JSGD Jain Vani Publication # 5 August 2008 JAIN VANI Jain Society of Greater Detroit 29278 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-4108 (248) 851-JAIN (5246) Tax ID: 38-2368360 Temple Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:30am - 12:30pm 5:30pm - 8:00pm Sunday 8:30am - 12:30pm 5:30pm - 8:00pm Aarti & Mangal Divo 11:30am & 7:30pm Executive Committee President Rajiv Maheshwari (248) 488-1332 [email protected]Vice President Anand Bora (248) 661-6698 [email protected]Financial Officer Peenal Shah (248) 592-1992 [email protected]Secretary Rahul Shah (734) 238-0854 [email protected]Publication Officer Nimesh Shah (248) 888-9102 [email protected]Event Coordinators Rachna Parakh (248) 865-4401 [email protected]Bharti Shah (248) 539-3856 [email protected]Board of Trustees Chairman Praful Shah (248) 851-1978 Vice Chairman Jayesh Mehta (248) 474-3389 Treasurer Jagdish Shah (248) 347-4576 Public Relation Raj Jain (248) 539-4569 Trustees Ramesh Shah (248) 661-4250 Bipin Shah (248) 442-9474 Rajiv Maheshwari (248) 488-1332 Pujari Pankaj Shah (248) 865-0908 Jai Jinendra! Hope you all are enjoying the summer. Temple 10th Anniversary: Congratulations to all of us on our temple's 10th anniversary. We are very fortunate to celebrate this event with the blessings of Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji and Shrimati Pramodaben. We are also very happy to have Shree Narendrabhai Nandu and his group with us for the entire celebration from June 13 through June 22, 2008. The highlights of the program were: • Opening Ceremony, Gurudev's messages, Elizabeth Rohlman's involvement with youths • 18 Abhisheks, Cultural program, Indra Mahotsav by our children and youths • Navkar Aradhana, 108 Parshvanath Vandana, Bhaktamar Stotra recital • Siddhachakra Pujan, Guru Gautam Swami Pujan, Laghu Shanti Pujan • Trishlamata Dreams drama, Shalibhadra drama, Antakshri • Dhwaja ceremony, and of course everyday lunch or dinner. • Total pledges: $151,000, total expense: $43,000, net income: $108,000 during 10 days This celebration was possible because of the sincere and tireless efforts of all the organizing committees, many youth and adult volunteers, and most importantly the involvement and support of all the members during all 10 days. We would like to thank all the team leaders, volunteers, donors, and well wishers for their kind hearted support. We also would like to convey our special thanks to Arvindbhai R. Shah for leading this memorable event. Picnic: Traditional father's day picnic was postponed to June 29th because of the temple anniversary celebration. The weather turned beautiful just in time for the lunch and games. Over 200 members gathered at Kensington Metro Park to enjoy the picnic. We would like to recognize Chandresh Doshi for leading the entire effort. His planning & co-ordination made sure that the event was a huge success. We would also like to thank Pravinbhai Shah, Shailaben Shah, Jagdishbhai Shah for their contribution in cooking the food on site; Reepal Shah & Vinita Parekh for organizing the games; and Pratik P Shah, Pratik Shah, Prakash Shah, Bharat Ajmera, Deven Fadia, Bharti Shah, Nimesh Shah, Rachna Parakh, Rajiv Shah, Vinit Shah, & Kamal Jain for various other volunteer work. Cincinnati and Cleveland Sanghs: Both sanghs visited our temple on Saturday, July 19 th . They performed Snatra Puja and Bhavana. Later both Sanghs had Swamivatsalya dinner before heading back to their respective places. We would like to thank Bhavnaben Mehta, Purviben Shah, Sohiniben B. Shah, Tarulataben Shah & Anuja Shah. Constitution & Bylaws Amendment: One of our objectives this year is to amend the constitution and bylaws to improve the availability of new leadership opportunities to qualified society members, streamline the operations and decision making process. A letter has been sent to all the members outlining our recommendations and requesting your input in this process. Please take time to review and respond to the separate letter sent to all the members. Continue on page 2… Publication # 5 August 2008
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JSGD Jain Vani Publication # 5 August 2008
JAIN VANI
Jain Society of Greater Detroit 29278 W. 12 Mile Road,
Farmington Hills, MI 48334-4108 (248) 851-JAIN (5246)
Jai Jinendra! Hope you all are enjoying the summer. Temple 10th Anniversary: Congratulations to all of us on our temple's 10th anniversary. We are very fortunate to celebrate this event with the blessings of Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji and Shrimati Pramodaben. We are also very happy to have Shree Narendrabhai Nandu and his group with us for the entire celebration from June 13 through June 22, 2008. The highlights of the program were:
• Opening Ceremony, Gurudev's messages, Elizabeth Rohlman's involvement with youths
• 18 Abhisheks, Cultural program, Indra Mahotsav by our children and youths • Navkar Aradhana, 108 Parshvanath Vandana, Bhaktamar Stotra recital • Siddhachakra Pujan, Guru Gautam Swami Pujan, Laghu Shanti Pujan • Trishlamata Dreams drama, Shalibhadra drama, Antakshri • Dhwaja ceremony, and of course everyday lunch or dinner. • Total pledges: $151,000, total expense: $43,000, net income: $108,000 during 10 days
This celebration was possible because of the sincere and tireless efforts of all the organizing committees, many youth and adult volunteers, and most importantly the involvement and support of all the members during all 10 days. We would like to thank all the team leaders, volunteers, donors, and well wishers for their kind hearted support. We also would like to convey our special thanks to Arvindbhai R. Shah for leading this memorable event.
