Spiritually Speaking

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

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

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