ZzOoRr & MmOoRrEe Issue # 4 of 4, 2011 1 of 12

Maah Khordad YZ 1381 Zor & More Issue # 4, November 2011 Aa PpUuBbLlIiCcAaTtIiOoNn OoFf TtHhEe ZzOoRrOoAaSsTtRrIiAaNn AaSsSsOoCcIiAaTtIiOoNn OoFf FfLlOoRrIiDdAa

W e really do believe that, if we work together as one, following the simple yet priceless tenets of our faith- Humata, Hukhta, H uvarshta, we can move mountains.

Z A F is a non-profit organization; IRS code 501(c) (3); tax ID # E IN 65-0786849.

Donations and M embership F ee are Tax-deductible. W e are a member of the F E Z A N A (F ederation of the Zoroastr ian Associations of North Amer ica)

Pg. In This Issue

3. The late Parsi F ighter Pilot Manchi Captain

4. Z A F - M aidhyoshem Ghambaar

4. Z A F- Annual General M eeting (A G M)

6. Z A F- M embership

6 Z A F - Community News

7. Aah....Parsi... Thy Name is Foodie

8. W Z O T rust, Gujarat, Food Project Status Update

8 Z-C lub News, by Aban K avasmaneck

9. Charity Drive, by Zane & Stéfan Todywala

9. N .Am./ F L Religious T ele-C lass, by Soli Dastur

10. O rlando W Z C C Satum Prayer & Ghambaar

11. Beyond F lorida

12. Calendar of Events

ZAF -­ Happy 17th Anniversary

&

This issue of ZzOoRr & MmOoRrEe is presented

With the best wishes

to

The Community

from a

ZAF Family

ZzOoRr & MmOoRrEe Issue # 4 of 4, 2011 2 of 12

&

AND BEST WISHES

FROM

JjIiMmMmYy, FfRrEeNnYy AaNnDd TtHhEe DdEeBbOoOo FfAaMmIiLlYy

From the moment we start planning your African Safari or

your journeys to India, South East Asia or South America, our professional expertise and destination travel knowledge will ensure that your experience is an unforgettable one.

Visit our website for over 150 Safaris & Holidays around the Globe To the Zoroastrian Community of Florida:

It will be my pleasure to personally look after your holiday needs. Firdosh Bulsara, General Manager

ZzOoRr & MmOoRrEe Issue # 4 of 4, 2011 3 of 12

Editorial: Reprinted with premission from Jam-E-Jamshed, Sunday28th August, 2011. The late E rvad Manchi Maneckshaw Captain was the beloved son of our dear Jaloo Auntie (Jaloo Captain) and brother of our dear Rita Engineer.

(Lower right corner is cut out to remove an Ad).

ZzOoRr & MmOoRrEe Issue # 4 of 4, 2011 4 of 12

Z A F Maidhyoshem Ghambaar

On Sunday, November 6th, 2011, thanks to the generosity of Drs. Roshan & C laude Moraes, ZAF Celebrated the annual Ghambaar at the Palace Restaurant in Davie. 90 adults and 10 children attended, including 15 out-of-town guests or first time ZAF members. ZAF President Jahanbux Daruwala welcomed the congregation and introduced the hosts, new members and the visiting guests.

The Deevo Hum Bandagee Led by Ervad Soli Dastur Hosts: Drs. Roshan & Claude Moraes (right) & family

Adults & children alike: enjoying the personal and traditional service of delicious Parsi food by volunteers on kera-na-paatra (banana leaves)

The event began with a candle-lit procession of the host family and ZAF chilren, led by ervad Soli Dastur, while the solemn tune of Yatha-Ahu-Vairyo played in the hall. The deevo was lit by Dr . Roshan Moraes followed by the prayers of Yatha-Ahu-Vairyo and Ashem Vohu by the attendees. Ervad Dastur then explained the significance of Ghambaar as one of the key aspects of our religion that was traditionally celebrated six times a year in Iran and India. A beautiful short documentary movie (produced by IZA & ZAGNY) about Zarathushtri history, culture and religion was shown and appreciated by all. This was followed by the superb and personal serving of the delicious Parsi style traditional Ghambaar food on kera-na-paatra (banana leaves) .

