Volume 86 | January 2019
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Spiritual wisdom and new research support alcohol-free #DryJanuary
Society seems to be catching up with the wisdom of abstaining from drinking alcohol. Dry January is a growing international social trend. Recent medical studies have debunked the purported health benefits of alcohol use. Health enthusiasts are jumping on the bandwagon of “going on the wagon,” and science is increasingly with them.

Baha’u’llah gave guidance on the topic back in 1873, in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book. 

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John Davidson
Finding support in the Baha'i Community to stay sober
"I realized that most of my friends had their own problems with drugs, and that I needed to find a different way to meet people. I wanted to find a spiritual community where I could practice my new coping skills with people who were doing something positive with their lives and in the community."

PBS to air Baha'i-sponsored documentary on race
On January 21-22, local PBS stations around the country will broadcast " An American Story: Race Amity and The Other Tradition. " The documentary is about "the other tradition" in American race relations, the tradition of amity and close cross-racial collaboration to advance equity and social justice. The Baha'is of the United States are one of the national sponsors of the film.


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From Brilliant Star Magazine

For Kids:

For Parents and Teachers:
Editor's note: More Baha'is live in California than in any other state. Last year much of the general media coverage of the state was of devastation and strife: forest fires, shootings and immigration issues. For the start of 2019, we share here a different kind of California story, one of unity and creativity.
California student mural brings 'flowers of one garden' to life
When art teacher David Draime was approached by a colleague to design a large exterior mural and organize students to paint it at their Fairfield, California, high school, he hesitated.

“I didn’t think I would have the time or the energy for such a huge undertaking,” says Draime, a Baha’i and one of three art teachers at Vanden High School. “But after a few days, I began to reconsider.”

In conceiving the mural that was to stretch all the way across a street-facing wall, he took inspiration from the Baha’i concept that we’re all “flowers of one garden,” which he felt was especially “positive and timely for a school with a diverse student body.”

"Firesides" IRL and Online

A "fireside" is an informal introductory conversation about the Baha'i Faith. They are great opportunities for people to ask questions and learn about how the Faith’s teachings relate to contemporary life.

To find a Fireside near you call 800-22-UNITE (800)-228-6483) or email


Register for upcoming online Firesides, Monday, Jan. 28, Feb. 11, or Feb. 15.
8:00 pm Eastern; 7:00 pm Central; 5:00 pm Pacific.


Connect anytime
Do you have a particular question about the Baha ’ i Faith? Let us know if you'd like to talk with a Baha ’ i, request free literature, or find Baha ’ is near you.
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Online book discussions held Tuesday evenings in January

There is still time to join the online reading and discussion of "The Book of Certitude" by Baha'u'llah.

In this book Baha'u'llah explains the continuity of revealed religion through the ages. He addresses themes that have always been central to religious life: the existence of God, the station of God's messengers, the nature of humanity, and the purpose of life. The Persian name of this book is the "Kitab-i-Iqan."

Register for this group. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about how to join the Zoom meetings. 

FREE book  ONLINE
Purchase the book  HERE
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National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States
1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
enewsletter@bahai.us | www.bahai.us
800-22-UNITE (800-228-6483)