April 2013 - zafonline.org

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Issue #1, April 2013
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A Publication of the Zoroastrian Association of Florida
ZAF is a non-profit organization; IRS code 501(c) (3); tax ID # EIN 65-0786849. Donations and Membership Fee are Tax-deductible.
We are a member of FEZANA (The Federation of the Zoroastrian Associations of North America)
This Issue of Zor & More is sponsored by Jennifer, Rustam, Meher and Hvovi Irani
Navjote Mubarak
Navjote Mubarak Dearest Meher and Sanaya
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
Dear fellow members and our well-wishers. Ushta-Te! (May happiness be unto you!) The board is pleased to present Issue 1
of the Zor & More quarterly newsletter for 2013. We hope you enjoy it and we look forward to your comments & suggestions.
Your board for the term 2013-2014 has now been in place for the past three months and we look forward to serving the
community consistent with our Association’s vision – To protect and preserve the Zarathushti faith, values of education,
philanthropy and culture in our newly adopted homeland, giving relevance to the Zarathushti identity and making future
generations proud and confident of their heritage, religion and culture.
Please save the dates for the various religious, social, cultural and educational activities planned so far. The Events at a
glance are on the back cover of the newsletter. To ensure speedy communication with our members, especially the youth,
we now have a Facebook page along with a fully functional website at www.zafonline.org . At this point, we would like
to express our deep gratitude to the previous board for their support and guidance in the transition process, and for their
vision & charitable endeavors that have given our Association recognition from Fezana, The North American Mobed Council,
and other larger Zoroastrian Associations in the U.S. Finally, we would like to thank all our members for supporting ZAF
through membership fees, sponsorships and generous donations, as we exist only because of your support.
Thanking you, Hama Zor, Hama Asho Bade! (May we be united in righteousness)
The ZAF Board.
Visit us at www.zafonline.org
1
ZAF Community News
CONGRATULATIONS to our very own
board member, Dr. Roy Dubash,
for hitting the headlines in the
Miami Herald.
February 1923 Howard Carter finds
Pharaoh Tutankhamen sarcophagus.
February 1923 Jaloo Captain is born.
Happy 90th Birthday Jaloo!
Mom a very happy 90th Birthday from your children,
Phil and Rita, Daughter-in-law, Ashrita and Grandsons,
Rehan and Mehernosh.
After having a Jashan, at Lyla & Sam
Todywala’s house, it was time for
little Simone Todywala to have
her 3rd Birthday party in the
company of her family and
friends. Z-Club commenced at
5.30 and, under the guidance
of Aban, the children rehearsed
for the Navroze play. Once
completed, it was time for the
birthday celebrations to begin.
Fun, food and frolics began until all
party goers left the home of the Todywala family around 11:30.
B I RTH D AY
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WELCOME TO THE WORLD!
HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY
KARL AND K AYAAN
Our adorable, Karl and Kayaan, turned two years old in February...
Dimple and Zubin threw a wonderful celebration birthday party
enjoyed by their Z-club friends. The fabulous made to order crepes
were a huge hit especially the dessert varieties! Congratulations
Kayaan and Karl – sending lots of special wishes your way!
With great joy in our hearts and loving
gratitude, we welcome our new grandson,
Mateo Jehangir Duran, born to Cyra
and Oscar, on March 26th 2013 at 11.13am,
in Miami, Florida. Mateo weighed in
at 7lbs 7oz and is 20 inches tall.
Both mommie and Mateo are doing
well and should be home to play with big sis, Milana very soon!
The proud grandparents, Goher & Danny Mobed
Compliments
from
Jimmy & Freny
Deboo
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To the Zoroastrian Community of Florida:
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“Always aim at complete harmony of thought
and word and deed. Always aim at purifying
your thoughts and everything will be well.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
Good Luck and Best Wishes to our dear friends on the ZAF BOARD!
Sam, Lyla, Zane, Stefan, Simone and Sasha Todywala
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Orlando/Central FL & ZATAMBAY Community News
North American Zoroastrian Religious Tele Class –
Sunday March 10th, 2013 (11 AM EST)
A Zoroastrian Religion Class was held by Telephone on March 10th 2013 by
Jo Ann Dastur & Ervad Soli P. Dastur from their home, Hira Villa, in Sarasota, Florida.