We wish to extend our sincere thanks to all the volunteers who served the food with a smile (F reny Deboo, Jimmy Deboo, Behli Hansotia, K atya Hansotia, Jimmy M ajor , Danny Mobed, M ina Dubash, Far rah I rani, Fur rokh I rani, Gustadj i I rani, K hushnam I rani, Navroj I rani, Nash Patel, F ranah M arino-Vazir). Our heartfelt thanks are also due to Casey Raja, Pavan Singh and the staff of the Palace Restaurant for their personal attention and authentic Parsi food that was enjoyed by all. We know they came early in the morning and worked hard to please all - and yes they succeeded !

We are very thankful to Soli and Jo Ann Dastur for taking the time to travel from Sarasota to not only help us with the prayers and explanations but also with collecting the leaves from the kera-waadi (banana-field). The latter was a mini project (procure, cut, clean & transport) that was successfully executed thanks to Gulshan & M ina Dubash, F reny & Jimmy Debo, Jo Ann & Solibhai Dastur , K ersi & Dolly M unshi, M icky & M ahaookh Tamboowala. A very special vote of thanks is also due to K hushnam& Furrokh I rani for coordinating the menu and all the arrangements with the Palace Restaurant and our Secretary K ersi M unshi for the extensive communication and tracking the attendee list. Thanks also to Dustyn and K evyn Shroff and K ersi who provided great technical help in setting up the a/v system and projection. A special recognition and thanks were given to M r . Ger ry Marino for his invaluable counsel in legal matters over the last many years.

The memorable event was eloquently summed up by our gracious sponsors as follows: Dear ZAF Board members: All of you put in so much time, energy and hard work in making last Sunday's Ghambaar a roaring success and Claude & I are truly grateful for that. We might have sponsored the event, but it was the board members' due diligence and Casey Raja along with his partner & staff who made the Ghambaar so memorable. The food was superb and it was obvious to note all the hard work put in by the volunteers. A special thanks to JoAnn and Soli who make all occasions extra special. Once again, we thank you all and look forward to future events. With warmest regards, Claude & Roshan

Z A F Annual G eneral Meeting (A G M)

Following the Ghambaar lunch, the AGM was called to order. The agenda included voting on the new & revised By-Laws, followed by the reports of the Treasurer and the President. By-Laws: ZAF Secretary K ersi M unshi conducted this session. It was noted that the current membership of ZAF had been sent the full text of the pertinent current by-laws as well as that of the proposed new and revised ones for voting. To facilitate voting by mail as well as in person, all members were also sent a ballot (one month in advance) that contained voting instructions and an explanation of key

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points and rationale of each proposal. The congregation was also offered an opportunity to ask questions before voting. Four votes were received by mail prior to the AGM and 61 were cast in person. The results, effective immediately, are as follows and have been sent to the ZAF members by e-mail within three days following the AGM.

By-Law # & Description Y es No Abstain Result 1.03: Term of Membership & grace period till March-15 60 3 1 Pass 1.03.01: Membership fee vaiver for financial hardship 63 2 0 Pass 1.05: Types of Memberships better clarified & defined 65 0 0 Pass

65 0 0 Pass 3.04: Director Qualifications; Clarification of eligibility 65 0 0 Pass 3.06: Director Resignation; Better definition of how to replace 64 1 0 Pass 3.1.6: Representation; Who can officially represent ZAF & how 61 2 0 Pass

64 0 1 Pass 4.08.02: Community Service Certificate issued in name of ZAF 56 8 1 Pass

: Mina Dubash presented the following summary (all as of October 31, 2011):

Assets Current Assets:

Checking-Congregation & Operating (#1) 9,702.83 Checking-Cultural & Educational (#2) 0.00 Checking-Critical Assistance ( #3) 4,201.00 Checking-Good Citizen (#4) 0.00 Checking-Land & Building (#5) 0.00 Certificate of Deposit (Matures Dec-2011) 20,315.06 T O T A L 34,218.89

Liabilities Liabilities:

Unrestricted 24,985.72 Temporary Restricted 4,201.00 Revenue over Expenditures-Current Yr. 5,032.17 T O T A L Fund Balance 34,218.89

Revenue & Expenses Revenue:

TOTAL Congregation & Operation #1 17,594.10 Cultural & Educational Fund #2 100.00 Critical Assistance Fund #3 6,675.00 Interest 180.32 T O T A L Revenue & Interest 24,549.42 Expenses & Donations from Z A F 19,517.25 Excess of Revenue over Expenses 5,032.17

Donations F rom Z A F Navar Sponsorship 1,112.00 Youth Congress 100.00 Donations 701.00

(Japan = 300, Mia Rescue Mission = 300, FEZANA = 100) WZO - Gujarat 3,574.00

(Zatambay= 1188, Orlando= 946, ZAF= 1440) T O T A L from Z A F * 3,353.00

(*Ex Orlando & Zatambay)

Donations To Z A F Account Donations - O ther 675.00 Pateti Donation 1,296.00 Navroze Donation 1,262.00 M uktad Donation 1,404.00 Educational Get-to-Gather 409.10 (Persepolis D V D & lunch event) Newslttr . Sponsorships & Ads 1,405.00 Cultural & Educ. Fund #2 100.00 C ritical Asst. Fund #3 6,574.00

Anonymous 3,000.00 W Z O- Gujarat 3,574.00 (Zatambay= 1188, O rlando= 946, Z A F= 1440)

T O T A L = 13,125.10 (Does not include Ghambaar Sponsorship)

President Jahanbux Daruwala summarized the Z A F activities during the year as follows: A C C O M PL ISH M E N TS

Traditional activities of Picnic, Navroze, Muktaad, Pateti, Ghambaar, AGM & Quarterly Newsletters Very well attended & supported Each Newsletter (Zor&More) is funded with Goodwill messages, Ads &/or full sponsorships Full support for Muktaad & Ghambaar

Record attendance at Muktaad & Pateti Governance of the Board: We continue the standards of Compliance, Conduct and Fiscal Management established in prior year. So, w

History) Donations Committee formed (Kersi, Burjis, Soli, Behli, Khushnam, Katya) with the objective of developing a charter to

systematically & responsibly disburse charity in all classes of charity:

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Educational/Cultural (for Zarathushtris) Critical Assistance (for Zarathushtris) Good Citizens (non-Zarathushtri causes)

Navar Candidate Sponsored & looking for 2012 (Thanks to Dr . & M rs. Soli Dastur) WZO Gujarat food for the needy drive - $1,440 (Thanks to Dr . & M rs. Soli Dastur) Enhanced Collaboration with Orlando & ZATAMBAY (Thanks to Dr . & M rs. Soli Dastur) Fully Supported Educational Tele-Class Initiative (Thanks to Dr . & M rs. Soli Dastur) Initiated Operation Eye-Sight & made first dispatch of 27 pairs already. More being collected. (Thanks to Behli Hansotia) Initiated Educational Get-to-Gather (e.g., Persepolis DVD & Luncheon). More are planned for 2012. Won A.I.A. Best Booth Award (Special thanks to Gulshan Dubash, Shahnaz Dubash & Jimmy M ajor)

Open Forum; Q & A : There were no questions or comments during the open forum, Q & A period. The meeting was adjourned with a vote of thanks by the President to the community, the Z A F Board and their spouses for their support.

