In this special interview, Mobed Peymaneh Soroushpour shares her journey with the Zoroastrian Association of Sacramento, where she works to educate children and adolescents about the Zoroastrian faith and Iranian culture. She discusses the challenges and successes of her mission, the role of families, and the importance of global coordination among Zoroastrian organizations.
After emigrating to the United States, Peymaneh completed Mobed training under the Iranian Mobeds Association, earning her position as Mobed. As a board member of the Sacramento Zoroastrian Association and head of its Education Committee, she is committed to passing on her heritage to future generations.
Reflecting on her time in Iran, Peymaneh recalls her involvement with the Zoroastrian Students’ Association and Amordad Weekly. “I began my social activities in Tehran by organizing events such as the Janbakhtegan Cup, the nationwide Mantra competition, and cultural exhibitions,” she shares. Her work with Amordad deepened her understanding of the Zoroastrian community and her love for Iran.
Though she now lives abroad, Peymaneh continues to cherish her roots. “Distance has only strengthened my admiration for our culture. Seeing other traditions has made me appreciate my homeland even more,” she says, embodying her role as a cultural guardian with passion and dedication.
The Impact of Immigration on Preserving Persian Culture and Language
For many immigrant parents, safeguarding Persian culture and language and passing it on to their children is a key concern. Mobed Peymaneh Soroushpour shares her perspective:
“When deciding to immigrate, you weigh the gains and losses, but the thought of your child missing the warmth of extended family is heartbreaking. Over time, as Iranian children grow up in a different culture, you realize there were aspects of immigration you didn’t fully consider.
When your child studies in another language and starts navigating a culture unlike your own, the challenges become clear. One day, they may ask for help to describe their homeland to a teacher or classmate, and you’ll question whether you’ve prepared them to confidently celebrate their heritage.
Coming from a nation with a rich and ancient history, why not empower your child to take pride in their roots?”
When my child comes from a nation with a proud history, why not give them the knowledge to embrace it?
In the U.S., history lessons often omit Iran’s role in civilization, and museums provide little about its heritage. Realizing this, I took it upon myself to teach my child about Iranian culture and the Zoroastrian faith.
The results were rewarding. When asked to paint a Halloween character, my child drew Zahak and explained the story of Zahak and Jamshid Shah. At a piano recital, they played Iranian pieces and introduced the audience to an Iranian composer. They chose Maryam Mirzakhani for a school project and proudly explained our Haft-Seen table during the pandemic.
Moments like these showed me that my efforts had instilled pride and confidence in their identity, shining brightly in their eyes.
Although migration was our choice, should we not give our children the option to embrace Persian culture and language? This question arose when my seven-year-old son asked, “Why don’t we live in Iran?” Feeling guilty for choosing a different homeland, I promised to ensure my child could learn Persian language, culture, and the Zoroastrian faith abroad.
Challenges of Teaching Persian Culture and Language Abroad
Teaching Persian to children outside Iran is challenging, especially for immigrant parents adapting to a new country. Mobed Peymaneh Soroushpour, after moving to the U.S., shares her experiences and research through articles in Iranian publications. She notes that by equipping our children with knowledge of their culture and history, they can grow up with a proud Iranian and Zoroastrian identity, introducing their heritage to the world and finding success with confidence.
Effectiveness of Zoroastrian Religious Classes in Sacramento
Mobed Peymaneh Soroushpour discussed her experience in organizing religious classes at the Zoroastrian Center of Sacramento, outlining the challenges and efforts involved. The classes are conducted with the active participation of parents and volunteers who are passionate about the Zoroastrian faith. Unlike classes in Iran, there is no grading system or requirement—parents bring their children out of interest alone. The classes must be engaging for children and valuable for parents, prompting them to invest time and effort. Initially, these classes were conducted in English, but now, with the support of parents, Persian is used, and religious teachers also provide instruction in reading and writing Persian.
Teaching Management Skills to Children and Teens
Mobed Peymaneh Soroushpour shared how practical and engaging methods are used at the Sacramento religious center to involve both children and parents. The teachings of Zoroastrianism are presented differently for different age groups—hands-on for children and project-based for teens. The goal is to empower children with essential knowledge and management skills, integrating wisdom with practical experience so they can embody the teachings of Asho Zoroaster in their everyday lives.
For example, when teaching the Four Commitments, children work on projects that focus on conservation, environmental care, and center upkeep. These activities connect theoretical knowledge with real-world action. For younger children, classes include hands-on activities, crafts, and games, such as participating in Gahanbar ceremonies and setting up Haft-Seen tables. This approach makes learning engaging and meaningful, helping children connect deeply with their heritage through artistic, literary, and historical elements.