There were about 33 callers with multiple people listening together in some homes
by calling a Tele-meeting phone number. The people were from both Canada and
USA, from NY to Dallas and Los Angeles, Montreal to Miami. The class material
was a PowerPoint Presentation sent ahead of time to all participants in PDF format.
Ervad Soli and Jo Ann performing Hama Zor in the the
Tele Class.
In this class, by popular demand starting with Behram Pastakia’s suggestion, we covered in details the ancient Iranian history and
culture surrounding the Cylinder of Cyrus the Great! As you all may know, in the spring of 2010, the British Museum, which has
possession of the original Cylinder of Cyrus, had a very successful showing of this artifact from antiquity in Tehran, Iran and now
it has decided to bring it to the United States. A five city tour will commence on 9th March 2013 starting with the Smithsonian
Museum in Washington D.C. and will then go to various museums in San Francisco, Houston, New York and end up in October
2013 in Los Angeles.
After that, the Cylinder will be displayed in Mumbai, India, at the famous Cowasjee Jehangir Art Gallery, to coincide with the World
Zoroastrian Congress to be held in Mumbai from December 27th through 31st. The tour of the cylinder is likely to be in the media
and the children of the Zarathushtri diaspora would be well served if they were armed with knowledge to talk about it in their own
schools and colleges.
FEZANA is planning to bring out a special edition of FEZANA Journal in 2013 to
commemorate this tour. So, the topic for this Tele Class was: Background,
History and content of Cyrus Cylinder and its Universal Appeal in present day!
This tele class discussed what is the Cyrus Cylinder, when was it discovered, what is
its contents, and how it corroborates the ancient Old Testament’s accounts of
the liberation of Jews by him from Babylon. Also discussed was a short account
of Cyrus The Great – his life, lineage, conquests, death and his Pasargadae Tomb.
There was reverence for him throughout ages in terms of his biography Cyropaedia
by Xenophon, which was used by Julius Caesar, Alexander The Great, and even our
Agenda Slide with Discussed Topics.
US 3rd President Thomas Jefferson who even owned two copies of the book. The Belshazzar oratorio composed by Handel,
the famous Rembrandt painting, Belshazzar’s Feast with the “writing on the wall” and the famous poem – Vision of Belshazzar by
Lord Byron, and the possibility that the figure Dhul-Quarnayn mentioned in Qur’an may be referring to Cyrus The Great. It also points
out absolutely no mention of him or the whole Hakhaminian Dynasty by none other than the famous Firdausi in his Shah Nameh!
Finally we covered the upcoming USA Tour of 5 cities of the Cyrus Cylinder. Soli started the class off by thanking all the participants
especially FEZANA President Katayun Kapadia who took time of their busy schedule to attend and support our Tele Classes.
Finally, as it is becoming our custom, the permanent question: “We do not understand what we are praying in our daily prayers”
was answered by suggesting some alternatives. The final prayer in English, from Dr. Dhalla’s book: Homage Unto Ahura Mazda:
“Jamshid-i-Nauruz,” was recited by all together ending with our signature Zoroastrian
greeting of: “Hamaa Zor, Hamaa Asho Bade” (May we be united in righteousness)
performed by all attending the Class, a cyber Hamaa Zor all over North America!
The PowerPoint Presentation slides and three associated material documents are
attached to this message. In most homes, families gathered in front of their
computers following slides of this presentation as I spoke about them from my
home. May the Flame of Fellowship, Love, Charity and Tolerance burn ever eternal
in our hearts so we can do HIS work with humility, diligence and eternal enthusiasm!
Atha Jamyaat, Yatha Aafrinaamahi! (May it be so as we wish?)
Cyrus Cylinder corroborating the Old Testaments Prophesies.
Love and Tandoorasti, Soli
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The Khajautia, Irani, and Bharucha Family celebrated the Navjotes of their dear daughters Meher Irani and Sanaya Bharucha.
Meher is the granddaughter Homai and Pourus Khajautia of Tampa, FL and Arnavaz and Gustad Irani of Boca Raton, FL.
Sanaya is the granddaughter of Homai and Pourus Khajautia of Tampa, FL and Rashna and Viraf Bharucha of Houston, Texas.
