Jain Center of America - Read About our Latest News and Events

Jain Center of America Annual General Body Meeting on Sunday, Dec 7, 2014

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Dear Fellow Members of JCA,

Jai Jinendra

Jain Center of America, New York invites you to attend the Annual General Body Meeting on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 2:00 PM at our Temple, 43-11 Ithaca Street, Elmhurst, NY 11373. The alternate date (in case of inclement weather) is Sunday, December 14, 2014 at 2:00 PM at our temple.

The meeting will commence at 2:00 PM sharp. However, in the absence of a quorum, the meeting will start at 2:30 PM, as per the JCA Constitution.

The Agenda for the General Body Meeting is as follows>

• Prayer

• Activities of JCA - Reports by Chairman/President

• Annual Report - Secretary/ Administrator

• Financial Statements for the year 2013 - CFO/Treasurer

• Explanation of the budget for 2015 & approval by the General Body - CFO

• Discussion of the celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of the Temple

• Lake Success Project approval status report only

• Any other matter related to JCA (should be approved for discussion by Chair)

If you wish to present any other issues or concerns at the General Body Meeting, please write, fax or e-mail the Secretary, Chairman or JCA Manager before November 30, 2014.

The 2013 JCA financial statements and the 2013 JCA General Body minutes will be available on the JCA website and at the temple from December 1, 2014 onwards. Mr. Manojkumar Mehta, JCA Manager, will show a copy of the accounts or minutes upon request. Please feel free to contact him.

Lunch will be served starting at 12:00 PM in our Bhojanshala.12:00 PM

Participation at the meeting is a privilege and duty of all members of JCA and your attendance at the meeting would be greatly appreciated.

This letter has also been sent via email to members, posted on the JCA website and posted on the JCA notice board.

We look forward to seeing you all at the meeting.

Sincerely,

Robin Shah - Secretary | 917-749-6892 | robin_shah@yahoo.com
Jawahar A. Shetti - Chairman | 201-387-0577 | jayconstruction@yahoo.com
Manojkumar Mehta - Manager | 718-478-9141 | Fax - 718-478-9144 | jcamanager@yahoo.com

Panch Kalyanak Puja on Sunday, November 30, 2014

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Dear Sadharmik Brothers and Sisters,

Jai Jinendra!

In the memory of late Ninaben Shah, devoted JCA Member and Pujari, on her one month Tithi, Prafulbhai Shah & family along with Jain Center of America have organized a Panch Kalyanak Puja on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at 10:30 AM at the Mahavirswami Temple at Jain Center of America, Ithaca Street.

The Vidhikarak is Sureshbhai Doshi and will perform the Panch Kalyanak Puja.

Please be there to pray for the departed soul.

For more details please contact Jain Center of America.

Regards,
Jain Center of America

World Compassion and Jivdaya Day

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Jai Jinendra!

Jain Center of America, Queens, NY (JCA) in collaboration with Young Jain Professionals (YJP) and Young Jains of America (YJA) will celebrate World Compassion Day to discuss and promote Ahimsa and Jain Way of Life and its relevancy in the modern world.

World Compassion Day is to pray for the lives and souls of tens of millions of fellow animals that are slaughtered for Thanksgiving every year. Every Living Being has a Soul and deserves our Compassion and the Right to Live.

World Compassion Day will be held at Jain Centers throughout North America. On this coming Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Jain Center of America along with YJP & YJA will host this 2.5 hour seminar featuring video clips and discussions along with a vegan and Jain lunch. The highlight of the event will be a speech by John DiLeonardo, Humane Society of the United States.

Don't miss this event to learn more about our Jain Way of Life and chance to meet and network with other like minded Young Jains and Jain Professionals.

Agenda

‣ Video Clips & Discussion

‣ Vegan Jain Lunch

‣ Speaker: John Di Leonardo
(Humane Society of the United States)

Event Information

‣ Place: Jain Center of America
Sthanak Hall - 2nd Floor
Date: Sunday, November 23, 2014
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Lunch: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Host: Jain Center of America
Young Jain Professionals
Young Jains of America

Click Here To Register>

We look forward to seeing you there!

Jain Center of America
Young Jain Professionals
Young Jains of America

"If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is form injury to animals. Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and beauty."

Albert Einstein

"Exploring the Journey of a Soul" with Diksharthi Nishaben Kapashi

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Dear Friends,

Jai Jinendra!