Z A F M embership - 2011: A sincere vote of thanks for your support

Baria, Noshir, Goolu Hansotia, Dinshaw, Hootokhshi Moraes, Claude, Roshan Bhadha, Pauli, Kashmira Hansotia, Kaizad, Katya Munshi, Kersi, Dolly Bharucha, Jimmy, Roshan Irani, Farhad, Nina Panthaki, Zubin, Dimple Captain, Jaloo & Rita Engineer Irani, Furrokh, Khushnam Patel, Homi, Daisy, Merzy Cooper, Homi , Eileen Irani, Gustad, Arnavaz Patel, Nash, Anahita Daruwala, Jahanbux , Nancy Irani, Rustam, Jennifer Pir, Kairus Daruwala, Khushroo Irani, Soli, Jeroo Ragaby, Khodadad, Parvana Dastur, Soli, Jo Ann Jilla, Bahram Samson, Nancy Deboo, Jimmy, Freny Katgara, Pallan, Carol Shringarpure, Deepak, Jasmine Deboo, Nina Kavasmaneck, Percy & Aban Shroff, Burjis, Hovi Deboo, Rustom, Jasmin Kevala, Rustom, Yasmin Shroff, Dustyn Dhatigara, Shahveer Khariwalla, Rumy, Armaity Shroff, Homzi Dotiwala, Firdaush, Azita Major, Jimmy, Farida Shroff, Jehengir, Shireen Driver, Rohinton, Jinobia Marino-Vazir, Gerard, Franah Tamboli, Hoshedar, Anahita Dubash, Darius, Shahnaz Mehta, Mehar, Daisy Tata, Burjor, Pervin Dubash, Mina, Gulshan Mehta, Zersis, Jennifer Tavadia, Bob, Iwona Dubash, Roy Minocher, Zersis, Anahita Todywala, Sam, Lyla Engineer, Farrokh, Shirin Mistry, Diana & Monaz Unwalla, Darab, Nariman, Nellie Hansotia, Behli, Zenobia Mobed, Danny, Gohar Unwalla, Perry, Sasha Vazir, Sheroo

Please bring errors or omissions to the attention of Kersi Munshi (Secretary) at kershasp@yahoo.com or Mina Dubash (Treasurer) at minadubash@aol.com. Thank you.

Z A F Community News

New Members of Z A F The following persons have just joined ZAF as new members. Thank you for your support. Dr . Homi & E ileen Cooper : 4007 N Harbor City Blvd #404, Melbourne, FL 32935. 321-255-3105. Diana & Monaz Mistry: Willow Brooke Apartments, #C201, 14402 Odyssey, Tampa, FL 33613. 813-445-9378.

New A rrivals to Z A F A rea Maharookh & Merwan Tamboowala: We extend a warm Florida welcome to Maharookh and Merwan (Micky) who have

just moved from Mumbai and extend our best wishes in their new residence. (610-400-5857, Merwant@hotmail.com).

Operation Eye-Sight Our project coordinator and Board member Behli Hansotia is proud to report that the initiative to collect used eye-glasses for poor and needy was started at this year Function in March. The first batch of 27 pairs already has been sent to Lions Club eyeglass collection center in May. Additional 12 pairs have been collected and the drive continues at all ZAF functions & gatherings. Thank you Behli and the Z A F donors for your energy and determination in this worthy cause .

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Aapro (our) Z A F T ennis Pro Jimmy Deboo

Jimmy and his Little Tennis Team at the Halloween Party at the Swim

and Racquet Club, Boca Raton, Florida on 10/28/2011

For the love of tennis and teaching success to the young

team players!

Young players should not assess their game solely by wins tennis guru explains to his students how to set

goals and progress as a developing team player . Congratulations Jimmy for over five years of professional

tennis coaching and improving tennis players of all ages throughout the Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

The Deboo Family

Aaah Parsi Thy Name is Foodie (author unknown)

n butter, cheese n bacon will always do, along with sunny-­side-­up eedoo ;; yet nothing to beat aapro sev n' ravo sprinkled generously with mevo or eedapak, with sing, potatoes n ghosh, pickle, kachumber or simple lime, turn

these creations to something divine. have tea, without bhakhra, karkarias or popatji, or at least chaapats

hot or creamy doudh, sprinkled with lots of charlee. toddy or similarly made saadhras, or meva rich

kervai made from bananas. But what really takes the cake, are the khaman na larva , t what excites most your gourmet libido, is mewafull & ghee rich delicious malido;; badampak or vasanoo.

Masoor ma bookka, titori ne boomla sukhkha, papeta ma ghosh, kid roast, and all sorts of veggies, with ghosh of course;; but

al favorite is -­ -­ -­per eeda: be it papeta , tambota,, bhaaji or bheeda , kheema, chicken shreds, or brinjal,

e Chicken malai-­vahlan, a dish we make, with more almonds n raisins than a Christmas cake, sali ma murghi, pulao daar, along with savory lagan nu achar, i after facing a crotchety boss.

Curry n rice is all very nice, with pomfret , meat, or prawns galore, ake any type;; I love all types, be it of Goa, Madras or Mangalore. Aapro dhandaar ne patio, pet bhari ne chatio, or simply dhandaar n that heavenly dish, the incomparable patra-­fish .

