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The Baha’i Faith: Focusing on What Unites Us

December 1, 2017 by Shauna Levy

Pictured (L-R): Jerry Watson, Pamela Thornton (Director of the Chappaqua Library) Mary Watson and Shohreh Anand.

According to theology researchers, there are 4,200 religions around the world. Of those, eight are represented on the Chappaqua Interfaith Council. The small, but dedicated group of Baha’is, which counts eight to 10 member families on average is an avid member of the Council and has enjoyed being part of the Chappaqua community for almost 50 and years.

The Chappaqua group recently made a book donation to the local library to commemorate the 200th bicentenary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, its founder. It’s not surprising though that this group has embedded itself within the fabric of its communities despite its small numbers. The central message of the Baha’i teachings, after all, is unity and inclusivity.

A Spiritual Paradigm Shift

Mary Watson, a Chappaqua resident for 30 years, has been a practicing Baha’i since the age of 20. Raised Methodist in “a small town” on the shore of Lake Michigan, her family, like most, never considered questioning their religion. As Mary articulates, “We are typically dedicated to the faith we were born into and to reassess that is a major paradigm shift as one inevitably becomes attached to what one already intrinsically knows.”

Watson’s “small town” also happened to be the Whirlpool Corporation’s headquarters and with that came a population who put an emphasis on education. Several families decided to organize a theological study group to inform their youth on the world’s major religions. They identified a professor, Dr. Albert Vail, a Harvard Divinity School Ph.D., and embarked upon their journey.

The group studied religions in chronological order every few weeks. Almost one-and-a-half years into their studies, they were introduced to the Baha’i Faith. These lessons resonated with Mary’s family as no other and ultimately had a life-changing impact. The basis of its teachings is unity and the concept that every person is created noble by God and therefore should be treated with love and respect.

“The Baha’i teachings appealed to us for many reasons,” recalled Mary. Her clear, blue eyes alight as she recounts, “The teachings are very logical and sensible, yet deeply spiritual. The most important virtues are honesty, trustworthiness, forbearance and generosity. Baha’is are committed to promoting unity, the equality of men and women, and standing up for justice. We look for the good in people and promote what draws us together. For example, if a person has 10 characteristics and nine are good and one is bad, we focus on the nine. Similarly, if a person has one good characteristic and nine bad ones, we empower the one.”

The Baha’i Era

Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, was born into a wealthy Persian family in 1817. He gave up his position and possessions to serve humanity and became known as the “father of the poor.” He taught the oneness of humanity and had a vision of a future united in justice, peace and prosperity. The other central figure to the faith is “the Bab,” meaning gate, who foresaw a time of spiritual reform and heralded the coming of Baha’u’llah in 1844, which is considered to be the commencement of the Baha’i Era. As the direct result of their beliefs, the Bab was executed, and Baha’u’llah was forced into exile. He remained a prisoner until his death, 40 years after founding the Baha’i Faith.

Baha’i believe that each great religious messenger such as Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Christ and Muhammed has taught us about God and how to live our lives. Each Messenger builds upon the messages of the past. Mary explains, “We see religion as similar to going through grades in school. Each faith builds upon the last in a sort of spiritual evolution.” The teachings of Baha’u’llah are meant for the modern age we live in. In about a thousand years another Messenger will appear and the cycle will continue.

A Modern Message

“The timing of Baha’u’llah’s writings is a major unifying factor as they came during the printing era,” Mary points out. “While most faiths are divided into various denominations, there is one version of our scriptures and no splintered groups.

To be a Baha’i and meet another Baha’i is an indescribable feeling because we immediately understand that we share a unified belief system.”

Reflective of the modern era in which it was formed, the Baha’i Faith is relatively revolutionary. It is differentiated from most religions by the embrace and love of equality and diversity. According to Mary, “Baha’is represent the most diverse range of cultures and races. Not only do we accept intermarriage, but it is actually encouraged.”