The Jain Center of America, Young Jain Professionals, and Young Jains of America co-hosted a lecture by Diksharthi Nishaben Kapashi in Midtown Manhattan by Rockefeller Center on Sunday, November 9, 2014. She is the first American-born Jain to take Diksha.

Over 275 Young Jains and Young Jain Professionals came from the Tri-State area as well as far away as Chicago, Washington DC, Upstate New York, South New Jersey, Long Island etc. to hear Diksharthi Nishaben speak on her journey from working in the corporate world in New York City to ultimately finding a different path for her own salvation.

The lecture in English was directed at our Young Jains and Jain Professionals from the ages of 14 - 45 on how they can find a balance between the material and the spiritual world, and use this to enrich their lives, their families, and their community.

Diksharthi Nishaben spoke and answered questions for over 2.5 hours and kept the audience of Young Jains engaged on her transformative journey as well as how they can incorporate Jain principles into their daily life. She was joined by her brother Rushabh Kapashi, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania - Wharton Business School, University of Cambridge and Harvard Business School and currently a Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company in New York. He discussed how his sister's decision to take Diksha has impacted his life and how he has turned to Jain principles to guide and balance his business life as a "Wall Street Capitalist" with his spiritual life.

After seeing the tremendous turnout and response from the lecture from the young audience who was enthusiastic and passionate for more events like this, Jain Center of America has committed to co-hosting 3 to 4 of these lectures a year based on Jain Principles with Young Jain Professionals (YJP) and Young Jains of America (YJA) - both organizations under JAINA.

If you were not able to attend this lecture, please take the time to watch it with your children. It is in simple English and is easy to understand. The impact of seeing someone that our children can relate to transformed by Jainism and through this process understanding the importance of Living a Jain Way of Life is the most valuable gift we can pass on to our next generation.

View Video	View Photo's

With Regards,

On behalf of Jain Center of America
Board of Trustees and Executive Committee

Jawahar A. Shetti
Chairman

"Exploring the Journey of a Soul" with Diksharthi Nishaben Kapashi

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Dear Friends,

Jai Jinendra

The Jain Center of America, Young Jain Professionals, and Young Jains of America are co-hosting a lecture by Diksharthi Nishaben Kapashi in Midtown Manhattan on Sunday, November 9, 2014. She is the first American-born Jain to take diksha. Come see her speak on her journey from working in the corporate world in NYC to ultimately finding a different path for her own salvation.

The lecture is intended for Young Jains and Jain Professionals from the ages of 14 - 45 on how they can find a balance between the material and the spiritual world, and use this to enrich their lives, their families, and their community. She will be speaking in English for the better understanding of all the attendees.

Topic:	"Exploring the Journey of a Soul" with Diksharthi Nishaben Kapashi
Event Location:	The Women’s National Club (by Rockefeller Center)
	3 West 51st Street, New York, NY - 2nd Floor Ballroom
Event Date:	Sunday, November 9, 2014
Jain Snacks:	4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Lecture:	4:45 PM - 7:00 PM

Please Note: This event is intended only for Young Jains and Young Jain Professionals between the ages of 14 - 45 years. As there is limited space - first entry preference will be given to them. If there is space available others will be allowed.

We look forward to seeing you at this unique once in a lifetime lecture. For more information, please visit our Facebook Page>.

Brief Bio on Diksharthi Nishaben Kapashi

Nishaben, daughter of Manojbhai and Manjariben Kapashi, was born in USA and raised in Mumbai . She will be taking Diksha on January 18, 2015 at Sammetshikharji. Manojbhai and Manjariben are the members of Jain Center of America, Queens, NY.

At the age of 20 she left Mumbai to study fashion merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. She studied for 1 year in Florence, Italy and for 3 years in New York. She then went on to work as a fashion merchandiser for J. Crew. During her college studies and professional life in New York City, Nishabhen attended Swadhyaya lectures at the Jain Center of America. Over time her excitement for the fashion world was soon replaced by a longing for something more meaningful.

She quit her job and travelled to India to where she met Acharyadev’s and Sadhviji’s. Under their enlightened guidance she began to explore, understand and experience Jain religion. And this has ultimately resulted in her firm resolve to take Diksha and follow a different path for the purification of her soul.

Her family has requested and invited all JCA, YJP and YJA members to attend Diksha Ceremony of Nishaben at Tirth Sammetshikharji, India on January 18, 2015. They will make all arrangements at Sammetshikharji once you arrive. Please click on the link to view the Diksha Patrika> from Nishaben's family.

World Compassion And Vegan Day on November 2, 2014

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Jai Jinendra!