For each generation, the stories of Shahnameh hold magic, especially for children who are native English speakers. These kids, raised in the U.S., perform Shahnameh stories in Persian, fully immersed in their roles and using creativity to bring these narratives to life on stage. To help connect them with these tales, I started by creating animated films of Shahnameh stories and showing them to the children.
Zoroaster established the foundation for good thoughts in Iran, Ferdowsi captured these thoughts in verse, and Cyrus the Great embodied good deeds in governance. Every year, the Zoroastrian Association of Sacramento holds a celebration for Cyrus the Great, where students research and present their findings. In the past, they have showcased their knowledge through art, such as creating models of Cyrus’s tomb and designing T-shirts featuring Cyrus and Zoroastrian symbols.
Cooking classes for kids are another way to engage them, introducing them to Iranian and Zoroastrian culinary traditions in a fun and educational manner. To draw more children to the Zoroastrian center, our association has also included construction projects like building playgrounds and upgrading educational facilities. At this year’s Norooz Bazaar, we provided a table for students to present the Zoroastrian center to visitors, demonstrating the cultural significance of the Faravahar symbol. A non-Iranian visitor, after learning about its philosophy, was amazed by its depth and beauty—exactly the kind of response we hope to inspire in our children as they share their heritage with the world.
Preserving Zoroastrianism and Culture Beyond Borders
In recent years, many Zoroastrians have migrated from Iran to various parts of the world. While these migrations spread Zoroastrian culture and heritage, they also present challenges. Mobed Soroushpour emphasizes the importance of preserving ancient Zoroastrian traditions and Iranian culture: “Although the Zoroastrian community has not been large in recent centuries, our heritage has been passed down with the sacrifices and resilience of our ancestors. Today, due to migration, our community is shrinking. The Parsis in India offer a model of success—dedicated to educating their children in Zoroastrian principles and living as true Zoroastrians. They remain committed to their community and their faith, continuing to fulfill their religious obligations worldwide.”
The role of education in maintaining Zoroastrian teachings among children and young adults is crucial. Religious classes must be engaging and use modern methods to attract young people, ensuring they take on leadership roles in Zoroastrian societies and associations in the future.
Global Solidarity Among Zoroastrians
Mobed Peymaneh Sorushpour, drawing on her deep knowledge and experience, emphasized the importance of preserving Iranian culture and Zoroastrian traditions beyond Iran. She notes “The great thinker Parviz Natel-Khanlari once said that the Gathas and teachings of Asho Zarathushtra are the most significant spiritual gift the Iranian mind has given to global thought. I continue to educate people about this invaluable gift, which remains a guide for humanity today.”
Zoroastrianism’s roots are in Iran, and its connection to Iranian culture is unbreakable. The sustainability of Zoroastrianism depends on strong organizations in Iran and the commitment of Iranian Zoroastrians to their faith. The Mobedyaran Association has successfully preserved Zoroastrianism across Iran’s turbulent history, maintaining its integrity without distortion or fragmentation.
In countries worldwide, especially in the US, Zoroastrian communities have established centers for Zoroastrians. The global coordination among these associations and organizations in preserving Zoroastrian teachings without unauthorized innovations is crucial.
Maintaining the connection between Zoroastrians within and outside Iran is essential today. Amordad, as a professional publication, plays a vital role in fostering this global solidarity. By upholding journalistic principles and documenting the community’s history, Amordad can significantly contribute to this unity. While Iran remains the enduring homeland of Zoroastrianism, it continues to provide a nurturing environment for its global community.
Final Words by Mobed Peymaneh Soroushpour:
“Serving the community comes from the community itself. Becoming a Mobed wasn’t a personal decision for me—it came as a surprise a few years ago when I wasn’t expecting this responsibility. After joining the Zoroastrian Association and forming an education committee, I realized the need for deeper knowledge. The support and encouragement from friends, along with the strong backing from the Mobedan Association, were crucial. I would like to thank Mobed Firoozgari, Mobed Dr. Ardeshir Khorshidyan, the Mobedan Association’s management, and my brothers, Mobed Pedram Soroushpour and Mobed Omid Mehrayeen, for their guidance.
“I’m honored to be a member of our Zoroastrian community in Sacramento. I pray to Ahura Mazda that my efforts can help preserve our heritage. For the persistence of Iran and the well-being of all my co-religionists, I seek the blessings of Ahura Mazda. Thank you.”