The Baha’is are also unique in their emphasis on education–it’s compulsory for both men and women. In fact, Mary says, “if a family only has the means to educate either their son or daughter, we believe it is more important for the daughter to go through schooling. Women are considered the mothers of the next generation.” Furthermore, Baha’is accept and promote the understanding of scientific principles. “We believe in a balance between science and religion. Having religion without science, we become too superstitious and without faith, the world is a breeding ground for injustice and hate,” says Mary.

Fittingly, Baha’is are led in a non-traditional manner. There is no designated leader or priesthood. Volunteers serve as “facilitators” of weekly study groups. “In this age of literacy,” Mary adds, “we don’t require a leader to teach us what to believe. Through a consultative process, all members discuss their thoughts and everyone’s comments are equally valuable.” In line with this democratic philosophy, every year Baha’is elect a National Spiritual Assembly, and every five years the members meet in Israel, to elect the Universal House of Justice, whose guidance, based on Baha’i Writings, provides direction for action.

Finding Strength in Our Differences

Mary credits the Faith for her family’s strong sense of identity and for helping them make good decisions. Their Faith empowers them to see the beauty in all people. In a world full of challenges and opportunities, they hold on to their beliefs, while celebrating our differences and focusing on what unites us as a human race.

A Hometown Book Signing for “What Happened”

October 22, 2017 by The Inside Press

Secretary Hillary Clinton with dancers from the Artistry Dance Project in Pleasantville. The troupe performed a tribute song for her at Scattered Books in Chappaqua that Clinton later tweeted about. Hopeton Lemon (far right), a local dj, was director/editor of the video. PHOTO BY GRACE BENNETT

With a book tour for her runaway best seller, What Happened, well underway, Hillary Clinton arrived at the Chappaqua Library for a third hometown, and a sold out book signing event on September 23. Many young people also brought copies of Clinton’s It Takes a Village Picture Book which she signed too. Library staff and volunteers worked hard to make the day’s efforts possible coordinating with the owners of Scattered Books and the Village Bookstore and also with the Town of New Castle. One volunteer, Chappaqua’s John Buckley, a former town council member, said he had “just finished flapping books with well over 800 for her to sign.”

Hundreds waited hours on a warm day, forming lines weaving up and down book aisles, attesting to the intense popularity of Sec. Clinton here at home and beyond. Ronni Diamondstein, a new trustee of the library and long time Inside Press contributor, commented, “The Clintons are part of the fabric of our community and the library is happy to host local authors. It’s nice to see how happy people are to see her today even if it’s just for a few minutes.” –Grace

Hillary Rodham Clinton with the staff of the Chappaqua Library
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHAPPAQUA LIBRARY

Former President Bill Clinton stopped by too. Here with Chappaqua Library Executive Director Pam Thornton PHOTO BY RONNI DIAMONDSTEIN

Arc of Westchester Hosts Art Reception at Chappaqua Library Gallery

September 27, 2017 by Inside Press

L-R: Robert E. Miss, chair, Advisory Committee, gallery265; Nancy Patota, executive director, Arc of Westchester Foundation; Rita Ross, Chappaqua resident and board member, Arc of Westchester; Tom Hoffman, donor, Arc of Westchester; Jean Hoffman; Ric Swierat, executive director, Arc of Westchester

Chappaqua, NY – Arc of Westchester hosted a reception on Thursday, September 7, at the Chappaqua Library Gallery to view and discuss “In the Moment,” which features works from talented artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All of the artists are participants in gallery265, Arc of Westchester’s creative arts program. “In the Moment” was on exhibit through September 23. For more information, visit www.arcwestchester.org.

Arc of Westchester donor Tom Hoffman and his wife Jean purchase a painting by John Israel, a gallery265 artist.

Kathy Higgins and Rita Ross, Chappaqua residents and members of The Exceptional People Committee, a New Castle organization that is trying to find ways to better the lives of people in the town who have special needs, in the areas of social, educational, training and vocational opportunities, transportation, housing, and care services.

