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Issue #1, April 2013

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ZAF 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 Dearest Meher and Sanaya

Navjote Mubarak

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARDDear 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

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ZAF Community News

B I R T H D A Y

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.

CONGRATULATIONS to our very own board member, Dr. Roy Dubash, for hitting the headlines in the Miami Herald.

Mom a very happy 90th Birthday from your children, Phil and Rita, Daughter-in-law, Ashrita and Grandsons, Rehan and Mehernosh.

February 1923 Howard Carter finds Pharaoh Tutankhamen sarcophagus. February 1923 Jaloo Captain is born.

Happy 90th Birthday Jaloo!

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our professional expertise and destination travel knowledgewill 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.

Experience extraordinary African safaris and travel adventures around the globe.

www.myescapades.com1.888.887.9710

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!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY KARL AND KAYAAN

Compliments from

Jimmy & Freny Deboo

WELCOME TO THE WORLD!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

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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 NewsNorth 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.

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 nowit 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 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?)

Love and Tandoorasti, Soli

Ervad Soli and Jo Ann performing Hama Zor in the the Tele Class.

Cyrus Cylinder corroborating the Old Testaments Prophesies.

Agenda Slide with Discussed Topics.

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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!

Roy Dubash (Event Attendee)

FEZANA and World NewsThe 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.

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 Diana, Cyrus, Arzaan, and Sanaya Bharucha of Great Falls, Virginia

Jennifer, Rustam, Meher and Hvovi Irani of Tampa, Florida

Meher and Sanaya after ceremony

Email us at zafboard@gmail.com

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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)

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. Let 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.

Charitable EndeavorsReligious 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.

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A message from Jehaan’s father.

To the ZAF Board

Respected BoardThis 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.

We were overwhelmed when Jehaan was felicitated by Ervad Zarolia at Tarapur on January 26, 2013.

Ervad Jehaan Cyrus Darbari having undergone Navar at Seth Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy Agiary, Colaba, Mumbai on Nov. 24, 2012.

Ervad Yazad Sidhwa in full dress after his Navar Ceremony.

Jehaan with his Parents and Grandparents.

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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.

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.

15. After dressing me up they took some pictures in my full Priest attire.

16. After 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. That 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. This 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, 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.

Kayomarz Sidhwa with his wife, daughter, Ervad Soli and Jo Anne.

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Critical Assistance Fund Cherag Soli Desai AppealThe 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 AppealThe 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.

Fund Raising for Hurricane SandyOur 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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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.

Thank you all who contributed to this very worthy cause.

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.

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.”

Old Hut of Parsi farmers.

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?

A. WZOT helped Poultry farm. B. Happy receiver of WZOT check for his new home.

Food Distribution being loaded.

Happy recipients of the Food Distribution.

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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.

N o w r u z M u b a r a k

Jahan & Nancy Daruwala

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.

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.

World Zoroastrian Congress in Mumbai December 27 – 31, 2013The 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.

A. Dasturji Kotwal lighting the Deevo. B. A Kanku Tilak for Prof. Hintze.

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.

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ZAF Kids CornerGAMEThe Avesta teaches that each Amesha Spentas protects one of God’s seven Creations. Find which Amesha Spentas is protector of which creation.

1-Spenta Mainyu A-sky2-Vohu Manah B-animals3-Asha C-water4-Khshathra Vairyo D- plants5-Amertat E-earth6-Haurvatat F- Fire7-Spenta Aramaity G-people

AVESTAGATHASHAHANSHAHIUSHTAWADZOR JAMSHEDPAYWANDAGIARYKUSTIGAHDASTURADAR

WORD SEARCH

SPOT THE DIFFERENCEFind the 8 differences between the below two images.

AYSXIXOMJOXWTCP

ITSUKZOMJCQTXAM

SDEHSMAJUZTYLGG

AVESTAMFHSBVJIE

SISCJMXKGBXDCAM

VHSHDGEBGLYFQRW

DFADIHZALNVFLYB

ONRHVDTYOQUXILJ

TOASAHSGNSBAGAH

ZWDWANACHERRJPF

ITGQYRSTUZAUGSO

BQUEDAAHQJDTKLW

IWNWFWPWAQASVJM

MRRHAOGWIHKAVCS

PWXDEQGFZNIDDKW

COLOR THE FARAVAHARThe 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.

Answers in the next issue.

WHERE’S ZOR?Find Zor hidden around the Newsletter. He can be hard to find.

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Jamshedi Navroze 2013On 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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DIRECTIONS: WHEN YOU ENTER THE PARK, TAKE THE SECOND RIGHT AFTER THE LITTLE PLAYGROUND. IT IS THE SECOND SHELTER ON YOUR RIGHT.

Z-Club News by Aban KavasmaneckThe 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.

The Cast just before the curtain rises. Sara and Jedd rehearsing final dance moves.

The curtain closes. Well done cast and Aban and Percy for all your hard work.

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Events at a glance 2013ZAF 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 Shro� 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.

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

ZAF's VisionThe 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 con�dent of their heritage, religion and culture.

ZAF's MottoWe really do believe that, if we work together as one, following the simple

yet priceless tenets of our faith –

We can move mountains.

The Z.A.F Inc.c/o Simon Gee,21412 54th Drive South, Boca Raton, FL 33486