Their Navjote was at Albless Baug in Mumbai, India on December 29, 2012.
Meher
Meher and Sanaya after
ceremony
Jennifer, Rustam, Meher and
Hvovi Irani of Tampa, Florida
Diana, Cyrus, Arzaan,
and Sanaya Bharucha of
Great Falls, Virginia
FEZANA and World News
The Zoroastrian Youth of North America (ZYNA) hosted a
Norouz retreat for young professionals in New York City
on March 1 – 3. The event was for youth age 25-45 and
approximately 40-50 people attended. The retreat
consisted of social gatherings at different New York city
establishments, lunch, dinner, ice breaker sessions as
well as guest speakers. It was a great way to meet and
connect with fellow Zoroastrian youth whom you may
not otherwise meet.
ZYNA is on a mission to give professionals the opportunity
to connect, share ideas, resources, thoughts,
and opportunities. Their vision is to cultivate a professional
community of young Zoroastrians that is focused on
building relationships and working together to learn,
grow and make a difference in the world.
Many of the relationships that were established will continue
long into the future, and that was truly the purpose of
this retreat. ZYNA is a part of FEZANA, and is committed
to establishing FEZANA’s legacy by preservation
through generations!
Email us at [email protected]
Roy Dubash (Event Attendee)
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Charitable Endeavors
Religious and Educational Fund
Three candidates were given financial awards of $501 each
from the ZAF Religious and Educational Fund, after the
training and completion of their Navars. Ervads Sheroy Gonda,
Jehaan Darbari and Yazad Sidhwa. Below are some pictures
and information on Jehaan and Yazad.
.
We take this opportunity to thank you very much for your
kind gesture. I am sure this will encourage our child to
indulge in religious activities and learn more scriptures
going forward. We as parents will inculcate in him the
importance of following the tenets of our religion, its
traditions, customs, rituals and practices which can lead
him to become a better and enlightened priest as he grows
up and thereby fulfills the aspirations of our community.
May Dadar Ahura Mazda bestow on you all good health,
wealth, strength and happiness and enable you to bring
joy on the faces of many more people like us.
Thanking you once again.
Yours truly,
(MONAZ & CYRUS DINSHAW DARBARI)
Ervad Jehaan Cyrus Darbari having undergone Navar at Seth
Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy Agiary, Colaba, Mumbai on Nov. 24, 2012.
A message from Jehaan’s father.
To the ZAF Board
Respected Board
This has reference to the Prize money you sent across for
our child Ervad Jehaan Cyrus Darbari recently through
Ervad Kobad Zarolia, President, NAMC with the good
auspices of Mr. Dinshaw Tamboly, WZO Trust Funds, India
on the occasion of Jehaan becoming a young Parsi Priest,
having undergone Navar at Seth Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy
Agiary, Colaba, Mumbai on Nov. 24, 2012.
Jehaan with his Parents and Grandparents.
We were overwhelmed when Jehaan was felicitated by
Ervad Zarolia at Tarapur on January 26, 2013.
Ervad Yazad Sidhwa in full dress after his Navar Ceremony.
Yazad’s experience of getting initiated into
the Priesthood.
1. I am going to share my experiences with you of getting
initiated into Zoroastrian Priesthood on Dec 28th 2012 in
Mumbai, India.
2. Getting initiated into Priesthood is called “the Navar
Ceremony.” The Navar ceremony has many different stages
that we need to go through in order to become a Priest.
3. L et me explain the various stages of this ceremony which
are 1) Purification in 2 phases of 9 days each, 2) The actual
ceremony and finally 3) The rituals and then return home.
4. On Dec 9th my family took me to the Fire Temple for my
first purification stage called “Nahn.”
5. I had to spend 23 days in total in the Fire Temple along
with a lot of restrictions on what I can touch, and pray
before and after every meal.
6. I had to sleep on the bed made of coir and leather,
besides other things to complete this ceremony.
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7. I had to do certain rituals and then take a shower after which
I had to change into clothes specially made for the ritual.
8. During the Nahn I had 4 other boys who were also there
to go through their ceremony which really helped me get
through the days pretty quickly. My parents and my relatives
would come every day to see me and to know how I was doing.
