Jashan-e Sadeh (Zoroastrian)

Sadeh is a mid-winter celebration observed by preparing a large community bonfire. The bonfire symbolizes the victory of light over forces of cold and darkness. More Information

Jashan-e Spandarmad (Zoroastrian)

Jashan-e Spandarmad is a celebration ceremony, a Jashan, performed on Spandarmad day of Spandarmad month, in honor of Spandarmad, a Pehlavi name derived from the ancient Avestan term ‘Spenta Armaiti’ from the Gathas of Zarathushtra. Aramaiti means "tranquility, stability and serenity." It is peace and prosperity. When used with the adjective spenta, it means the […]

Hamaspathmaidyem Gahambar (Zoroastrian)

Commemoration and remembrance of all departed souls. Homes and temples are thoroughly cleaned; for it is believed that the souls of departed loved ones (fravashis) visit the physical world during this time, to bless and protect the living. More Information

Nowruz (Zoroastrian / Persian New Year)

The arrival of spring is celebrated by the coming together of family in new clothes. Weeks before Nowruz, homes are given a spring cleaning and festive foods are prepared. Also, the Sofreh-e-Haft Seen table is set up. (what follows is included in the detailed description) The Seen table is laid out with seven foods each […]

Jashan-e Fravardegan (Zoroastrian)

Jashan-e Fravardegan is a celebration ceremony, a Jashan, performed on Fravardin day of Fravardin month, in honor of fravashis, the souls of all the righteous people who have ever lived in our world. In Zoroastrianism, we have special prayers dedicated to honoring and remembering with respect and love the souls of our beloved departed as […]

Jashan-e Ardavahisht (Zoroastrian)

Jashan-e Ardavahisht is a celebration ceremony, a Jashan, performed on Ardibehest day of Ardibehest month, in honor of Ardavahisht or Ardibehest, a Pehlavi name derived from the ancient Avestan term “Asha Vahishta” from the Gathas of Zarathushtra. Asha stands for "truth, order, righteousness." Vahishta means ‘the Best’ or ‘the Highest’. So, Asha Vahishta is the […]

Maidyozarem Gahambar (Zoroastrian)

Maidyozarem (literally: midgreening) Gahambar is a seasonal festival celebrated in mid-spring. It is considered a religious duty to participate in a communal jashan prayer ceremony; as well as, fraternize and share a simple meal with fellow co-religionists from all walks of life, rich and poor. More Information

Jashan-e Khordad (Zoroastrian)

Jashan-e Khordad is a celebration ceremony, a Jashan, performed on Khordad day of Khordad month, in honor of Khordad, a Pehlavi name derived from the ancient Avestan term “Haurvatat” from the Gathas of Zarathushtra. Haurvatât, according to Zarathushtra, is that attribute of Ahura Mazda which represents wholeness and completion. This attribute reminds us of the […]

Maidyoshahem Gahambar (Zoroastrian)

Maidyoshahem (literally: Midsummer) Gahambar is a seasonal festival celebrated on the summer solstice. It is considered a religious duty to participate in a communal jashan prayer ceremony; as well as, fraternize and share a simple meal with fellow co-religionists from all walks of life, rich and poor. More Information

Jashan-e Tiragan (Zoroastrian)

A mid-summer festival honoring water and rain. It is celebrated by splashing water on friends and family. It is also associated with the legend of the arrow. More Information

Golden Rule

"That which you do not wish for yourself you shall not wish for your neighbor. This is the whole law; the rest is only commentary."

- Talmud Shabbat 31a

Judaism
Judaism