Baha'i baskets honor those who keep city safe

ADAM BOROWITZ
Tucson Citizen
Nov. 12, 2002
Members of the Baha'i faith will deliver food baskets to civil servants today in a celebration of their version of Christmas.
Much as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec. 25, followers of the Baha'i faith - 300 of whom live in Tucson - recognize the birth of their prophet, Bahá'u'lláh, each year on Nov. 12.
Bahá'u'lláh, the faith's prophet-founder, was born in Tehran on Nov. 12, 1817. His teachings are centered on the oneness of God, religion and humankind.
Bahá'u'lláh, which means "The Glory of God" in Arabic, was persecuted and lived in exile until he died in 1892.
Ruby R. Jamshedi, treasurer for the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of East Pima County, said followers hand out the baskets to thank those who devote themselves to keeping Tucson safe.
Jamshedi said the baskets will be handed out to some elected officials, libraries and police and fire stations.
"We write a very nice letter thanking them and inviting them to share in the feast by eating some of the the items in the baskets," Jamshedi said.
"They do so much, and we can't do anything for them. We want to show our appreciation."
As in most Baha'i traditions, followers' children will assist in distributing the baskets to teach them the importance of recognizing those who spend their lives in the service of others.
"Especially we want to show our children, to teach them that in times of joy and celebration we have to share with the people who serve us and keep us safe," Jamshedi said.
Jamshedi said about 145,000 Bahai's live in the United States, and there are 6 million worldwide.