Picnic: Traditional father's day picnic was postponed to June 29th because of the temple anniversary celebration. The weather turned beautiful just in time for the lunch and games. Over 200 members gathered at Kensington Metro Park to enjoy the picnic. We would like to recognize Chandresh Doshi for leading the entire effort. His planning & co-ordination made sure that the event was a huge success. We would also like to thank Pravinbhai Shah, Shailaben Shah, Jagdishbhai Shah for their contribution in cooking the food on site; Reepal Shah & Vinita Parekh for organizing the games; and Pratik P Shah, Pratik Shah, Prakash Shah, Bharat Ajmera, Deven Fadia, Bharti Shah, Nimesh Shah, Rachna Parakh, Rajiv Shah, Vinit Shah, & Kamal Jain for various other volunteer work.
Cincinnati and Cleveland Sanghs: Both sanghs visited our temple on Saturday, July 19th. They performed Snatra Puja and Bhavana. Later both Sanghs had Swamivatsalya dinner before heading back to their respective places. We would like to thank Bhavnaben Mehta, Purviben Shah, Sohiniben B. Shah, Tarulataben Shah & Anuja Shah. Constitution & Bylaws Amendment: One of our objectives this year is to amend the constitution and bylaws to improve the availability of new leadership opportunities to qualified society members, streamline the operations and decision making process. A letter has been sent to all the members outlining our recommendations and requesting your input in this process. Please take time to review and respond to the separate letter sent to all the members.
Continue on page 2…
Publication # 5 August 2008
Jain Society of Greater Detroit www.jain-temple.org Page 2
Monthly Bhavna H
EC Sub-Committees
Building Maintenance Shashi Shah Rahul Munot Pravin Shah
Education Vinay Shah
Mahendra Kapadia Mahendra Shah
Religious
Sharad Shah Snehal Shah
Swadhyay Mahesh Vora Shashi Shah
Web Development Rajiv Maheshwari
Hall Management Open
Audio/Video Mahendra Doshi Saurabh Shah
Bipin Shah
Site Management Open
Hall Rental Anand Bora
Inventory Management
Sohini Shah Shital Shah
Library Heena Shah
JOY Advisors Meena Shah Ashok Jain
BOT Sub-Committees
Constitution Girish Shah
Audit Bhupendra Shah
Long Range Planning
Nalin Shah
Fund Raising Arvin Shah
Social Services Hemant Shah
JAINA Directors
Manish Mehta Raj Jain
Accounting Shreyas Shah
Continued from Page 1 Nominations for Serving in EC & BOT: A Nomination Committee of 5 members comprising of Rohit R. Shah (chairman), Raju K. Modi, Ketur H. Doshi, Suresh L. Shah, and Ushaben V. Vasani has been formed by BOT to develop the nominations for the upcoming election of the open positions in BOT and EC. The letter has been sent by the Nomination Committee to solicit nominations for serving in various BOT & EC positions. We urge you to volunteer and submit your nomination as soon as possible. Paryushan: We are very delighted that Shree Narendrabhai Nandu and his entire team will be with us during Paryushan Parva and Parna from August 27 through September 4, 2008. The details of everyday program are included in this Jainvani. The Swapna Darshan program on Sunday will start in the morning at 9:30AM. It will be followed by Swamivatsalya lunch. We are trying the morning time for Swapna Darshan for the first time to avoid the ratri bhojan in the temple. We are hoping all the members will support this change. We plan to keep the fixed amount for majority of the gheebolis to minimize the duration of the program. The sign-up sheets are posted at the temple for the fixed gheebolis. Sakal Sangh Parna is on Thursday, September 4th and is sponsored by Anand & Mona Bora, Dharmendra & Rachna Parakh, Hemesh & Pratiksha Shah, Peenal & Niral Shah, Rahul & Gayatri Munot, Rajiv & Mamata Maheshwari and Rajiv & Reepal Shah. They have requested all the tapasvis and sakal sangh to join them for the parna. This year, for the first time ever, we will be having daily Samuhik Ekasana during the 8 days of Paryushan. In order to avoid wastage of food and to serve the members better, we have come up with certain guidelines for the Ekasana. The details of these guidelines are mentioned later in this edition of Jain Vani. If you plan to do the Ekasana, we are requesting your co-operation in following these guidelines. Just like last year, we will have points based system to recognize the tapasya done by our strong minded kids. The details about the points system will be placed on the Study class bulletin board. The kids will be recognized in the study class following the Paryushan Mark your calendar: 16th Annual Fund Raising Dinner is planned for Saturday, March 28, 2009 at Burton Manor in Livonia, Michigan. Financial Statements: They will be mailed to you before Paryushan. Please review them, contact Peenal Shah or Praful Shah if you have any issues, and pay off you balances. Thank you and Jai Jinendra. Rajiv Maheshwari Praful Shah President, Executive Committee Chairman, Board of Trustees
Ahimsa Day Ayambil
We are looking for Sponsorship and Co-Ordination for the upcoming Ahimsa Day Ayambil on 28th September. Please contact any EC member if you are interested in taking this responsibility.