9. As soon as I finished my 1st Nahn, I had a rest period of
2-3 hours during which our Head Priest allowed me to
meet with my parents and other relatives.
10. Soon after I started my 2nd Nahn and completed it by
Dec 26th. The big day for me was very close and I had
butterflies in my stomach but my parents, relatives and the
other boys gave me a lot of confidence and made me relax.
15. After dressing me up they took some pictures in my full
Priest attire.
16. A
fter that they started to take me around the fire temple
with all my relatives tugging along behind me.
17. My grandmom welcomed me into the fire temple
with one of the rituals that we follow to begin any
auspicious ceremony.
18. All were in rapt attention and it took us almost two
and a half hours to go through the entire ceremony
but every bit was so exciting and memorable.
19. As soon as the ceremony got over I was allowed to
meet my parents and all the guests that had come
from around the world, to witness my ceremony.
20. T hat was not all, as I had to stay 3 more days to continue
with various rituals after which my parents came to
take me back home.
21. I am walking back home with my family back to my
house to be welcomed by my aunt as per Zoroastrian
religious traditions.
22. T his was one of the most fulfilling experiences and it was
a result of almost 2 years of hard work and dedication.
23. I would really like to thank my parents, my prayer teacher
and all my friends and relatives and hope you enjoyed
my video as much as I enjoyed my Navar Experience.
Dear esteemed NAMC and ZAF members,
Kayomarz Sidhwa with his wife, daughter, Ervad Soli and Jo Anne.
11. Then came the big day on Dec 28th which was the day
of my long awaited Navar Ceremony.
12. On the day of my Navar Ceremony, the priests made me
wear a jama and a pagri that are official clothes for a
Zoroastrian priest.
13. The other Priest is helping me wear the “Pichori” which
is tied around the waist.
14. And the final piece of my attire was the shawl they put
around my neck.
We would like to thank you all for your generous and
benevolent gesture of presenting our son Yazad with a purse
of $500 for getting ordained as a Navar in Mumbai recently.
We were very touched by this gesture and would like to
whole heartedly thank each and every individual who was
involved in this decision.
He had a great experience going through the entire Nahn
ritual as well as the sacred Navar ceremony and it seemed
a life changing experience for him. We will make sure that
he maintains the purity and sanctity of the religion and
serves the community in the most selfless and unflinching
way. We are also confident that he will always follow the
tenets “Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds” always.
Thank you all once again.
(FARZANA AND KAYOMARZ SIDHWA, HOUSTON - TX)
Yazad with his family.
Yazad with his family and priests.
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Fund Raising for Hurricane Sandy
Critical Assistance Fund
Cherag Soli Desai Appeal
The community has collected over $250 in the ZAF Critical
Assistance Fund for the Cherag Soli Desai appeal. On the
night of Dec 16th 2012, Cherag met with a horrible motor
bike accident at Sea Wood in New Mumbai. Cherag’s friend
who was driving the motor bike died on the spot and Cherag
was rushed to the hospital by some of his other friends,
who were behind him on other motor bikes. The weekly
hospital bills are 1.5 to 2 lacs per week, approximately $2,000.
Cyrus Kharas Appeal
The community has collected over $600 in the critical
assistance fund for the Cyrus Kharas Appeal for a liver
transplant. He will have to be transferred from Karachi,
Pakistan to another country for the liver transplant and
is in critical condition.
Our annual fundraiser was a
great success thanks to many of
the ZAF members and family
and friends at large. We raised
almost $1000.00 for the Hurricane
Sandy victims and delivered all
the proceeds to the Red Cross
office in Miami, Florida.
Tyler, a representative at the
Red Cross, was very impressed
with our fundraising efforts and
gave us an invitation to attend
one of their galas at a future date.
We would like to thank those ZAF members who generously
contributed to our Christmas fundraiser, and for their amazing
support in our efforts to give back to the community at large!
Since an early age, both my brother and I have always been
taught the importance of charity and how it is one of the main
tenets of our faith, and that is why we will continue to improve
our yearly fundraising efforts on behalf of the Z-Club kids!
Zane Todywala (Z-Club member)
“...the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change
the world, are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs
With compliments from
The Katgara Family
In Business since 1900
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Highlights of our India Trip by Jo Ann and Ervad Soli Dastur
Poor Parsi Gujarat Farmers Visits.