Jain Center of America, Queens, NY (JCA) in collaboration with JAINA, Young Jain Professionals and Young Jains of America will celebrate World Compassion and Vegan Day to discuss and promote Ahimsa and Jain Way of Life and its relevancy in the modern world.

World Compassion and Vegan Day will be held at Jain Centers throughout North America. On Sunday, November 2, 2014 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. JCA will host this 4-hour seminar featuring video clips from various documentaries along with a vegan and Jain lunch. The highlight of the event will a speech by John DiLeonardo, Director of the Humane Society of Long Island.

Gurudev Chitrabanuji and Pramodaben will be in attendance and will give opening remarks.

World Compassion and Vegan Day was started to share stories and inspire others to learn and engage in a plant-based lifestyle.

RSVP on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/599400540168799/ or email Apurvi Mehta at apurvi.mehta@yjp.jaina.org.

Don't miss this event to learn more about our Jain Way of Life and chance to meet and network with other like minded Young Jains and Jain Professionals.

Agenda

‣ Video Clips & Discussion

‣ Vegan Jain Lunch

‣ Speaker: John Di Leonardo
(Director of Humane Society of Long Island)

Additional Information

‣ Special Guests: Gurudev Chitrabhanuji
and Pramodaben

Event Information

‣ Jain Center of America
Sthanak Hall
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2014
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Click Here To Register>

Hosted by: Jain Center of America, JAINA, Ahimsak Eco-Vegan Committee, Young Jain Professionals & Young Jains of America

We look forward to seeing you there!

Jain Center of America

Bahuman Ceremony For Diksharthi Nishaben Kapashi on October 26th, 2014

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Dear Sadharmik Brothers and Sisters,

Jai Jinendra,

Jain Center of America is doing Bahuman ceremony for Diksharthi Nishaben Kapashi on Sunday October 26th, 2014 at 10.00 AM at Ithaca Street Temple.

Nishaben, daughter of Manojbhai and Manjariben Kapashi, was born in the USA and raised in Mumbai will be taking Diksha on Jan. 18, 2015 at Sammetshikharji. Manojbhai and Manjariben are the members of JCA, Ithaca, N.Y. Sangh.

At the age of 20 she left Mumbai to study fashion merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. She studied for 1 year in Florence, Italy and for 3 years in New York. She then went on to work as a fashion merchandiser for J. Crew. However her excitement for the fashion world was soon replaced by a longing for something more meaningful.

She quit her job and travelled to India to where she met Acharyadev Shrimad Vilay Kirtiyashsurishvarji Maharaj Saheb and Sadhviji Shri Prashamitashriji Maharaj Saheb. Under their enlightened guidance she began to explore, understand and experience Jain religion. And this has ultimately resulted in her firm resolve to take Diksha. Her family has extended their heartfelt invitation to one and all to join them in this celebration.

It is a great honor to all of us at JCA , specially American born Jain, daughter of JCA member, is taking Diksha. All members of Jain Center of America, NY, Ithaca Street Temple, are very fortunate to have such an opportunity to do Bahuman for our Nishaben, prior to her Diksha ceremony in India at Jain Tirth Sammetshikharji. Such celebrations and occasions are very special and happen rarely.

JCA Board of Trustees and Executive committee requests all members to participate in this celebration and grace the occasion on Sunday Oct. 26, 2014 at 10.00 AM and take Labh.

Hope to see you all.

On behalf of Board of Trustees and Executive Committee

Jawahar A. Shetti
Chairman

JCA Celebrates Deepawali on Oct 23, 2014

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Happy Deepawali and a Prosperous New Year.
Following programs are scheduled at the JCA Temple to celebrate Deepawali Festival.

SHRI ADINATH JINALAYA

Deepawali 2014 Celebration

We would like to inform all members that Shri Adinath Jinalaya will be having 2014 Deepawali Nirvaan Ladoo Puja on:

DATE: Thursday 23rd October 2014
TIME: Starting at 9:30 am sharp
EVENT: Murti Abhishek, Bhajan & Bhakti Bhavna Puja, Aarti and Swamivatsalya

Nirvaan Ladoo will be provided to everybody joining in the Nirvaan Puja.

Deepawali has a very special significance in our Jain religion - On this day Bhagwan Mahavir, the last of the current Jain Tirthankar, attained Nirvan or Moksh at Pavapuri on the day of Kartik Krishna Amavasya.

A sincere request to all members to join us with family and friends to celebrate this auspicious occasion. As Jains, it is our obligation and duty towards the next generation to actively participate in such celebrations and carry on our Jain traditions.