Swadhyay Information We will have swadhyay of Shri Bhadhrabahu Vijayji from October 6th to 12th at the temple. Timings will be from 7.30 PM to 9.30 PM. If there is any change we will revise and communicate to the society as the time approaches. We request all society members to mark the calendar for this upcoming swadhyay event.
th
Jain Society of Greater Detroit www.jain-temple.org Page 3
UPCOMING EVENTS
Day Date Time Events
Sunday 8/17/2008 10:00 AM-11:30 AM Hindi Puja
11:00 AM-03:00 PM Jain Samaj of Toronto Visiting Detroit
Wednesday 10/29/2008 07:00 AM-10.00 AM New Year Dhwar Opening / Snatra Puja
Jain Society of Greater Detroit www.jain-temple.org Page 5
EKASANA AT THE TEMPLE DURING PARYUSHAN
The JSGD is happy to announce that tapasvis wishing to do ekasana during Paryushan will be able to do at the temple every day. Bhartiben Doshi has taken this task to coordinate food preparation for the entire duration. To facilitate tapasvis with ease and benefit to as many members as possible JSGD has come up with a Pass system. We want to make sure that we prepare food for all the Tapasvis and that nobody is left out. At the same time we want to make sure that we finish off all the food and avoid any waste especially during Paryushan. By signing up in advance, helps the Ekasana committee to plan better. Following are the instructions. It is the intent of the JSGD to STRICTLY FOLLOW these guidelines. Exercising discipline will bring relief to the volunteers and help tapasvis do ekasana in a relaxed environment.
GUIDELINES
EKASANA WILL START AT 12:30 PM
1) Please provide your name and the days you will be doing ekasana by any of the following method: (a) Write your name on the bulletin board at the temple, 2 days in advance , or (b) Send an email 2 days in advance at jsgdekasana@ gmail.com, or (c) Call the temple during normal temple hours and provide your name 2 days in advance
NO EXCUSES SHALL BE ENTERTAINED 2) Passes will be issued and will be color coded for each day. 3) Passes can be collected from the temple (Pankajbhai) prior to the ekasana. Passes can be collected on
the day of ekasana, only if the person has signed up for that day’s ekasana by following guidelines mentioned in the point# 1 above.
4) Members who have not signed up but would like to do ekasana that day will be allowed to do so after 2:00
PM. NO EXCEPTIONS
5) NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO DO EKASANA AFTER 2:30 PM. 6) No boxed lunch will be provided to members doing ekasana at home.
7) Members MUST bring their own plates, spoons, cups, etc. and MUST clean and take back with them. Do
not leave them at the temple.
8) Members not bringing their own plates, etc. will have to use paper product supplied by the JSGD. (Since we are missing a significant amount of JSGD’s steel plates, cups, etc., it will not be provided )
If necessary, seniors over the age of 70 shall be a ccommodated.
Members wishing to do Ayambil during Paryushan will have to make their own arrangement for food. The above guidelines are subject to change. Any cha nges shall be announced at the Bhavna. Members can sponsor these ekasanas by donating $251 /day. Multiple daily sponsorship is strongly encouraged.