ZAF, Orlando CFG and ZATAMBAY have been donating money
to the WZO Trust India via FEZANA for the Gujarat Food
Scheme to distribute food essentials to the poor Parsi families.
Our own Dolly & Kersi Munshi and Jo Ann and I participated
in the WZOT India tour of these families in Sanjan and
Navsari areas under the able guidance of WZOT President,
Dinshawji Tamboly and his able co-workers.
In December 2012, ZAF sent a check of $3,502. to WZOT
India via FEZANA to be used for the Food Distribution
Scheme for the Gujarat poor Parsi families. In the first week
of February 2013, WZOT organized a very successful food
grain distribution. They covered over 30 villages and a total
of 145 packages of essential food items were distributed.
A. WZOT helped Poultry farm.
B. Happy receiver of WZOT check for his new home.
Old Hut of Parsi farmers.
We visited over 25 homes of these Parsi families and first hand
saw the great work WZOT is doing to help these families.
WZOT build functional modern homes to replace their huts,
help them with interest free loans to start them in their
chosen professions as farmers, raising buffaloes for milk,
raising poultry farm, etc. In the words of Dolly: “It sure
opens your eyes to see the poor conditions in which they
live and the magnificent service provided to them by WZOT.”
Food Distribution being loaded.
A. WZOT constructed functional home.
B. Small village children school.
A. Parsi Gujarat farmers in front of a WZOT home.
B. Home grown Okra anyone?
Happy recipients of the Food Distribution.
Thank you all who contributed to this very worthy cause.
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First International Conference in
Navsari Meherjirana Library.
I attended the 140 Years Old Veritable Meherjirana Library
Conference, Navsari, Gujarat January 12 –15, 2013. The theme
of the Conference was: “Celebrating a Treasure: 140 Years
at the First Dastoor Meherjirana Library,” a PARZOR and
Meherjirana initiative. It was the first International Conference
of its kind in Navsari.
Imperial Farman of the Emperor Akbar issued for the
Meherjirana Family.
In the years 1578-1579, the First Dastur Meherji Rana was chosen
by the Mughal governor of Surat to attend the court of the
Mughal Emperor Akbar in Fatehpur Sikrl according to tradition,
Meherji Rana impressed the emperor so much that the
emperor ordered his vizier Abu’l Fazi to keep a fire burning day
and night at court. Before Meherji Rana left the court, he was
presented with a land grant by the emperor, in later years, Meherji
Rana’s son Kaykobad also visited the Mughal court and was
presented with Imperial grants. Original Mughai documents
such as the Farman on display here thus form a precious part
of the historical heritage of the Parsi community of Navsari.
World Zoroastrian Congress in
Mumbai December 27 – 31, 2013
A. Dasturji Kotwal lighting the Deevo.
B. A Kanku Tilak for Prof. Hintze.
There were libraries of yore: Ganj-e-Shaayegaan, Alexandria,
and of present, but Meherjirana Library stands tall among
all of them for its wealth of Zoroastrian manuscripts! Many
International Scholars presented papers at this Conference.
A full report of this Conference will be in the upcoming
FEZANA Journal.
The next World Zoroastrian Congress (WZC) will be held in
Mumbai from December 27th thru 31st 2013. The theme
of the Conference is: “Zoroastrianism in the 21st century –
Nurturing Growth and Affirming Identity.” Majority of the
Conference meetings will be held at the National Centre
for Performing Arts, Nariman Point. This is a wonderful
opportunity for us to attend this Conference in Mumbai
and meet many Humdins. The Conference will be
inaugurated at the famous Gateway of India in front of
the magnificent Taj Mahal Hotel. A side attraction will
be the tour of Cyrus Cylinder which will be exhibited in
the Cowasjee Jehangir Gallery. I have been asked to
be on a panel at this Conference.
With best wishes to our community and the new ZAF Board
At the beginning of this spring and always …
May you have abundance of health, love, prosperity
and time to enjoy them.
