Education

The Jain Youth of Northern California (JYNC) provides a range of educational programs aimed at helping young people understand, explore, and engage with Jainism in meaningful ways. Our approach to education is interactive, relevant, and designed to make the principles and practices of Jainism accessible to a younger generation. From practical workshops to engaging discussions, JYNC is dedicated to making learning about Jainism both enjoyable and impactful.

We offer Jain food classes that delve into the principles behind Jain dietary practices, such as non-violence and mindful consumption, and provide hands-on experience with preparing Jain dishes. These classes not only teach the what of Jain food but also the why, offering insights into how our food choices align with our values.

In our concept explanation sessions, we break down core Jain beliefs, making them easy to understand and relevant to modern life. Topics like karma, compassion, non-attachment, and forgiveness are explored in a way that connects to the experiences and challenges of young people today. These sessions provide a foundation for understanding Jain philosophy and its real-world applications.

JYNC also hosts “Why We Do What We Do” discussions, where we explain the reasoning and significance behind traditional practices, rituals, and festivals in Jainism. From Paryushan to Daslakshan, we explore why these observances are important and how they cultivate qualities such as self-discipline, humility, and compassion. These discussions allow our members to deepen their appreciation for Jain traditions while learning how to incorporate them into their daily lives.

For those interested in practical skills, we offer puja workshops, where members can learn how to perform Jain rituals with confidence and respect. These workshops cover the steps of puja, the meaning behind each element, and the ways in which these rituals foster a deeper connection to our values and heritage.

Overall, JYNC’s educational programs aim to provide a well-rounded understanding of Jainism, blending tradition with modern perspectives. Whether you are a lifelong Jain or new to the faith, our goal is to make learning about Jainism a valuable and enriching experience for everyone.

Jain Center of Northern California Education Team

• VP Education - Jayashree Shah - education@jcnc.org

• Co-VP Education - Pallavi Sancheti - education@jcnc.org

• Sr Jain Coordinator - Kavita Parekh & Kunjal Shah - jainshala@jcnc.org

• Jr Jain Coordinator - Reemu Mehta & Yojana Choradia - jainshala@jcnc.org

• Hindi Coordinator - Rakesh Surana & Manish Golecha - hindishala@jcnc.org

• Gujarati Coordinator - Hiral Doshi & Chaitri Sewak - gujaratishala@jcnc.org

• SAT (Math/English) Coordinator - Utpal Mehta & Romil Gandhi - jsat@jcnc.org

• Sutra Coordinator - Anamika Kothari & Pelak Desai - jshala-sutra@jcnc.org

• JAB Coordinator - Jayshree Sheth & Rekha Patel - jab@jcnc.org

• Library Coordinator - Amit Nahata & Jinish Shah - library@jcnc.org

• Music - Sheetal Kasliwal - jshala-music@jcnc.org

• Summer Bhaktamar - Anju Shah - education@jcnc.org

For more information on JCNC Education and Pathshala: jcnc.org/jcnc-pathshala