Please contact any of the following for any questio ns:
Bharti Doshi – 248-681-6568 Bharti J. Shah – 2 48-332-3353 Pratima Shah – 248-851-1978 Bhavna Mehta – 248 -474-3389
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Life Insurance Program Purpose: The primary purpose of this program is to ensure that Jain Society of Greater Detroit (JSGD) will have a longer-term financial benefit, allowing all of its members to preserve our culture, heritage and religion for the next generation and for many more years thereafter. Life Insurance can be a convenient way to make a substantial gift to JSGD for a relatively modest annual cost. While there are many different types of life insurance, the principle of giving remains the same - a relatively small gift in the present will ultimately provide a much larger gift in the future. Program Guidelines/General Information: JSGD will offer this program to all its current & future members. JSGD will be responsible for keeping accurate record-keeping of all the policies. Members’ participation in this program is strictly ‘voluntarily’ and members who participate in this program should have very clear intention to purchase this policy for charity purposes and direct benefits to JSGD. Members who apply for the life insurance policy will be subject to ‘proof-of-good health’ and insurability to obtain the policy. Once policy is issued, members will have no rights on the policy benefits. JSGD will be the ‘owner’ and the ‘beneficiary’ of the life insurance policy. Once the policy is approved, members need to pay the premium to JSGD and JSGD in turn will make the premium payment to the Life Insurance Company. Members should make all future premium payments to ensure that policy remains in effect. If a member fails to donate the premium payments to JSGD, under no circumstances does JSGD have any obligations to pay the premium for its members to the Insurance Company. In this case, the life insurance policy may lapse due to non-payment of premium. Premium payments to JSGD will be considered as donation of current value and will be tax deductible as charitable contribution to JSGD. Future death benefits will be paid to JSGD and will be tax-free based on IRS regulations. The benefits will be payable in lump-sum to JSGD upon approved death certificate. It’s with anticipation and hope that our members will welcome this program by showing their commitment to JSGD, we did a brief presentation on this topic during Mahavir Janma Kalyanak. We are glad to see a very positive response to this effort. 2 of our members have already taken this Life Insurance policy and we are very thankful to them. If you are interested in this program or need more details, please contact any EC or BOT members.
BOT CORNER
JSGD is very fortunate to have members who are committed to serve the society in every way. This was evident during the 10th Anniversary celebration. It was a great feeling as it felt like one big family event. Every day was filled with joy and happiness. The rituals touched peoples’ spirit, the music and dancing made it fun and the daily lunches certainly catered to everyone’s taste buds.
We would like to thank Arvind R. Shah for accepting the responsibility to chair this event and of course various committee members who put in long hours to make this a memorable event. It goes without saying that the presence of Gurudev Chitrabhanu, Pramodaben and Narendrabhai Nandu and his group made a huge impact on the success of this event. CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE Members must have received mail from the Constitution Committee regarding recommendation of changes to the Constitution and By-Laws. To safeguard the interest of JSGD these changes are vital to avoid ambiguities that may pose an issue in the future. After several discussions and iterations the BOT, EC and the Constitution Committee agreed on a platform that would meet the desired requirement. Continue on page 7…
Jain Society of Greater Detroit www.jain-temple.org Page 7
HELP WANTED / HELP AVAILABLE BULLETIN BOARD
As a service to our community a new 2’ x 4’ bulletin board has been installed in the Temple lobby.
The following guidelines shall be followed:
1. There will be no charge for this service to the members.
2. All requests must be sponsored by a member of the JSGD.
3. Messages should be written on a 3” x 5” card with the sponsor’s name and date on the back and deposited in the designated box located at the Temple office.
4. Message will stay on the Bulletin board for 4 weeks unless otherwise requested by the sponsor.
5. Bulletin board will be updated on a regular basis and will be managed by the Public Relations officer of BOT.
HELP WANTED
HELP AVAILABLE
Continued from page 6.. We would like to thank the Constitution Committee under the leadership of Girish Shah and its members – Manish Mehta, Pradeep Modi, Hemant S. Shah, and Bipin Shah for working diligently and recommending the revisions. NOMINATION COMMITTEE It is election time!! The Nomination Committee has sent information for the upcoming election of BOT board members and the Executive Committee. Please consider in serving the society by filling the nomination form for the position that you desire. We would like to thank Rohit R. Shah for chairing this committee as well as Rajendra Modi, Suresh L. Shah, Ushaben Vasani and Ketur Doshi for their commitment to serve this important committee. SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE The Social Services committee headed by Hemant S. Shah recently met with a group of seniors of our society to formulate activities for senior members and parents of members of our society. Based on the comments received, detailed plan will be presented very soon. STUDY CLASS PARTITION AND CURTAIN PROJECT The JSGD thanks all the donors pledging support for the Partition and Curtain project. The elegance of the Stage Curtains made an exceptional impact during the cultural program at the 10th Anniversary celebration. Information for name plates and pledges will be sent to members very soon. For any questions, please contact, BOT, EC or the Study Class management team. Members are urged to pay their outstanding balance. Please contact Praful Shah (248) 851-1978 or Peenal Shah at (248) 592-1992 for any questions.
