start

Drew SniderJanuary 5, 2019

A New Year’s Intention to Practice Self-Compassion

The New Year's intention - it could be just one word.

Kevin AschenbrennerDecember 29, 2018

Christmas offers lessons on the power of humility

Taking time this Christmas to think more deeply about the birth of Christ Jesus can be life-changing

The Right Reverend Logan McMenamieDecember 22, 2018

The healing and unifying effect of singing together at Christmas

This Christmas celebrates 200 years of the continual singing of the carol, Silent Night

Anna Bowness-ParkDecember 15, 2018

The importance of sharing our faith and honouring others.

Celebrating religious festivals together is an opportunity to better understand our neighbours

Fiona PrinceDecember 12, 2018

Finding patterns in everyday life brings comfort

A coincidence? Or a pattern of God revealed in a knitting project.

Fiona PrinceDecember 8, 2018

Advent candles a symbol of inner quest

Advent is understood as a celebration of peace and good will, culminating in Christmas itself.

Larry ScottDecember 1, 2018

Emanu-El Synagogue Thanks You

The Jewish Community in Victoria deeply appreciates the support received in the wake of the massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh

Rabbi Harry BrechnerNovember 24, 2018

Wisdom is needed today, but what is it?

A Hindu view of wisdom explains that it is not for the select few. Wisdom is available for all

Suresh BasrurNovember 21, 2018

Exploring the path to wisdom in Hinduism

Hinduism teaches lessons that enable us to move forward on the path to wisdom

Suresh BasrurNovember 17, 2018

Exploring the Sephardic Legacy

Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, Victoria, presents “Amsterdam’s Portuguese Synagogue: My Heritage” with Rick Kool.

Spiritually SpeakingNovember 14, 2018

Remembering is a Spiritual Event

The widespread participation in Remembrance Day is cause for hope for a better world.

Paul NewmanNovember 9, 2018

Revitalizing democracy

A vital element of democracy is constant revision

Sheila FloodNovember 7, 2018

We're Coming of Age in the 21st Century

Flying into the 21st century takes takes optimism and courage

Sheila FloodNovember 3, 2018

Diwali Cultural Show 2018

Victoria - University Centre, Farquhar Auditorium, Saturday Nov 3rd at 6.00pm

Spiritually SpeakingNovember 1, 2018

Housing the homeless - beyond the politics

With the cold weather season upon us, the issue of housing the homeless is in the forefront.

Drew SniderOctober 31, 2018

Searching for universal truth across religions

A talk with Nate Frederick, "Learn to Pray and Heal" on Saturday, November 10th at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Victoria

Matthew JacksonOctober 27, 2018

Kristallnacht - Choosing action over indifference

Kristallnacht - the night of broken glass remembers the attacks on Jews in Germany and Austria on Nov 9th 1938

Spiritually SpeakingOctober 24, 2018

Reflecting on the hijab can bring understanding

it is time for society to listen to the voices of the women who wear them when discussing the hijab.

Maryam BakshOctober 20, 2018

What is Orange Shirt Day?

'Orange Shirt Day’ – a day when all are invited to remember and honour those who were victims of the Residential School System

The Ven. Alastair McCollumOctober 18, 2018

Gratitude - the highest human virtue

The more gratitude we cultivate the more we have to be grateful for.

Wayne CodlingOctober 16, 2018

Meditation - a Needed Element in Society

Meditation is an antidote to the harmful ways of modern life

Wayne CodlingOctober 13, 2018

Introduction to Hebrew Poetry

The first in a series of talks at Emanu-El Synagogue begins this Sunday, October 14 at 2pm

Spiritually SpeakingOctober 10, 2018

Count your Blessings this Thanksgiving

Cultivating an ‘attitude of gratitude’ can help us to build up our resilience to deal with the harder parts of our lives.

