Fraternization in Florida

The welcome mat of The Zoroastrian Association of Florida (ZAF) that covers almost 85 homes comprising nearly 200 individuals "is spread over a distance of 120 km, primarily in the area of Miami, Ft Lauderdale and Palm Beach on the southeast coast of Florida. To put it in perspective, imagine only 85 homes between Colaba and Borivli. We are within three to four hours’ driving distance from two sister groups concentrated in the Orlando and Tampa areas with about 40 and 27 homes respectively; akin to a total of 152 homes spread between Bombay and Surat… One wishes that the distances were more favorable for a cohesive community,” notes a write-up sent to Parsiana by the ZAF board.
"The enormous disadvantage of very long distances notwithstanding, we aim to strike a balance of activities and initiatives between social, religious and family oriented events while preserving and enhancing the essence of our vision: To protect and preserve the Zoroastrian faith, values of education, philanthropy and culture in its newly adopted homeland; giving relevance to the Zoroastrian identity while making future generations proud and confident of their heritage, religion and culture.”
The ZAF website, Zafonline.org gives an update on activities/events/membership, history, newsletters, etc. They periodically publish a directory including listings for Orlando and Tampa Bay too. The publication of a cookbook and directory provide modest revenue from messages and advertising insertions.

Gahanbar and prayers in Florida

Florida children

The religious classes for ZAF children aged between four and 16 years are held regularly and excursions held after the classes give the children and their families opportunities to develop lasting social bonds. The Association is seeking to develop an adult and senior education program such as a lecture series by local and invited speakers on religion and other topics.
A popular initiative is Ervad Soli Dastur’s Weekly Zoroastrian Scripture Extracts, e-distributed worldwide to over 900 Zoroastrians for over 166 weeks. A selection from the Gathas, Khordeh Avesta, Yasna, Visperad and Vendidad are available at www.avesta.org/wzse/index.html In the performance of navjotes, jashans, lagans as also obsequies and muktads, the traditional rites are followed under the guidance of Dastur.
In the absence of their own premises, their activities are held in rented halls of libraries and clubhouses with each function starting with a humbandagi and followed by a skit performed by the children and/or adults. Iranian customs too have lately been incorporated in the local celebrations such as the haft seen display at Navroz.
To promote camaraderie, annual family picnics, museum visits and group-family outings are organized. "It is very rewarding and encouraging that all of these are well attended while the spirit of community cohesiveness is growing,” mentions the press release. Annually ZAF organizes a south-Florida gahanbar when members from Orlando and Tampa also come to attend the satum ceremony, followed by a traditional lagan nu bhonu. This year a bus load from Florida will travel to Orlando to participate in their gahanbar. Holding such gahanbars revives the Zoroastrian tradition of "being thankful together and celebrating nature’s seasons.”
The primary source of revenue for these activities are modest fees from membership, function entry and donations which are largely consumed by hall rentals, food and administrative costs. "We are one of the 26 tax exempt associations of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA),” state the board members: president Furrokh Irani, vice president Rustom Deboo, treasurer Firdaus Dotiwala, secretary Khushnuma Driver and members at large Dr Roy Dubash, Simon Gee, Rumi Major, Jaspar Pardiwala and Nash Patel. The Association was founded in 1994 under the leadership of Ervad (Dr) Darab Unwalla with their logo representing the Florida sun and water beside the atash, symbolic of the Zoroastrian spirit.
With 30% of the ZAF numbers aged over 65 years, the board is exploring and implementing ways to assist seniors by way of transportation, communication and socialization. A distant dream is to establish a retirement community for North American Zoroastrians who may be attracted by Florida’s friendly and warm climate and conducive living conditions.
As 15% of their population is aged under 16, they plan to encourage and guide the youth in nationally and locally available higher education resources and scholarships. In appreciation of the service rendered by mobeds, the board wants to assure them better facilities and equitable remuneration. Selected and prioritized charity initiatives for local and former residents are also on the cards. The executive would also like to host some of the FEZANA national meets to give the local community an opportunity to interact with Zoroastrian leaders from North America.
Until the ZAF numbers increase and they can afford a permanent abode, the board intends to create a Trust fund, using the income from its investments to pursue their goals. "ZAF, the smaller child amongst the grown up associations, is full of hope and aspirations to grow in numbers and good deeds,” they conclude.