Jain Society of Greater Detroit www.jain-temple.org Page 8
TENTH TEMPLE ANNIVERSARY GHEEBOLI
BHAVNA, DANDIA RAAS, SANEDO (EVENING)
FIRST DAY : FRIDAY - JUNE 13, 2008 EV ENT TIME : 7:30 PM
Jain Society of Greater Detroit www.jain-temple.org Page 19
What is Jiv Daya? – A must read article
According to Gujarati dictionary the word ‘Jiv Daya’ brings the meaning as ‘Daya – Humility towards Living Beings’ In this particular note we are talking about ‘Daya – Humility’ towards Animals. Question pops out ‘WHY’ Exposure to Jain religion’s basic principles (by birth or thru our choice) we all believe in our transmigration process in four ‘Gatis’ (Dev, Narak, Human and Tiryanch – Animal). Thru our self-earned Karmas we (our souls) wander in these four Gatis endlessly till we purify our soul and detach ourselves from all karmas. Tiryanch – Animal form of life does not require any elaborate description. It is the Gati in which the soul with its self-earned destiny comes in the universe as a cow, elephant, horse etc. We also know that back home in India there are stray animals (not owned by anyone) or have been let go on road as stray animals (because they are not worth keeping – their use in agriculture or for other purpose to do labor work is fulfilled – now the animals are old, sick and burdensome to feed). There are also other ways by which these animals’ fate ends up in slaughter houses. Healthy animals are often sold to slaughter houses to support the meat consuming industry. No one can hear the screams of these animals, no one is caring for them in their older stage, no one looks at the tears in their eyes, and no one looks at their physical wounds. Let us remember “WE ALL HAVE BEEN THRU THIS FORM OF LIFE AND MANY OF OUR PAST RELATIVES MAY BE PASSING THRU THIS FORM OF LIFE AS WE SPEAK DUE TO THEIR OWN KARMAS”. There are people in India like us with soft and caring hearts. Some of them take the task of building Animal Shelters (Panjarapole) at their own expense and some care with well pledged donations. It is time for us to be part of this noble work by pledging whatever we can. It can also be an eye opening experience to visit such places during our visits to India. Our Jain Society of Greater Detroit (JSGD) like other centers in USA receives the appeals directly or thru our members asking for some contribution. JSGD - EC receives such appeals, reviews it and make appropriate contribution (on behalf of JSGD) every year. Can we count on the members to join in this noble cause and help the souls who can convey their blessings thru unseen vibrations and unspoken words? Please contact Anand Bora for further information at 248-497-9078.
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YATRA TO EAST COAST (September 19, 20, and 21, 2008) Friday, Sept. 19: � Leave from our temple, located at 29278 W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI, at 6:00 PM for Siddhachalam, NJ Saturday, Sept. 20: � Arrive at Siddhachalam, NJ temple by 7:00 AM � Leave Siddhachalam @ 3:00 PM for Queens, NY � Leave Queens by 8:00 PM to go to Siddhachalam � Night at Siddhachalam Sunday, Sept. 21: � Leave for Pittsburgh by 8:00 AM � Arrive in Pittsburgh by 1:30 PM � Leave from Pittsburgh at 3:30 PM for Cleveland � Arrive Cleveland at 5:30PM � Leave Cleveland temple at 7:00 PM � Arrive at our temple in Farmington Hills at 10:00 PM If you plan to attend, please fill out the registra tion form and send with full payment to the address listed on the form. For any questions, feel free to contact: Vastupal Shah – [email protected] 586-323-2015 (or) Vinay Shah – [email protected] 248-641-5975 AT THIS TIME WE DO HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE SIGNED UP FOR ONE BUS. TAKING NAMES FOR 2 ND BUS. PLEASE SEND IN YOUR REGISTRATION WITH PAYMENTS NOW TO RESERVE A SPOT IN THE 2ND BUS.
Jain Society of Greater Detroit www.jain-temple.org Page 21
JAIN SOCIETY OF GREATER DETROIT, INC
2008 YATRA TO EAST COAST
September 19, 20, and 21, 2008
Registration Form CONTACT INFORMATION _______________________________ _______________________ ___________________
Name Home Phone cell phone ____________________________________________________ ___________________
Address email _____________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact Info and phone number REGISTRATION – Please list all attendees including all age children
First Name Last Name Sex M / F Age Reg Fee
From Following Table
Total Amount Enclosed
Registration Fee
Adults (Age 18 and Up) $ 175.00 ^
Child / Youth (Age 6 to 17) $ 125.00 *
Children up to Age 5 Free NOTE - * = THIS IS THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT. Make the deposit check payable to – “Jain Society of Greater Detroit” – write 2008 Yatra in memo and send your total deposit to: Vinay C. Shah 1914 Barnes Ct. Troy, MI 48098
The final payment is due NOW. __________________________ ________________ Signature Date _____________________________ _________________ Received By Date PS – All Yatris are responsible to provide their ow n medical insurance coverage
This Yatra is limited to first 100 registrants with full amount paid. – NO RESERVATION BY PHONE CALLS – NO RESERVATION WITHOUT PAYMENT
Jain Society of Greater Detroit www.jain-temple.org Page 22
August 11, 2008 Jain Study Class Corner
Jai Jinendra
Quote for the month: “Every time one enjoys or suffers through the sense s, he attracts more Karma. All actions that create the inflow of Karmas should be discarded. T he influence of perverse feelings due to Delusion (Mithyatva), Attachment (Raag), Aversion ( Dwesh) causes influx of inauspicious Karma.”