The Ven. Alastair McCollumOctober 6, 2018

Naloxone, compassion and the Gospel – aids in fighting addiction

Stories of recovery from addiction often begins with one act of simple kindness

Reverend Canon Nancy FordOctober 3, 2018

New beginnings - a time of hope and expectation

New beginnings are full of potential, shiny with hope, and dressed in the clothes of great expectations for the future.

The Reverend Canon Nancy FordSeptember 29, 2018

Yom Kippur and the importance of taking responsibility

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar, yet still has relevance today

Alan RutkowskiSeptember 22, 2018

Who is my neighbour?

The lesson of the Good Samaritan offers insights for current neighbourhood issues

Keith SimmondsSeptember 19, 2018

Instead of fearing “End Times”, think with the angels

Cultivating hope for the world instead of resignation to its end brings angels to our side

Keith SimmondsSeptember 14, 2018

Time of Creation a reminder of our responsibilities

Many churches are adopting a season of Creation as part of the Christian calendar

Rev. Lyle McKenzieSeptember 8, 2018

Things I learned from loving my neighbours

Listening to our neighbours can teach wonderful life lessons in unexpected ways

Rev. Julianne KasmerSeptember 1, 2018

Zen 101 for Activists, or do you love earthworms?

In Buddhist practice there are no commandments, because this path is an investigation

Soshin McMurchyAugust 29, 2018

Finding a way past the daydreaming makes life better

Meditation teaches us a way to stop the day dreaming and bring us into a more present experience of life, but it takes practice.

Soshin McMurchyAugust 25, 2018

Breaking down walls of hostility through friendship

In our busy, disconnected word, we need to rediscover the ways of friendship

The Right Reverend Logan McMenamieAugust 18, 2018

Reflections from the Roof of the World

The achievements of the World Partnership Walk serves to remind us of our responsibility to others

Karima RamjiAugust 15, 2018

Making the most from life's lessons

Those who are close to us can teach us so much from their own lessons, and that can inform our lives

Rev. Shana LynngoodAugust 11, 2018

Rebuilding lives after wildfires

Forest fires across the northern hemisphere are shocking in their ferocity, but there are spiritual lessons of hope to be gained.

Anna Bowness-ParkAugust 8, 2018

The Divine influence that brings hope and action

There is no place so remote that we cannot hear and feel divine Love's guidance when we listen.

Anna Bowness-ParkAugust 4, 2018

Faith as a dance

Faith as a dance involves movement; it’s dynamic, energetic, constantly changing

The Ven. Alastair McCollumJuly 28, 2018

Morning Prayer of Gratitude: G-d Has Faith in Us

The word faith means having a complete trust or confidence in someone or something

Fiona PrinceJuly 25, 2018

Is creation coming to an end or being continuously renewed?

Two people can sit together and see creation differently - as either a sunset or a continual sunrise

Fiona PrinceJuly 21, 2018

The partnership of prayer and action in Thailand

Rather than seeing it just as luck, the cave rescue can be seen as an example of God's presence in challenging circumstances

Drew SniderJuly 18, 2018

Days of nationalism should give pause for thought

Displays of nationalism and patriotism can evoke different responses, depending on the context, and whether we are insiders or outsiders.

Larry ScottJuly 14, 2018

Cultivating peace in a world of conflict

Our desire to cultivate peace invites us to re-think how we see our enemies

Matt JacksonJuly 7, 2018

Refugees, immigration, nationalism - the search for a plan for a global society

We need to consciously plan for a global society that is just, democratic, humane in its essence and respectful of all life

Sheila FloodJuly 4, 2018

Lots to learn on helping victims of refugee crisis

Inter-Cultural Association of Victoria will be hosting "Responding to the Refugee Crisiis, 1:30 – 4:30 pm, Saturday, 21 July.

Sheila FloodJune 30, 2018

In a judgemental world, try looking at others favourably

It takes self awareness and patience to judge others favourably.