Dhansaak ne kebab, simply la-­jawab;; khichree n saas with kolmi is the most or humble rus chawal.

JAMVA CHALOJI Please come to eat (forwarded by Merwan Tamboowala Thank you Merwan)

A gift from Dr . Darabsha Unwalla & Dustyn Shroff (Presented at the ZAF Pateti function, August 20, 2011)

O N B E H A L F O F T H E Z A F C O M M UNI T Y W E W O U L D L I K E T O T A K E T H IS OPPO RUT NI T Y T O T H A N K Y O U B O T H: JA H A N A ND N A N C Y D A RU W A L A

What the two of you have done for ZAF within this short span of three years is simply phenomenal. Most of us came to South Florida to retire, but Nancy and you, Jahan, have given retirement a new meaning. Ask Mina Dubash and Behli Hansotia along with their better halves. They will tell you that they have been busier in retirement than when they were employed. Dolly and Kersi Munshi, too, were drawn out of retirement by your magnetic personalities to come serve with you on this Board. This should serve as ample warning to our dear friends Hovi and Burjis Shroff that there is no rest after early retirement. We have always felt that you, Nancy, and our dear Jahan, the lovesome twosome always make us feel that our contributions to ZAF are worth a lot more than any of us could have imagined to the extent that it has pulled us away from our sofas and recliners at home from watching the Miami Heat and the Dolphins in the evenings and on weekends. Our community has been very lucky and blessed to have both you and Nancy retire in South Florida, with us. To those who do not know

full of g and success of The

Zoroastrian Association of Florida. We pray and wish that you both will be there to guide ZAF in the coming years. With Fondness & Affection, Endorsed by: ____________________________________ The Members of ZAF: Darab B . Unwalla, Ph.D . & Dustyn Shroff Hormuzd Roj F ravardin Maha, 1381 Y.Z. (8-20-2011)

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Happy Birthday to Mason Mehta:

It is fun to be one year young!! So said M ason, darling son of Jennifer & Zersis & grandson of Daisy & M ehar M ehta, as he was having a giant piece of his birthday cake in the company of

many friends and family at the Palace Restaurant. The food, music, face painting all added to a fun filled afternoon.

W Z O T rust, Gujarat, Poor Parsi-Zarathushtri Food Project Status Update

The following lines are quoted from the correspondence received by Dr . Soli Dastur from the organizer of the WZO Trust, Gujarat project, Mr. Dinshaw Tamboly, with regard to the funds remitted from the joint efforts of ZAF, ZATAMBAY and Orlando organizations.

September 27, 2011 We have recently (August 2011) identified a cluster of around 30 odd, very poor Zoroastrian families residing in the villages of Karchun and Katargam situated in the Union territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, around 3 hours driving time south of Navsari. Farokh Kasad, Sarosh Guzder & I visited the areas and are now finalizing a schedule of rehabilitation for these economically challenged Zoroastrian families.

November 15, 2011 Dear Soli, I am happy to inform you that from the funds received from ZAF, ZATAMBY & Central Florida Group of Orlando, WZOT will be undertaking distribution of food grains and other essential commodities to poor Zoroastrians in the villages on December 04, 2011. After the distribution is completed, I will send you a report and a few photographs. Please do convey this information to all your colleagues. Once again I thank all those who contributed for their generosity and benevolence. Warm regards, Dinshaw

Z C lub News By Aban K avasmaneck

The Z-Club continues to be ablaze with educational and interesting classes and projects. In October, we had two classes which concentrated on the Kusti prayers. Kusti prayers. All the children, not only practiced all the Kusti prayers, but also got earnestly involved in the religious and philosophic discussion about the import, message, significance and power of our daily Kusti prayers.

Then, as a follow- ion of the actual Kusti-tying ritual, as demonstrated by our own Ervad Khushroo. The children also learned about the meaning, significance and relevance of our Sadra and Kusti. Both classes had a tremendous impact, both intellectually and spiritually, on the children. With wisdom beyond their years, the Z-Club kids asked amazingly challenging and metaphysical questions, which proved the effectiveness and merit of these classes on the

At our children to participate in our Parsi rituals and partake in the fellowship and heritage of our Zoroastrian religion. We were also very happy to welcome Dina and Tyler Katgara from New York as our newest Z-Club members.

