JVBNA NJ Newsletter 2023 Vol 1 -
News & Upcoming Events

JVBNA NJ would like to express its heartfelt tribute to Shri Nagjibhai Vira, who at the age of 78 yrs, left for his heavenly abode on December 9, 2022. Nagjibhai was one of the strong pillars of Jain Vishwa Bharati of North America (JVBNA), New Jersey, serving as a Board Member for over a decade. His dedication and generous contribution of time, talent, and resources towards the growth of the organization touched many and will continue to make a difference in the lives of generations to come. Nagjibhai lived his life spiritually from the core of his heart and accomplished one of the coveted goals of a Jain Shravak. He took Santhara and departed with complete peace and awareness in the presence of his loving family and spiritual guides Samani Malay Pragyaji and Samani Neeti Pragyaji. 

A Smriti Sabha was organized in honor of Shri Nagjibhai Vira on December 13, 2022 at JVBNA NJ CPPM. Respected Samanijis, family, friends, and JVBNA NJ members shared their memories of Nagjibhai and remembered his many contributions to the community. His life as a true Jain Shravak is a source of inspiration to all at JVBNA NJ and worthy of emulation. We pray for the continued spiritual growth of his soul. His physical presence will truly be missed!

JVBNA, NJ initiated a new Community Engagement Series in the new year. The first event, a Health Awareness Panel, was organized on January 15, 2023 at the CPPM in South Plainfield NJ. Special health expert guest speakers were invited for this event. The program began with prayers and meditation. Health awareness segment was led by Physical Therapist Irmina Verzosa and Registered Dietitian Agnya Shah. They both gave excellent presentations and tips for living a healthy and balanced life. It was an interactive session and there were lot of practical questions from the audience. The program was an enriching experience for all.

JVBNA NJ Gyanshala & Toastmaster Volunteers, along with Community Service team participated in a successful Gleaning event at Long Meadow Farm, NJ on October 22, 2022. It was a wonderful Diwali weekend celebration!! Team of about 45 people got together to learn about ‘Gleaning’ and collected 1600lbs of apples for donation to local food pantries. Thereafter, they had blissful Darshan and Aarti at Siddhachalam.

JVBNA NJ organized a holiday food drive during Nov-Dec 2022 to support the local Social Services Center that runs a food pantry and other services for seniors in South Plainfield. Cash and food donations were collected from the JVB community members. Cash was used to purchase dry packaged food and was donated to Social Services Center on December 13, 2022. It was very well appreciated by the Center. They were extremely grateful to the JVBNA NJ community for restocking their depleting pantry. This is 2nd year in a row that such a food drive has been conducted to support our local community. We hope to continue the trend and spread the joy of giving in coming years.

As a way to encourage Swadhyay, a Book Reading club for adults was initiated on October 30, 2022. This club runs at JVBNA NJ CPPM center parallel to the Gyanshala session every alternate Sundays. This is a wonderful platform where people can meet in an informal setting to read, discuss, understand and debate various topics of a book and thereby share the knowledge of Jainism along with enlightening themselves. First book of the club is the book – “Dharma Hai Utkrisht Mangal” by Acharya Shri Mahashramanji. The book reading club encourages participants to come with an open mind and with an intention to do swadhyay. It is a great way to leave all the worldly worries behind, interact with members of the community, share your views on topics from the book and leave more enlightened.

Further dates and flyers are being circulated regularly on JVBNA NJ WhatsApp groups. The club is open to all and anyone can join at any time.