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About

Shalom,

I am Fiona Prince, also known as Morah Faiga (Morah = Teacher; Faiga is my Hebrew name). I am honoured to be the volunteer Jewish Spiritual Care Provider for UVic. I welcome questions from everyone at UVic (students, faculty, staff), their friends and family, and anyone who is seeking knowledge about Judaism. I am happy to connect you with Jewish organizations and communities in Victoria, Vancouver Island, and wherever you live.

40 years ago, when I graduated from UVic, there were only two Jewish students on campus who I knew of…and I was one of them. I felt adrift in a secular world, far from my home, family, and traditions. I almost always went home for the holidays, and even though my level of observance ebbed and flowed, I always maintained a strong Jewish identity. Did you know you can be an agnostic or atheist and still be Jewish? It's true. Being Jewish is more than a faith or religion--we are often described as the smallest nation but the largest family. Within our family we have many cultures, races, levels of observance, and beliefs. We have a common heritage that spans centuries of triumphs and tragedies with spiritual roots and sacred texts that are as relevant today as when they were written.

For the past 18 years, I have been studying Torah and Talmud through weekly in-person and virtual classes. These studies have supported the following values and beliefs that my parents taught me:

1. Every human being has a pure soul.
2. The fact that you were born means you matter.
3. The day you were born was the day that G-d decided the world could not get along without you.
4. Every day the world is created just for you, for me, and for every human being.
5. Every day that you wake up means that you have something you're supposed to do to help others.
6. You have a mission that only you can accomplish in this world.
7. You have been given the talents and abilities you need to accomplish your individual mission.
8. I can tell you what I believe, but it is not my place to tell you what to believe.
9. I can accept my own suffering as part of G-d’s plan, yet it is not my place to tell you that you need to accept your suffering or feel the same way that I do.
10. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new and to help someone have a good or better day.

As a teacher and facilitator I am a guide on the side, helping people travel along their personal, spiritual, academic, and professional journeys.

I invite you to contact me with your questions about Jewish perspectives on your personal and spiritual challenges--all topics are welcome.

Come study and learn with me. Join my virtual Jewish Study Circle for students and young professionals (most Thursdays from 8:30-9:30pm in Zoom).
No need to do any pre-reading or homework. Each study circle stands alone. You may come once or come often.

To join the study circle or ask me questions, send an email or text me anytime. to meet in Zoom or by phone.

I look forward to hearing from you and being part of your life-journey.