Celebrating Zane & Stefan Todywalas birthdays Zane receiving Gold Medal Class Award

We are very proud of Zane Todywala receiving a Gold Medal Award in Mathematics for receiving the highest marks in his class.

November and December are busy months for our children, and in spite of their busy schedule the Z-Club will be involved in projects and outings. The dates will be announced later. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement of our children. The more we support, encourage and praise our precious gems, the more they will shine and reflect their genius!

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Charity Drive by Zane & Stéfan Todywala Dear Friends and Family: Your generosity, last year, in raising close to $1,000 for His House Children's Home, helped to make a bleak Christmas, BRIGHT, for so many abused, neglected, and broken children. This year, we, the Z-club kids, are humbly asking for your help again, to give a joyful Christmas to those kids who have recently arrived at the home, many of whom have never enjoyed the holidays the way we have! My brother, Stéfan, and I are donating our Christmas gifts to these kids this year (no really), because it's a cool thing to do, and because we have visited His House Childrens Home and seen what an awesome place it is! So, if WE can do it, maybe some of you will feel like its cool to donate your gifts too!!! Feel free to visit www.hhch.org to find out more about this great place!!! Please send your donations or gift cards (Walmart, Target, Publix, etc...), made out to: " His House Children s Home Inc.'' and remember that your donations are tax deductible. The mailing address is: THE Z Club, c/o Zane or Stéfan Todywala, 5340 NW 104th Court, Miami, Fl 33178. This is the Z Club kids' 3rd year fundraising for local needy kids, so PLEASE, PLEASE support us, so that they can enjoy what kids like us experience all the time.

Good Words, Good Deeds, Good Thoughts. Peace out!!! The Z Club Kids. Zane Todywala " .the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."- Steve Jobs

N .Am./F L Zoroastr ian Religious Tele-C lasses by Ervad Soli Dastur

Fourth A ll F lorida Z Religion Seminar videos Z Scriptures

E rvad Dastur getting ready for the class T ele-C lass in action!

A Zoroastrian Religion Class was held by Telephone on September 18th by Ervad Soli P. Dastur from his home, Hira Villa, in Sarasota, Florida. About 50+ people joined in by calling a Tele-meeting phone number. The people were from both Canada and USA, from NY to Dallas, Montreal to Miami.

One of the C lass Slides The class material was a PowerPoint Presentation on The Religious Scriptures of the Zoroastrian Religion, side by side with the Zoroastrian Religion History from Antiquity to current times. In the end, the relevance of all the scriptures in our daily lives were discussed by comparing a Zoroastrian daily life in Mumbai with the daily life of a Zoroastrian in the diaspora especially in North America.

g some

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alternatives. The final prayer in English, frog the

Class, a cyber Hamaa Zor all over North America! The PowerPoint Presentation slides and two explanatory files for our Scriptures and daily prayers were sent out to all participants one week ahead of time. In most homes, families gathered in front of their computers seeing slides of this presentation as I spoke about them from my home. In Orlando, a group of 20+ of our Central Florida Group members came together in a conference room and the slides were projected on the screen for all to see. Yazdi Tantra and his associates in Mumbai volunteered to place the one hour video I recorded in my home on his excellent website and so I sent him by FedEx a flash drive with the video and other files. He was kind enough to place this video on YouTube and it is available on: http://zoroastrians.net/2011/10/18/fourth-all-florida-z-religion-seminar-videos/ We want to thank all who participated in this learning experience and especially Yazdi for taking pains to make it available to all!

Next N A-F L Zoroastrian T ele C lass December 11, 2011 Our next all NA/Florida Zoroastrian Religious Tele-Class is scheduled as follows on Sunday December 11th, 11 AM (SST Standard Time). It will last one hour. I will be tele-conferencing from my home, Hira Villa. You can be in your home just calling a number to participate. A PowerPoint Presentation on the topic(s) selected will be mailed out to you a week earlier. We covered our Scriptures in our last Tele Class on September 18th. Based on some suggestions, we will cover the following requested topics:

Places of worship: Atash Behram, Agiyari, Atash-kadeh, Atash-daad-gah, Adariyan, Dar-e-Meher, Darbe-Meher. (It is good to clearly understand the differences and what is relevant in the North American context.)