Rabbi Harry BrechnerJune 23, 2018

Being in touch with Creator gives life meaning

Helpful steps for a meaningful connection with the Creator

Paul NewmanJune 16, 2018

Consciousness and its Relationship to the Universe

Hindu scriptures teach the importance of consciously living a good life

Suresh BasrurJune 13, 2018

Hindu story offers perspective on nature of consciousness

“The only knowledge you need for enlightenment or salvation” is how consciousness is sometimes described by scholars.

Suresh BasrurJune 9, 2018

Ramadan: A Month of Worship, from a Mile to a Prayer

Motherhood brings a change in perspective and meaning for Ramadan

Maryam BakshJune 2, 2018

Encounters - Opening Gala

Divine/Human interactions: what happens in this encounter? What does it look like and how is it reported and remembered?

Spiritually SpeakingJune 1, 2018

Living from a place of love isn't simple. It's downright difficult

While some may differ with Bishop Curry’s take on love, I don’t think it can be dismissed as simplistic.

Kevin AschenbrennerMay 30, 2018

Bishop Curry's sermon was act of spiritual resistance

Love should be the status quo, not something we aspire to. Bishop Curry woke us up to that.

Kevin AschenbrennerMay 26, 2018

The Woman in Tim Horton's and the Good Samaritan

Recently, a video made the rounds, showing an obviously disturbed woman committing what might best be termed an unsanitary act in a neighbourhood Tim Horton’s. A number of media outlets published . . .

Drew SniderMay 23, 2018

Pentecost offers us all a lesson in moving forward

When we think of Pentecost we can gain encouragement from the lesson it teaches us

Drew SniderMay 19, 2018

The Buddhist View of Kindness

We must protect and benefit all peoples; be kindness itself with a 500-year perspective.

Wayne CodlingMay 16, 2018

National Worship Conference to focus on responding to disasters

This conference’s theme recognizes the need for thoughtful reflection and consideration of what it means to worship in response to disaster.

Rev. Lyle McKenziwMay 12, 2018

The practical effects of meditation practice

The experience of a friend in hospital brings to light how meditation can change one's view of life

Wayne CodlingMay 9, 2018

Meditation - a helpful response to suffering

Buddhism is not centered on a creator God. Therefore, there is no need for Buddhists to explain why suffering exists in the world. Suffering simply exists just like everything else and needs to be . . .

Wayne CodlingMay 5, 2018

Prophets, Poetry and Imagination

Come to this interesting talk by a leading Jewish scholar. Tuesday, Wednesday May 30 at 7:00 pm at Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, 1461 Blanshard Street, Victoria

Spiritually SpeakingMay 3, 2018

Search for meaning can come through religious story-telling

Religion can be seen as a search for meaning through story telling. A few weeks ago, Jews celebrated Passover, a holiday built around telling the story of liberation from slavery in Egypt. It is, . . .

Alan RutkowskiApril 28, 2018

Finding the true origin of happiness

When we see joy as a spiritual quality, we see it as the essence of man’s God-created nature rather than the result of something – i.e. some- “thing” - we have to get.

Anna Bowness-ParkApril 25, 2018

Child's poem awakens community housing needs

What is the impact on our community when basics such as affordable housing are disappearing?

Reverend Canon Nancy FordApril 21, 2018

Who Were the Prophets?

Come and explore this topic with a leading Jewish Biblical scholar.

Spiritually SpeakingApril 18, 2018

On the Bus from Humboldt: They are not alone

Across the country we slowly put down our lives to face Humboldt in solidarity.

Keith SimmondsApril 14, 2018

Israel at 70: A Community Celebration

The Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island invites community members to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Israeli independence with an evening beginning with a Yom Ha’Zikaron . . .

Spiritually SpeakingApril 11, 2018

2018 Starfields Festival offers hope in time of challenges

The best way to bridge our differences is to hold a party! Come and join in on APRIL 13-15 In Victoria. B.C.