Annual Day Program DVDs – The DVDs for 2008 Annual Day Program are now available at nominal cost of $2.00/each. Please contact Mahendra J. Shah (734-453-2968) or Vinay C. Shah (248-641-5975) OR the best is stop by during one of the study class. Education Committee – As you all know, we have increased number of classes and students as well as activities and more challenges of study class. To help out the current coordinators, we have formed a team of five members. These are Mahendra J. Shah, Vinay C. Shah, Bhavna J. Mehta, Pravin M. Shah, and Mahendra A. Kapadia. 2008 – 2009 Curriculum – After forming the committee, we are now meeting with each group teachers to review the curriculum – like how much has been covered and what is the plan for next year – sort of Gap analysis. We certainly welcome any comments by parents – you can send your comments via email, phone call, or stop by during one of the class. The contact info is as follows: M. J. Shah – [email protected] – 734-453-2968 V. C. Shah – [email protected] – 248-641-5975 Students Prabhavna During Paryushan – To celebrate the school enrolment of Bhagwan Mahavir, there will be Prabhavna to students on Monday, September 1st after Aarti / Divo. If anyone would like to distribute school supplies to students, you will get a spot on table to place your supply. For any questions, feel free to contact Mahendra J. Shah or Vinay C. Shah. Explanation of Pratikraman in English – During Paryushan we will have one session for about an hour to explain the Pratikraman in English. This session is open to all – young and adults. Please pass the word and come to learn various aspects of Pratikraman – how, why, what etc. This session will be on Monday, September 1st , at 7:30 PM – Downstairs near the stage area. Curtains and Partition Update – By now you must have noticed that the stage curtains and partitions are installed along with the screen. This has helped in reduction of noise level between classes and teachers as well as students do recognize hard work of EC and BOT members. We are raising funds for this project and if you like to pledge any amount, please contact Mahendra J. Shah or Vinay C. Shah for more details. Class sponsors for month of July were – Bimal & Rupal Shah, Late Savitaben Doshi (Satish & Aarti Doshi), Hemendra & Sangita Shah, Shailesh & Jyoti Jain, Mayur & Rita Lodaya, Dipak & Tarlika Dhabuwala, Sunita Dagli, Rajiv & Mamata Maheshwari, An anonymous sponsor (9 Life time sponsors), and Manish & Bharti Shah (1 monthly sponsor). Class sponsors for month of August are – Mahesh & Kirti Vora, Lalit & Bharti Shah, Sudhir & Kashmira Shah, Shreyas & Purvi Shah, Pramod & Madhu Jain, Dhanraj & Sadhna Sheth (6 life time sponsors) and Sanjana – Tanvi – Kavya – Davina Doshi (collected through garage sale & lemonade stand). As of today, we have 88 Life Time sponsors – Last month, we received one anonymous life time sponsor. More Information about the class is posted on bulletin board.
Study Class Dates for year 200 8 (Time 11 AM to 1 PM) August 10 September 28 November 9 August 24 October 5 November 23 September 14 October 19 December 7 December 21
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Jain Organization of Seniors (JOS)
The Jain Society of Greater Detroit, founded in 1975, recently completed 33 years . Big thanks go out to our members and people who have supported the society during all these years. After many years of hard work and sacrifice, the dream came true for all members of the society in 1998, with the building of a beautiful temple and social hall. This year we celebrated our temple's 10th anniversary with our members. It was a unique opportunity to see many seniors along with many founding members at the celebration.
JSGD has many seniors whose ages are approaching 62 and above. As many of you have noticed during recent major functions at temple, there are many chairs in the temple Rang Mandap area that are occupied by our seniors. JSGD has many seniors who are living in America with their sons and daughters, and although many of them have a better lifestyle, they can also feel lonely. Those who are young now should think of the years ahead and regard senior citizens as our biggest assets, and because of this, as a society, the time has come to establish organization for all of our Jain seniors- the Jain Organization of Seniors . This group can meet on a regular basis at temple social hall or other places to carry out different social activities in which the seniors are interested in. This group will also promote awareness of health, wealth and the Jain religion.
First meeting of JOS was conducted on 7-20-2008, following is the feed back from seniors. seniors would like to carry out. Details:
• There was the general consensus during the meeting, and from the notes received, that there is a growing need for a senior focused organization- where members can socialize with each other, help in the time of need, meet new people, share their knowledge / ideas, carry out different activities on a regular basis, and discuss various issues and concerns like health affecting their daily life.
• The following activities Seniors would like to carry out: � To understand / learn about health maintenance – Preventable and corrective measures � Carry out voluntary work in surrounding community � Regular seminars on various topics - like estate planning, social security, trust planning,
computer training, long term care, disability, funeral management � Tutor young members of community � Yoga � Afternoon and evening events -Movie � Community walk � Safety awareness � Trip to other centers, places of common interest and abroad as a group � Outing - Picnic � Entertainment – Music, group singing, bingo, cards, watch movies � Develop guidelines for various issues that can help to compile paper documents � Assist in getting professional and social help
Second meeting / event is planned in the month of September, we request each senior to attend and evaluate personally how it can meet there needs. It was apparent from the first meeting that society has many seniors with different talents and experiences, this organization will provide platform for socialization, exchange ideas, concerns and issues.