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About Arc of Westchester

Arc of Westchester, founded in 1949, is the largest agency in Westchester County supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Over 800 employees provide more than 2,000 individuals throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life. The mission of Arc of Westchester is to empower children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, to achieve their potential by strengthening families and encouraging personal choices, abilities and interests. Arc of Westchester is a chapter of NYSARC, Inc. and The Arc.

How Barbara Dee Strikes a ‘Just Right’ Note for Middle Schoolers

August 25, 2017 by Ronni Diamondstein

Chappaqua author Barbara Dee has her finger on the pulse of older kids, and she knows what they are thinking about. For more than a decade Dee’s popular books for middle-grade students have been on the right track with topics that interest kids.

As the market for children’s books has evolved so have Dee’s books. From her debut novel, Just Another Day in My Insanely Real Life, to her latest Halfway Normal, Dee’s writing has gotten more serious, yet she has consistently maintained her trademark sense of humor.

Author Barbara Dee
PHOTO BY
Ronni Diamondstein

“Kids want to feel like they are reading about themselves, so the voice has to be just right,” says Dee. As an adult you come to writing for young people with your own life experience: for Dee it is Mom and teacher. “I felt a strong connection to my 12-year-old self and was able to tap into those feelings easily.”

For many of Dee’s books, resilience and empathy are themes. Such is the case for Halfway Normal, a story about 12-year-old Norah Levy who returns to school after two years of treatment for leukemia. Dee wrote from her own experience as a Memorial Sloan Kettering mom whose child was undergoing treatment. She also spoke to girls who were survivors. Dee is thrilled that this book has been chosen as a Junior Library Guild title, a first for her.

“While kids today are so sophisticated and have such internet savvy, they are still kids. They can be confused, silly, anxious and testing their boundaries,” says Dee. “My books always have substance and are a great way to get kids to open up to a subject.” Dee’s idea for her book Star-Crossed came after she noted the acclaim that GEORGE, a book about a transgender child, received. She decided to dip her toe into the LGBT book pool. “I thought there are so few children’s books on this topic, why not take it down a notch.” Star-Crossed is a story of young love in middle school. “I know that kids question their orientation so this is a sweet and happy comedy about acceptance.”

Dee hears from a lot of her readers and the range of her audience has surprised her. She has discovered that teens and adults have been reading middle-grade books.

“I get a lot of letters and Star-Crossed has gotten the most response from teens and adults asking ‘where was this book when I was in middle school?’” They share their personal stories with Dee. “It’s so moving and I feel honored.”

Staying serious yet maintaining an upbeat tone and characters with spunk, her forthcoming book Everything I Know About You takes on the topic of tween eating disorders. The book deals with friendship issues. On a school trip to Washington, D.C. the main character that is fine with her large body notices that her roommate has an eating disorder, and handles it with humor. Dee says that humor is a great coping mechanism. “For kids, it is important to blend humor into the work, but it’s hard to be funny!”

In her spare time, Dee loves to read. She also visits schools and attends conferences and book festivals. She is a Founder and member of the Board of Directors of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. Among her favorite books as a child are

A Wrinkle in Time, Island of the Blue Dolphins and Harriet the Spy. Now she reads a lot of contemporary fiction. But her readers would be most surprised to discover that she is obsessed with the English rock band Radiohead and has been to their concerts.

When she speaks to kids, Dee tells young writers to read lots of different things for pleasure, and to get used to sharing their work. “Develop a thick skin and take constructive criticism.”

Dee says of her own experience: “A rejection letter with feedback is a gift.”

When she was a child, Dee always thought of herself as a writer one day and she’s doing exactly that, although her journey began by teaching, going to law school, and reviewing books. And she never realized what a job writing was, its business aspect and all the traveling. It is less glamorous than kids think. But in the end Dee finds it a dream job. “I’m lucky to be able to do it. What a privilege to say this is my job even when I am having a hard day!”