Now ruz Mubarak
Jahan & Nancy Daruwala
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ZAF Kids Corner
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VHSHDGEBGLYFQRW
DFADIHZALNVFLYB
ONRHVDTYOQUXILJ
TOASAHSGNSBAGAH
ZWDWANACHERRJPF
ITGQYRSTUZAUGSO
BQUEDAAHQJDTKLW
IWNWFWPWAQASVJM
MRRHAOGWIHKAVCS
PWXDEQGFZNIDDKW
WORD SEARCH
GAME
AVESTA
GATHA
SHAHANSHAHI
USHTAWAD
ZOR
JAMSHED
PAYWAND
AGIARY
KUSTI
GAH
DASTUR
ADAR
WHERE’S ZOR?
Find Zor hidden around the Newsletter.
He can be hard to find.
The Avesta teaches that each Amesha Spentas protects
one of God’s seven Creations. Find which Amesha
Spentas is protector of which creation.
A-sky
B-animals
C-water
D- plants
E-earth
F- Fire
G-people
1-Spenta Mainyu
2-Vohu Manah
3-Asha
4-Khshathra Vairyo
5-Amertat
6-Haurvatat
7-Spenta Aramaity
COLOR THE FARAVAHAR
The faravahar is one of the best-known symbols of Zoroastrianism.
In present-day Zoroastrianism, the faravahar is said to be a reminder
of one’s purpose in life, which is to live in such a way that the soul
progresses towards frasho-kereti, or union with Ahura Mazda.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Find the 8 differences between the below two images.
Answers in the next issue.
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Jamshedi Navroze 2013
On Saturday, March 23rd, ZAF celebrated Jamshedi Navroze with great gusto at the Sunset Lakes Community Hall. Over 140 adults
and children attended, making this the largest function celebrated in the history of ZAF! We also had with us, Sheroo & Vispy Kanga,
both board members from our sister association, ZAGNY, along with many other out-of-town guests. All guests were greeted
at the entrance with a traditional Navroze greeting and the Iranian sweet – Gaaz, by our youth members, Shanaya and
Jessica Patel. Our Treasurer, Jaspar Pardiwala and his wife Benafshe were in charge of the registration desk and the raffle tickets.
The celebration began with a Humbandagee led by our Ervads Soli Dastur, Dr. Zubin Panthaki, Khushroo Daruwalla, and the ZAF
kids with Aban Kavasmaneck. This was followed by a Play, “A Zoroastrian Love Story,” put up by the Z-Club kids. New members
were introduced by the President, Furrokh Irani in his welcome address. The entertainment for the evening included a DJ,
live music and a flamenco dancer. The delicious food was catered by our very own ZAF members Shahrukh Shariari and
Simin Shokrekhuda of India Grill. After dinner, our special guest Ervad Soli Dastur presented a few highlights of his trip to India
and ZAF’s charitable endeavors. Thank you to him and his wife Jo Ann for driving all the way from Sarasota to be with us on
Navroze and for the excellent presentation.This was followed by a raffle conducted by Jaspar Pardiwala and Nash Patel, where 3
winners shared $225 in prizes.
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We thank Rashna Gee, Anahita Patel, Lyla Todywala, and Parvana Ragaby for preparing the traditional Sofreh Haft Sheen,
so beautifully displayed at the entrance. Thanks to Rustom and Jasmin Deboo for the wonderful Toran over the front entrance,
and Khushnam Irani for the beautiful floral arrangements that were placed on each table. Thanks are also due to Dr. Roy Dubash
who undertook the task of capturing the photos shown below. A special thanks to Kersi Raja who helped organize the catering
and provided the after dinner masala tea, and Sheroo Vazir who provided the Falooda. The bar sponsors were Nash and
Anahita Patel, Benafshe and Jaspar Pardiwala, Franah and Gerry Marino and Khushnam and Furrokh Irani.
A big thanks to the ZAF Board members and their spouses, without whom this function would not have been possible.
Finally, we would like to thank the many donors for their cash contributions over and above the entry fees.
Find us on Facebook
Zoroastrian Association of Florida-ZAF
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Z-Club News by Aban Kavasmaneck
The year 2013 has begun with a bang for the Z-Club. The children have been productive and busy whilst preparing and rehearsing
for the Z-Club play to be performed at the Navroze function on March 23rd.
In January, Khushroo Daruwalla hosted the Z-Club and celebrated Jedd and Ethan’s birthdays. Along with the delicious party fare,
the kids had their first rehearsal for the play “A Zoroastrian Love Story: of King Vishtasp and Queen Ketayun,” a couple who has
been immortalized in history for promulgating our Zoroastrian religion throughout the Persian Empire.