Hemant Shah - 248-426-6565, Dr. Kantbhai Shah - 248-682-4852, Niranjan Shah - 248 -553-7327
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JAINA Directors’ Update for Jain Vani (8/11/2008)
By Raj K. Jain and Manish Mehta
JSGD’s JAINA Directors are spearheading assistance to JAINA in two key areas: (a) Establishing a more accessible permanently staffed office with contact phone and e-mail info; and (b) Establishing a JAINA-wide administrative budget process that allows better fiscal planning & execution.
Just Announced – effective immediately, JAINA’s new Administrative HQ office is at Jain Center of North America,
New York- JCNA has committed facilities and amenities to help JAINA with more effectively and responsively meeting its administrative and liaison needs. PLEASE READ …Following are excerpts from a July 4 letter written by JAINA President, Dilipbhai Shah on his one-year anniversary – IT CLEARLY DESCRIBES WHAT JAINA DOES FOR US :
“Think of how far we as a community have traveled since the founding of JAINA 27 Years ago. We have two vibrant youth organizations, a uniform pathshala curriculum, recognition by the UN for our humanitarian activities, our interfaith activities are getting noticed by the White House, The Vatican and the new “Tony Blair Faith Foundation”, and we are receiving requests from prestigious publishers for editing of material on Jainism in their books before printing. The biannual JAINA Convention is receiving praises from Jain communities all around the world for our commitment to Jain Unity and prominent Jain organizations in India consistently seek collaboration with JAINA. Jain youth in UK and in India have followed the YJA example and formed their own youth movements. JAINA has been asked by Jain organizations in India to lead international efforts to restore ruined Jain Temples in Pakistan. It is a fact that JAINA is the largest non sectarian organization of Jains in the world. We are now planning for providing special services to our aging adult population and we are working with YJA to create campus-based Jain students associations.
All of our accomplishments are the result of scores of volunteers who give their time, treasures and talents in the noble cause of preserving our precious Jain heritage. They are assisted by one part time Executive Director to manage routine office work. Today, 67 Jain Centers and more than 100,000 Jains are represented by JAINA. Slowly but surely, JAINA is transforming itself in to a service organi zation to cater to needs of different segments of o ur community.
Most JAINA volunteers spend their own funds and never seek reimbursement from JAINA. but we need upward of
$100,000 per year for the essential expenses like maintaining an office and support staff (costs $25,000), publishing and mailing 10,000 copies of JAIN DIGEST every three months ($60,000) and general expenses of participating in interfaith conferences, donations or membership dues in like minded organizations, maintaining of web site, and now projecting our voice on the world stage at the United Nations. For an organization of such a fine national and international reputation, JAINA does not have an assured source of funding. E ach JAINA committee manages its finances independen tly as funds generated by any committee for specific purpo se are used only for that purpose. General operations are provided for by JAINA General Fund which receives very little public support. This lack of steady and reliable funding makes it impossible to make long term plans or commit to any program without certainty of funds needed to carry out those plans.
Just as the first generation came together to build Temples, we will have to join hands with our secon d
generation and embark upon creation of social insti tutions that will sustain our way of life here. As we all move on in our lives, the legacy we leave behind is our children and their heritage. We should recognize that the next generation faces new challenges in maintaining our culture in their lives and families. In order to give them a best possible chance and hand them an organization that can support their efforts, we need to give them something that is self-sustaining. Handing them an organization without the mechanism for sustaining i t is like handing them a glorious property but with a huge mortgage.”
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
Jayesh & Deval Shah would like to announce the birth of their baby girl Ariya. Born in Chicago on June 29th, 2008, proud big brother Avi and grandparents Arvind & Ramila Shah and Jaswant & Mita Shah share their joy.