Barbara Dee will be giving a talk and signing her books at the Chappaqua Library on Thursday, September 14 at 4 p.m. On October 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can also find Dee greeting young and old alike at her table at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.

When Mom is in Prison: Chappaqua Librarians Participate in Summer Program Reading to their Kids

June 3, 2017 by Janie Rosman

(L-R): Chappaqua Librarians Robbin Friedman and Miriam Lang Budin holding books read to kids with moms in prison.

Learning to read is a joy for children and their parents as a little one’s first sentences and their comprehension increase with their vocabularies. Sharing these moments can be challenging from afar, more so when the parent is incarcerated.

Miriam Lang Budin, head of children’s services at Chappaqua Library and children’s librarian Robbin Friedman, found a way to use books and reading to ease the pain of children who visit their mothers who are behind bars.

“About four years ago, I was invited to see preview screening of the film Mothers of Bedford (2011),” Budin told members of the Rotary Club of Chappaqua during its March luncheon.

The documentary by filmmaker Jenifer McShane details five incarcerated women at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. During the course of several years, McShane spoke with them, their children and families, the children’s caregivers, and prison employees and volunteers to understand parenting from a distance.

“It was an extraordinary movie about the women who are incarcerated in this maximum-security prison,” Budin shared. “Some of the women are pregnant when they arrive so they give birth at the prison. If they’re privileged enough, then they can keep their babies until the babies are two years old.”

Moved by the film, she “wondered how the library could help them in their heartbreaking situation and knew books were the perfect answer.” Research led her to Hour Children®, which runs family programs at the Bedford Hills facility and at the Taconic Correctional Facility.

This will be the fourth summer she and Friedman will read to children visiting their mothers, one component of the facility’s Summer Program. Local families open their homes to inmates’ children for one week each during six week-program, allowing them to spend time more time with their mothers as contact is otherwise by telephone or mail.

Rebecca Sussman, Teen Program Coordinator, Hour Children’s Center, explained the story time program, one of many for families. “From Sunday through Thursday–six times during July and August–children stay with host families in the area and visit their moms during the day,” Sussman explained. “Some of them (children) are siblings, some of them know each other during the years, and some come (to the readings) with their mothers,’ Friedman said. “We never know how many people will show up when we’re there; sometimes up to 36 people (mothers and children) attend.”

All programs take place in the visiting room, behind which is a children’s area that looks like a nursery, and where Friedman and Budin read to the children.

“The visiting room is open to any child of any age; (however), kids from ages 5 to 17 are eligible to be hosted by families during the summer. Their presence evokes a positive reaction in parents who are reluctant to participate. “That’s the goal: to get everyone involved,” Friedman emphasized. “Reading is a good way to get everyone engaged.”

How do they hold everyone’s attention given the vast age range? “We bring picture books or early readers and poetry,” Budin said, “as there’s not enough time to read chapter books or novels, and one child can read a poem or an older child can read to a younger child.”

One favorite is Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reverso Poems by Marilyn Singer. The author’s poem can be read forward and backward, and the latter will have a different meaning. Another is We Are in a Book! from Mo Willems’ series.

“The book has lively dialogue and engages the reader,” Budin explained. Elephant Gerald and Piggie realize they are characters in a book that’s being read, and once they’re more at ease with this, they become upset that the book will end.

“Hello. Will you please read us again?” the characters ask whoever’s reading the book.

Budin and Friedman agree their efforts are well-received. “We get thank-you letters and lots of positive feedback from the families,” Budin said, adding, “sometimes we see families again the next year.”

Both are glad they found a way to work with the population and find it “fulfilling to serve people who would not otherwise have had the same opportunity,” Budin said. Each child who participates in the reading program goes home with a new, age-appropriate book to reread with another adult or by him/herself.

Those who are interested in offering books can visit http://hourchildren.org/. Families interested in hosting children for one week during the summer can contact Deb Rigano, Summer Program Coordinator, at drigano@hourchildren.org.