Weekly Samuhik Puja

A cordial reminder to join in on the weekly Puja every Sunday starting with Abhishek at 10.00 am.

Paathshala classes

Every Sunday at 11:00 am.

STHANAK NEWS

JAI JINENDRA TO ALL SADHARMIKS.

~ Happy Deepawali to all Sadharmiks ~

Please Note the Schedule of Upcoming Events – November thru December 2014 At JCA, 2nd Floor, Sthanak Hall.

KARTIK SUD CHOUMASI PAKKHI PRATIKRAMAN

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH 2014 FROM 6:30 PM

SAAMUHIK SAAMAYIK

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH 2014 FROM 10:30 AM TO 12:00 PM FOLLOWED BY SWAMIVATSALYA.

SAAMUHIK SAAMAYIK

*** CHILDREN’S SPECIAL ***
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14TH 2014 FROM 10:30 AM TO 12:00 PM FOLLOWED BY SWAMIVATSALYA.

PLEASE COME WITH YOUR CHILDREN AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO TAKE ACTIVE PART

For Further Information Call:

SUNIL DAGA - 917 513 4437, SHWETA KOTHARI - 646 725 5022
ULKA KOTHARI - 516 314 7517, HASMUKH PARIKH - 646 996 9365

SHRI MAHAVIR SWAMI DERASAR CELEBRATING
2014 DEEPAWALI FESTIVAL

Tuesday, October 21st 2014 - (DHAN TERAS)

To be Announced

Wednesday, October 22nd 2014 - (KALI CHAUDAS)

7:00 PM Pakkhi Pratikraman in Library
AKHAND NAVKAR MANTRA JAAP FOR 12 HOURS on 2nd Floor. IT WILL START AT 7:00 PM AND END Thursday, October 23rd 7:00 AM. WE REQEST ALL JCA MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE AND GIVE YOUR NAME AND AVAILABLE TIME SLOT TO JCA MANAGER.

Thursday, October 23rd 2014 - Deepawali (SHRI MAHAVIRSWAMI NIRVAN KALYANK)

To be Announced

Friday, October 24th 2014 (BESTU VARAS/NEW YEAR DAY/SAAL MUBARAK)

6:30 AM Pakshal Puja
7:30 AM Navsmaran

PLEASE GIVE YOUR NAMES FOR THE LUCKY DRAW FOR THE FIRST PUJA AT THE MANAGERS’S OF - FICE IN THE MORNING IN PERSON. LUCKY DRAW FOR FIRST PUJA WILL BE DONE AFTER MANGLIK AT UPASHRAYA, 2ND FLOOR 5 FAMILIES CAN TAKE LABH FOR SNATRA PUJA. NAKRO IS $101 PER FAMILY.

MANTRAS FOR THE JAAP

Before 12 midnight on day of Deepawali - Om Hrim Shri Mahavirswami Sarvagnay Namah:
After Midnight till 4 AM in morning (New year Day) - Om Hrim Shri Mahavirsami Parangatay Namah:
After 4 AM (New year Day) - Om Hrim Shri Gautamswami Sarvagnay Namah:

SHREE MAHAVIRAY NAMAH:

Laddoo offering ceremony to Bhagwan Mahavir will be on Friday, October 24th, 2014 AT 6:30 AM sharp on 2nd Floor. All are requested to come on time and have Dharam Labh.

SHRIMAD RAJCHANDRA SWADHYAY
BHAKTI SCHEDULE

November 9th Celebrating 147th Birth Anniversary of Param Krupaludev Shrimad Rajchandra, Special Bhakti and Swadhyay

December 14th Swadhyay on Shri Vachnamrutji

Other Events:

• Shri Deepawali Samadhi Maran Aradhana Days - October 21 to October 24, 2014.
• Shri Param Krupaludev’s Birth Anniversary Day - November 6, 2014 (Dev Deepawali).

For additional information, please contact the following individuals:
Chandresh Panchamia (917) 749 8798 (C) / (516) 437 8092
Mukesh Ajmera (718) 423- 6148

DIKSHARTHI NISHABEN KAPASHI BAHUMAN

JCA invite Sakal Sangh to join us for Darshan and Bahuman of Diksharthi, Nishaben Kapashi, daughter of Manojbhai and Manjariben Kapashi on Sunday, October 26th @ 10 AM in the Temple. Her Diksha ceremony is on Jan. 18th, 2015 at Sammetshikharji Tirth in India. There will be a Pravachan by her so we request all members to take labh and then, it will be followed by Swamivatsalya.