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YJA 2008 Convention Dear YJA 2008 Convention Attendees, Parents, and Siblings, On the morning of Thursday, July 3rd, the 26 Jain Society of Greater Detroit (JSGD) Generation Jain Youth at the 8th Biennial 2008 YJA Convention in Lincolnshire, IL, experienced a significant amount of adversity before being able to attend the convention. Originally promised by JSGD and Midwest Regional Coordinator and Site Co-Chair, Ajay D. Dagli, a bus was scheduled to travel from the temple leaving at 12:00 PM on Thursday, July 3rd and arriving at the Marriott Resort by 5:00 PM CST. However, for reasons explained below, the bus never arrived at the Jain Temple and the frightened youth, along with upset parents and siblings, were left stranded at the temple with no immediate plan for travel in sight. To many attendees, this was what they had dreaded most, after weeks of anticipation for one the best lifetime experiences. What entailed is a remarkable story – one of the finest and strongest group of attendees that the Young Jains of America can say has attended a convention together. Based on the urgency of adult volunteers Sashi uncle and Shital aunti Shah, along with Falguni Aunti Shah, and Pankaj uncle and Malini aunti Vakharia, the youth were able to enjoy a four day experience that is one of their fondest memories. The parents were able to order lunch, layout logistics to fit every single one of the 26 attendees in a van with one driver over the age of 21, and ease the tensions of the attendees. Rightfully so, the youth had every right to contact their local YJA representative to act on this plan. In the same way, the local YJA representative was working with a team of two co-chairs, director of finance, and volunteers to ease the tensions of attendees, siblings, and Detroit youth, as they embarked on a difficult journey to the one of the best Jain conventions ever hosted. In the end, the YJA 2008 Convention Team and Detroit Area youth were able to layout contingency plans, but the youth decided to act fast. They were able to pack into four vans to take the 5-hour trip from the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort and arrive in time for opening ceremony, dinner, garba-raas, and the ice cream social that night acting without incident. The YJA representative sought out each attendee to make sure they were safe, tensions eased, and calm to proceed into the rest of the weekend festivities. All in all, the youth were able to share their experience in understanding and applying the Jain Way of Life daily, ranging from their diet, exercise and fitness, to their approach to college, career paths, relationships, and even life after marriage with kids! Many of their experiences are shared below. “The 2008 Young Jains of America Convention in Lincolnshire, IL was a life-changing experience for me. I went to informative sessions, ate some great food, and ‘created’ myself as a person. However, the best part of YJA, I would have to say, was meeting new people from across the country and sharing our lives with each other. The sessions were inspiring and enhanced my connection with the Jain religion and the social events were amazing to say the least. If anything, I learned new Garba/Dandiya Raas steps and Bhangra dance moves! The rest of my life will be impacted by the memories I had at YJA and the friends I met will never be forgotten. Overall, YJA 2008 was a weekend I will never forget and I am already looking forward to the next convention in 2010.” – Anshul Mehta, 16 of Ann Arbor, MI, as a speaker. “This was my first YJA convention and I didn’t know what to expect. I thought that it would just be a bunch of boring Jain kids at a convention where we learned about Jainism. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The people there were really cool and I attended some interesting sessions about different issues in life. Overall, it was a great experience and I hope to go to the next convention.” – Vishal Mehta, 15 of Ann Arbor, MI, as a speaker. “YJA was a swell time. I met new people. I made CONNECTIONS (and yes the all caps are necessary). I met a whole variety of people that I would otherwise have never met. It broadened my horizons, and shifted my paradigm on myself and on what being a Jain means. YJA was truly life impacting I just hope I can make it to the next one.” - Neal M. Shah, 18 of Plymouth, MI as Detroit Youth Group (JOY) President. “The YJA Convention 2008 was a great experience! The Chicago team and the board managed the event smoothly and efficiently. The sessions were new and engaging, the food was fantastic, and the nightly events kept everyone entertained. But by far the best part of this convention, or any convention, was the interesting people I met, and the new friends I've made.” – Sonali R. Shah, 19 of Novi, MI. “The 2008 YJA Convention in Chicago was a phenomenal experience. Although it was very different from what I imagined it to be, it was that way for the better. I met a ton of people, made a lot of friends, and learned a lot more about Jains my age. I had many memories this July, and I'm really looking forward to future conventions.” – Neil R. Shah of Sterling Heights, MI as JOY Board Member. “The 2008 YJA Convention in Chicago was an experience I will never forget. I met Jains from all around the country, and I was surprised at how similar they were to me and my friends. The carnival was very fun, especially the dance at the end. The very last day was the best, because it was formal and everyone was really close to each other, because it was the last day of the convention. Because of this convention, I am eager to go to the JAINA convention next year, and can hardly wait for the YJA 2010 Convention. I learned a lot of new things about Jainism that I never knew before, and I feel that YJA has helped me connect better to the Jain community here in Detroit.” - Neal Gandhi of Sterling Heights, MI as JOY Board Member
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Jai Jinendra! As this term is ending, JOY is having our final event. It will be a reunion of past and present JOY members on Wednesday, August 13th. We will be meeting at Heritage Park at 5:00. Then we will go to Ruchi at 7:00 for dinner. All you need to bring is $10-15 for dinner. All JOY members are welcome to come, past and present!
Are you a JOY member? Have you been one for at least a year? Then you are able to run for a position on
the JOY Executive Board next year. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends, involve yourself with the temple, and help the whole community. If you are interested, please fill out this form and write a short
essay on why you should be on the JOY Board. Name: Age:
School: Grade:
Position Running For:
Please mail this and your essay to Meena Shah at
4819 W. Wickford
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Condolence It is with deep sorrow we inform you that Shri. Pravinchandra C. Shah, husband of Tarulataben Shah,
father of Pratik Shah has passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 @ 7:30AM, at the age of 67 years. He is survived by his wife Tarulataben Shah, children Pratik & Sangeen, Priti & Hitesh and Swati Shah,
and grandchildren Abhishek, Mansi, Ritu and Nick.
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Jain Society of Greater Detroit 29278 W. 12 Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48334-4108