Spiritually SpeakingApril 7, 2018

Holocaust Remembrance Day - Our Stories

Sunday, April 15, 11 a.m. – noon, at the Victoria Jewish Cemetery on Cedar Hill Road

Spiritually SpeakingApril 4, 2018

Walk unites us to tackle poverty worldwide

Step forward with us at World Partnership Walk in Victoria on Sunday May 27 starting at 9.30 AM at the University of Victoria

Karima RamjiMarch 31, 2018

The Real Cost of Homelessness

He turned up outside the church a year ago February. Unlike most homeless sleepers, he wasn’t eager to move when we activated the back door for the day’s visitors. We’d encourage movement (with an . . .

Keith SimmondsMarch 28, 2018

Observing Palm Sunday as a time of balance

In this ‘Palm Sunday’ moment we are poised in the balance between two radically different views of life.

Keith SimmondsMarch 24, 2018

What is worth giving a lifetime of effort to?

Are we putting our effort into the things that matter in life?

Rev. Shana LynngoodMarch 21, 2018

Switching from “I” to “We” requires a cultural change

For most of us, the culture we have grown up in is very “I”centered. We learn how to pay attention to our own needs and wants. What we don’t learn is how to be a part of a 'we'.

Rev. Shana LynngoodMarch 17, 2018

The First Bodhisattva Vow: Liberation in an Age of Criminalization

Vowing to liberate all beings is not an individualistic missionary-like approach to saving anyone. Rather it requires that I look at my own responsibility.

Joshua GoldbergMarch 14, 2018

Mindfulness provides understanding of silent racism

As public opinion is focusing on the racism inherent in Canadian institutions, it may be useful to take a closer look at how practising Zen meditation can uncover our inherited racist attitudes.

Soshin McMurchyMarch 10, 2018

The First Bodhisattva Vow: Liberation in an Age of Criminalization

The first Bodhisattva vow is not to liberate some beings, it is to liberate ALL beings, even though there are so many that they are innumerable.

Joshua GoldbergMarch 7, 2018

Grandmother finds power in simple prayer

Above all the books on how to pray, the simple prayer of a grandmother has been a powerful teacher

Rev. Julianne KasmerMarch 3, 2018

Managing end of life choices - a symposium

Managing End of Life Choices: A Symposium takes place on Sunday, March 4, 9 am to 1 pm at the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria, 3636 Shelbourne Street, Victoria

Spiritually SpeakingFebruary 28, 2018

Family reunions offer lessons in reconciliation

Sometimes we think of reconciliation as being between two divided parties. Most of the time it is. However, reconciliation can mirror our connection with God.

The Right Reverend Logan McMenamieFebruary 24, 2018

The fine art of good gossip

The idea of ‘gossiping’ has gotten a bad rap in recent years. The word is used mostly to indicate petty, negative talk that demeans and dismisses the subjects of the conversation.

Brian FraserFebruary 20, 2018

Kindness is the glue that can bond the community

True kindness is something we give without any judgement or strings attached. It’s a reflection of our character; how others respond is a reflection of theirs.

Kate SpencerFebruary 17, 2018

Love – sustains us in our journey and challenges us to be better

“All you need is love,” sang The Beatles, which is not a bad thought to start with,

Rev. Alastair McCollumFebruary 14, 2018

We should take up challenge of making a positive difference

For any person of faith, spirituality challenges us to look beyond ourselves and to make a positive difference not just for ourselves but for others.

Rev. Alastair McCollumFebruary 10, 2018

A new way to think about "being right"

A way of thinking about “righteousness” is to see it not as my being right, or you being right, rather, to see it as the common good.

Alisdair SmithFebruary 7, 2018

Sexual Harassment

In what ways may any of us be guilty of objectifying another person?

Christopher PageJanuary 31, 2018

Movie invites us to re-think cultural and religious traditions

When we build community—in cultural festivals, activism, faith contexts or elsewhere—we can come together to address the conflicts of the present with the help of texts written in other times.

Lincoln ShlenskyJanuary 27, 2018

LATEST NEWS