PAYMENT OF PLEDGES

JCA request all members who participated in various events throughout the year, and in the previous years, and have any outstanding pledges, to please make the payments at the JCA office. Prompt payments will help JCA grow and prosper, and server our community better.

BHOJANSHALA

REQUEST FOR TITHI SPONSORS FOR OUR BHOJANSHALA USD 251 /- Only
For Any Day of your Choice: Birthdays, Marriage Anniversary, Any other memorable event of your life OR In fond memory of your loved ones Please contribute generously to HONOR your days with OUR SANGH.

UPDATE MEMBERS INFORMATION

JCA understands that some members do not receive mail or emails. Members are requested to confirm your contact information including address, phone #s, email address and get it update in JCA Office if it’s changed.

Deepawali Festival 2014

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Dear Sadharmik Brothers and Sisters,
Jai Jinendra,
Happy Deepawali and a Prosperous New Year.
For 2014 Deepawali festival, JCA scheduled following programs at the JCA temple. Click here to view Newsletter for more details.
Dhanteras Day - Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Kalichaudas Day - Wednesday, October 22, 2014 12 hrs Akhand Jaap starts @ 7:00 PM at (2nd Floor) - please participate and give your names to JCA Manager with available time slot. Chaudas Pakkhi Pratikraman starts @ 7:00 PM at (3rd Floor)
Deepawali Day - Thursday, October 23, 2014 Snatra Puja @ 7 AM (2nd Floor) Nakro for Snatra Puja, $101 - (5 sponsors and no more than four members per family). Shri Adinath Jinalay Nirvaan Ladoo Puja starts @ 9:30 AM at (3rd Floor)
New Year Day - Friday, October 24, 2014 Pakshal Puja @ 6:30 AM (2nd Floor) Navsmaran and Manglik @ 7:30 AM (2nd Floor) Please give your names for the lucky draw for the first Puja at the JCA office. Lucky draw for first Puja will be done after Manglik at Upashraya, 2nd floor. 5 Families can take labh for Snatra Puja. Nakro is $101.00 per family. Navakarshi @ 9:00 AM (4th Floor) Please contact JCA Office to sponsor Navakarshi on the first day of the New Year. Dadawadi Nirvaan Ladoo Puja starts @ 6:30 AM (2nd Floor)
Saturday, October 25th, 2014 Gautam Swami Puja @ 10:30 AM (2nd Floor) followed by Swamivatsalya Members can bring your own Prathima or laminated photo of Gautam Swamiji. Nakro for the puja is $11.
Sunday, October 26th, 2014 Snatra Puja @ 8 AM (2nd Floor) Lecture by Diksharti Nishaben Kapashi @ 10:30 AM followed by Bahumaan. (2nd Floor) Swamivatsalya @ 1 PM (4th Floor)
Please refer to the 2014 JCA Deepawali Newsletter for more details and future events.
A sincere request for all members to attend and participate in Deepawali programs.
Best Regards, Jain Center of America, NY

Art Gallery - Skill Training Workshops for Childrens and Adults, Followed by Unique Exhibition of Making Auspicious Palasanas for Aagam Granths on Sunday 5th, 12th, 19th October, 2014

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Dear Sadharmik Brothers and Sisters,
Jai Jinendra,
With immense pleasure we would like to bring to your notice that Art Gallery is once again bringing skill training workshops for childrens as well as adults, followed by unique Exhibition of making Auspicious Palasanas for Aagam Granths (a piece of cloth embroidered with various stitches to cover Jinvani and Aagam Granths).
Our own Mrs. Padma Shetti, Mrs. Poonam Jain and Mrs. Shweta Jain have volunteered to teach children and adults various stitches. This will help children and members to learn the skills and then they can use their creativity to create these Auspicious Palasnas.
We will be teaching multiple styles of embroideries, quilting, patch work, knitting, crochet to mention few.
Our Workshops are on: Sunday, 5th Oct from 10 AM - 1 PM in Cellar Sunday, 12th Oct from 10 AM - 12 PM on 4th Floor Sunday, 19th Oct from 10 AM - 1 PM in Cellar
Please submit your names to any of the following coordinators: Ms. Shefali Ajmera: 516-857-7528 Ms. Suman Bafna: 718-997-7816 Ms. Jaimini Shah: 516-427-5227 Ms. Reshma Shah: 718-205-0463
Thank You, Art Gallery Team, Jain Center of America, NY