Ceremonies: Jashan, Muktaad, Satum, Navjote, Gahambar, Nirang-din, Maachi, Sachkaar, Geh-saarna and others. What is feasible here and what can be done only in India, Pakistan or Iran at this time?

Please note these classes will continue and we welcome suggestions from all of you regarding topics to be used in subsequent classes. Love and Tandoorasti, Soli

O rlando-Central F L G roup & W Z C C , Satum Prayer & Ghambar

What a site from my vantage point from the stage of this expansive Conference Room in Orlando Sun Resort! On the right side are seated over 120 All Florida Zoroastrian Community and on the left side is a magnificent spread of tables with banana leaves to be used as the all green dishes for the delicious Gahambar lunch to be served later! This was a personal gratification after requesting our Orlando Central Florida Group to stage a Gahambar as a Community building Celebration, reminiscent of the olden days in Mother India! And so they took up the challenge and after a lot of hard work for weeks, this group convened all FL communities and had a very successful Gahambar on Sunday, October 16th at the Orlando Sun Resort in Kissimmee, FL. Our own Percy Amaria, its General Manager, so graciously donated his place with an industrial size kitchen and a huge Conference Hall to hold this Gahambar for which we will truly be in his debt forever!

The cooks, shrimp, veggies and Vino! K ebabs and Patties in Industrial kitchen! C leaning of Banana L eaves!

The preparations for the festivities were started by Dinyar M ehta, with able help from Perzid and Urvazi, our Chef extra ordinaire, Ichhaporia, and a host of their helpers too numerous to mention weeks ahead of the Gahambar day with meetings, assignments, responsibilities, etc. They even found a place in Davie, FL to get the banana leaves and Perzid personally went there to consummate the deal and our Mina and Gulshan Dubash from Ft. Lauderdale brought the leaves with them.

On Friday, a group of us started the prep work for the food cutting and peeling and preparing the basis for the Gahambar food under the able and efficient leadership of Urvazi. The Resort ommercial kitchen was God sent for this and we were amazed at all the utensils and equipment, as well as the helping hands of our own other chef, Percy Amaria, the GM himself and his efficient Resort helpers, at our disposal for the big job made easy due to that.

The cooking in earnest started Saturday afternoon and for 8 hours a lot of busy helpers worked to prepare the food for the Gahambar as well as prepared all banana leaves for over 120 people and set up the Gahambar tables for the lunch. The next morning, the people started to come by 10 AM and by 12 noon, all were there and a short YouTube video on Zoroastrianism prepared by ZAGNY and IZA NY Groups was presented. The Satum Prayers were then started by Ervad Soli P. Dastur, with a short explanation of Gahambar and its significance in our religion. Then M ezdi Birdie gave a short introduction of the WZCC Orlando Chapter under whose aegis this Gahambar was held, followed by Perzid giving the details of the revival of the WZCC (World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce) Orlando Chapter and its scheduled activities in the future. In the end, Sher ry Shaikh, Treasurer WZCC Chapter, and Sarosh M istry, Secretary WZCC

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Chapter, gave short accounts of their functions. Then Sherry and Sarosh introduced the game of Housie (Parsi Bingo) and all had fun playing it with some very lucky winners.

Satum Prayer on Gahambar Day! Eating on Banana L eaves just like in Colaba Agiyari in M umbai!

Then the real Gahambar feast was served by our own members to all with Saaria, Achaar, Soli's Chutney, Rotlis, Papeta ma Gosh (goat meat), vegetarian and shrimp kabaabs, and lagan nu custard. All were happily fed and had lots of great positive comments for the whole affair! Once again, we want to thank all Central Florida Orlando Group for doing such a magnificent job of arranging for this Gahambar, Percy Amaria for donating the place and all of you who came from far and wide to participate in it! May we make this an annual affair!

