Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago

proudly hosts the

2011

Society of Scholars of Zoroastrianism (SSZ) Conference

“Zoroastrian Connections with Christians and Jews”

and

Zoroastrianism-101: “Celebration of the life and work of Sir Jivanji Modi ”

supported by

Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA)

and

World Zoroastrian Organization (WZO)

at the

Arbab Rustom Guiv Darbe Mehr, 8615 Meadowbrook Drive, Burr Ridge, IL 60527,

on

Saturday November 12 and Sunday November 13 , 2011

The Society of Scholars of Zoroastrianism (SSZ) is an initiative to promote study and scholarship of the Religion of Zarathushtra, formalized during the Eighth World Zoroastrian Congress in London in 2005.  The mission of the Society is to revive the tradition of scholarship within our community among athornans and behdins alike, and to promote interaction among academicians, theologians (priests), educationists, lay scholars and practitioners of Zoroastrianism, through roundtable discussions, conferences and publications.  The aim is to make SSZ a prestigious organization on par with scholarly organizations of other faith communities, and merit affiliation with international bodies such as the American Academy of Religions.

 

SSZ Conferences have been held in Chicago each year since 2006, when noted scholars and students present their research papers.  To encourage Zoroastrian studies within the community, these SSZ conferences also include sessions on Zoroastrianism-101 delivered by community members, especially the youth. Persons/Associations interested in the mission and vision of the Society of Scholars of Zoroastrianism, are invited to host future Conferences in their areas.  SSZ will provide assistance as needed. The organizers enjoy complete autonomy in regard to programming and organizing the Conference.

 

All community members, students and scholars are invited and encouraged to participate.  You will no doubt be enriched, your presence gives support to the speakers, and your feedback is invaluable so that future research efforts may be directed in a constructive manner for the benefit of both the academicians as well as the community.

Registration.  Suggested donation is $7 for Saturday dinner and $7 for Sunday breakfast, lunch and tea.  Please RSVP by October 31, 2011 to Dinaz Weber (630-830 3430, kenanddina@yahoo.com).  For program information contact Rohinton Rivetna (630-325 5383, rivetna@aol.com) or Kayomarsh Mehta (630-654 8828, kayomehta@aol.com) and visit www.s-s-z.org.

PROGRAM

Saturday November 12, 2011 6:00 pm

 

6:00     Benediction, Monajat, Welcome

6:30      Life of Sir Jivanji Modi, an inspiration – Jivanji’s grandson Jamshed Modi

7:00      Works of Sir Jivanji Modi – Khurshid Ichaporia, student of Zoroastrianism: Yasnaaicha,

             Vahmaaicha, Khnaothraaicha, Frasastayaecha; proper study and understanding,

              absorption and contemplation, gaining knowledge and imparting of knowledge.

7:30       A record of Sir Jivanji Modi’s travels to heritage lands where formerly Zoroastrianism

              flourished – Ervad Soli Dastur, FL

8:45       Dinner

Sunday November 13, 2011 8:30 am

 

8:30       Registration and Breakfast

9:00        Benediction, Monajat, Welcome

9:30       Zoroastrian Connections with Christian and Jews, Session I

              Life after  death in Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Judaism – Dr. Pallan Ichaporia,

Zoroastrian connection and influence on Judaism – Rabbi Harold Kudan, founding rabbi of Congregation Am Shalom in Glencoe, IL.

11:30      Jashan Participation with Understanding, a legacy of Late Dastoor Dr. Nowrooz

               Minocher – Homji, a beloved of ZAC; an interactive session – Ervad Soli Dastur with

               local association members.

12:15      Launch of FEZANA publication “Zoroastrian Connection with Christianity and

                Judaism” – Roshan Rivetna

12:30      Lunch and Keynote address: The Future of Zoroastrianism – Keki Bhote

1:30        Zoroastrian Connections with Christian and Jews, Session II

   Zoroastrian connection with Armenian Christians – Very Reverend Aren Jebejian,

               St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, Chicago, IL

Concepts from the book under preparation on Zoroastrian connections with other faiths,     Dastoor Dr. Kersey H. Antia, IL

3:00        Tea

3:30        Zoroastrian Connection with Christian and Jews, Session III

   Zoroastrian connection with Christians – Tony Evensen, St. Ignatius, Chicago, IL.

               2^nd speaker – TBA

5:00       Closing followed by “Roundtable”: Actions and Assign Responsibilities.