The play also teaches our kids, not only the importance of our history and culture, but also the necessity of being a team-player,
who is valued by the entire group as being instrumental in the success of the whole project. This team work is so essential for
their success in later life.
On February 3rd, we had another rehearsal of our play and a fabulous feast at Rashna and Simon Gee’s house. On February 16th,
the Z-Club met at Sam and Lyla Todywala’s house where we celebrated Simone’s 3rd birthday. After the play practice, we had a
sumptuous feast. Simone looked like a little doll in her beautiful pink dress, and the whole house was a candy paradise!
On March 3rd, we celebrated the adorable twins, Karl and Kayaan’s 2nd birthdays, dressed in their suits and bow ties, at Zubin
and Dimple Panthaki’s house. We feasted on the most delicious crepes and also managed to fit in another play rehearsal.
On March 17th, Pauli and Kashmira hosted the dress rehearsal for our play which was a tremendous success. We enjoyed a host
of appetizers, the best biryani and vindaloo, along with a fabulous array of desserts.
On February 17th, the Z-Club was invited to a truly special celebration: Sara Marino’s sweet 16th Birthday and Sari wearing ceremony.
It was also her mom, Franah’s, 50th birthday. This triple celebration took place on the most elegant and beautiful ship which
took us on a cruise down the intra-coastal with breath-taking views of the water and the luxurious homes, which served a banquet
feast fit for royalty, and with Sara looking radiant like a princess! This auspicious, first sari event was truly a memorable learning
experience for our children.
It is a joy to see our kids flourish, and the Z-Club is instrumental in inculcating the value of interaction between our young children
and our youth, which in turn fosters community spirit and pride in our Zoroastrian heritage. Thank you all for your continuing support.
Sara and Jedd rehearsing final
dance moves.
N
The curtain closes. Well done cast and
Aban and Percy for all your hard work.
AS
S O C I ATI O
N
OF
F LO R I D A
E
ST
ZAF
AB
9
4
A
ZO R O S T R I A
The Cast just before the curtain rises.
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LIS H E D 1
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DIRECTIONS: WHEN YOU ENTER THE PARK, TAKE THE SECOND RIGHT AFTER THE LITTLE PLAYGROUND. IT IS THE SECOND SHELTER ON YOUR RIGHT.
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The Z.A.F Inc.
c/o Simon Gee,
21412 54th Drive South,
Boca Raton, FL 33486
ZAF's Vision
The vision of The Zoroastrian Association of Florida is to protect and preserve the Zarathushti faith, values of
education, philanthropy and culture in our newly adopted homeland, giving relevance to the Zarathushti
identity and making future generations proud and confident of their heritage, religion and culture.
ZAF's Motto
We really do believe that, if we work together as one, following the simple
yet priceless tenets
of our faith –
We can
move mountains.
The Zoroastrian Association of Florida (ZAF)
Executive Board Members 2013 - 2014.
Executive Board Members:
Board Members at Large:
President: Furrokh Irani
Khushnuma Driver
Vice President: Rustom Deboo
Dr. Roy Dubash
Secretary: Gerry Marino
Simon Gee
Treasurer: Jaspar Pardiwala
Dr. Zubin Panthaki
Nash Patel
Events at a glance 2013
ZAF Annual Picnic – April 28th Sunday 12 - 4 pm.
Treetops Park, Gumbo Limbo Pavilion, Davie, FL 33328.
Bingo Nite – June 8th Saturday 7 - 10pm.
Arista Park Community Hall, Davie, FL 33317.
Muktaad/Jashan Prayers by Ervad Soli Dastur – August 13th to 18th.
Dr Burjis & Hovi Shroff will be hosting the Muktaad
Pateti/New Year Function – August 17th Saturday 7 - 11 pm.
The Grand Ballroom, Sawgrass Quality Inn.,
Plantation. 1711 N. University Dr., Plantation, FL 33322.
Gahambar and ZAF-AGM – First or second Sunday in November.
Awaiting exact date and venue, and are looking for a sponsor.
We look forward to seeing you at all of our events and we
thank you for your continuing support.
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