Love and Tandoorasti, Jo Ann and Soli

(The photos can be seen in the album at the link: http://etarapur.tripod.com/orlando_gahambar/)

Beyond Florida

Innovator Educator Jamshed Bharucha Inaugurated As 12th President of The Cooper Union Nov- 1-2011 The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art ushered in a new era for the esteemed 152-year-old institution with the inauguration of its 12th president, cognitive neuroscientist Jamshed Bharucha. The ceremony took

Platinum academic building at 41 Cooper Square (NY) to its landmarked Foundation Building.

Congratulations and best wishes to Dr . Jamshed Bharucha from your community in South F lorida!

X V I North American Zarathushti Congress 2012: Theme: Zarathushti Existence in the Contemporary World

The XVIth North American Zarathushti Congress will bring together Zarathushtis of all ages from all over the world to celebrate our community and explore Zarathushti Existence in the Contemporary World. Who do we consider a Zarathushti? What can we do to make navjote a more meaningful ritual for children? How can we help care for our aging loved ones? The Congress will provide a forum for these and other questions, the opportunity to strengthen old friendships, and to create new ones. Pack your bags and book your tickets to New York from August 2nd to 5th, 2012. Early registration at reduced rates is now open. V isit www.nazc.Z A G N Y .org.

The Program: Congress organizers have conducted interviews with community members from all corners of the globe to identify emerging issues and relevant topics. These topics will be featured in four parallel tracks lectures, discussions, and other activities designed to help participants learn from scholars, community leaders, and most importantly, one another. Throughout the Congress, participants will work together to create a roadmap to a future in which our community thrives.

Education track focuses on developing a strong, consistent methodology for those interested in teaching Zarathushti principles and practices.

Youth track offers a forum to learn about and discuss the questions most relevant to young people growing up in North America. Core Beliefs eachings and how they translate into daily living. Rituals and Practices, participants will examine the Navjote and other core ceremonies and how they can be made more meaningful

in the North American context. Worldwide Zarathushti community issues will examine poverty, the destruction of our heritage sites, and other pressing issues that

threaten the community.

Entertainment: Beautiful, bustling New York offers something for everyone. From a music-filled Youth Night to a wine-n-dine banquet featuring amazing talent from across our community, the Social Committee is creating a Congress experience like never before. Adventurers can enjoy a night in Manhattan, choosing from a variety of activities. Tour New York C ity most spectacular landmarks, cruise around the island and enjoy a dinner cruise with breathtaking views of the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty, or explore the theater district and enjoy a Broadway show. Mark your calendars for what promises to be an extraordinary four-day event.

The Z .A . F . Inc.

ZzOoRr & MmOoRrEe Issue # 4 of 4, 2011 12 of 12

c/o K ersi M unshi, Secretary 9830 BayLeaf C t. Parkland, F L 33076-4445

Mah Khordad YZ 1381 Zor & More Issue #4, November-2011

Aa PpUuBbLlIiCcAaTtIiOoNn OoFf

TtHhEe ZzOoRrOoAaSsTtRrIiAaNn AaSsSsOoCcIiAaTtIiOoNn OoFf FfLlOoRrIiDdAa

Board of Directors President

Jahanbux Daruwala V.P.

Burjis Shroff Secretary

Kersi Munshi Treasurer

Mina Dubash Members-at-Large

Soli Dastur Behli Hansotia Katya Hansotia Khushnam Irani Jimmy Major

Calendar of Events

December 11: Sunday, 11-12 am, N A/F L Religious Tele-C lass, by Ervad Soli Dastur. Dialing details and Power Point Slides will be sent in advance of the class.

January 20: Friday, 11 am, Z A F Board Meeting January 29: Sunday, 12: 30pm, Educational D V D Get-to-Gather & Luncheon, Arista Park

Community Hall, Davie (near Jimmy- March 24: Saturday, 7-11 pm, Z A F Jamshedi Nowruz Celebration, Miramar Community

Hall. Details to be announced. April 22: Sunday, Z A F Annual Picnic. Tree Top Park, Gumbo Limbo Shelter, Davie

(same park same shelter as last year). August 2-4: 16th N . Amer ican Zarathushti Congress, hosted by ZAGNY at Rye Town

Hilton, NY. Theme: Zarathushti Existence in the Contemporary World. Early registration at reduced rates is now open. Visit www.nazc.ZAGNY.org.