Holiday Family Retreat with the Book of Certitude

Thurs Nov 27th 4:00pm - Sun 30th 4:00pm

The Thanksgiving Weekend returns to Desert Rose, starting with a turkey dinner to share with family and new friends. Classes specifically designed for both adults and youth make this a perfect retreat for the whole family.

The Kitáb-i-Íqán (Book of Certitude) is a pivotal Bahá’í text that illuminates the hidden connections between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, unravels prophetic mysteries, and offers a profound perspective on religious continuity. This program will guide participants through the full text of this enlightening book and include in-depth discussions on its core themes.

Through comprehensive study, you'll:

• Explore the origins of Bahá’í revelation;
• Witness how ancient prophecies from the Bible and Qur'án have been fulfilled in unexpected ways;
• Grasp the profound concept of progressive revelation that unites all divine faiths; and
• Master the symbolic language that enriches our understanding of religious scriptures.

Ghaneh Fananapazir is a physician and professor of radiology at the University of California Davis. He grew up in Scotland, North Carolina, and the Washington DC area. He went to Vanderbilt University for his undergraduate degree and then spent three years serving at the Bahá’í World Centre, in Haifa, Israel. He attended medical school at the University of Maryland and then completed his training at Georgetown University and Duke University. He has an interest in interreligious dialogue, particularly involving Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He and his wife Melody have two children.

Concurrent with Dr. Fananapazir's session, children (ages 8+) and youth will study the Writings using the performing arts and will perform a play at the end of the weekend. This special session, led by Jim Schechter, will include using the graphic arts for making props and painting background scenery. (No memorization required.)

- 4:00-6:00 PM - Registration

- 6:00-7:00 PM - Dinner

- 7:00-8:00 PM - Orientation and Introduction

- 9:00 - 12:30 PM - Sessions

- 12:30 - 2:00 PM - Lunch

- 2:00 - 6:00 PM - Sessions

- 6:00 - 7:00 PM - Dinner

- 7:00 - 8:00 PM - Music/Arts

- 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Breakfast

- 9:00 - 12:30 PM - Sessions

- 12:30 - 2:00 PM - Lunch

- 2:00 - 6:00 PM - Sessions

- 6:00 - 7:00 PM - Dinner

- 7:00 - 8:00 PM - Music/Arts

- 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Breakfast

- 9:00 - 12:30 AM - Sessions

- 12:30 - 2:00 PM - Lunch

- 2:00 - 4:00 PM - Final session & farewell

Our winter and spring retreats at Desert Rose focus on the in-depth study of core spiritual literature and historical texts. Set in the serene desert environment of Arizona, we enjoy a perfect winter retreat environment. These programs provide ain ideal opportunity for reflection, learning, and community engagement.

Attendees are required to register in advance, with fees covering all sessions, meals, and materials. Specific prerequisites for participation and a list of materials to be studied will be provided upon registration.

Registration includes 6 meals, materials and accommodations in our dormitory. If you would prefer to rent a private apartment, these can be booked separately using the link . Apartments fill up quickly and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so book quickly.

If apartments are full and you prefer not to stay in the dormitory, here is a .

Alternatively, we have boondocking-style RV parking for guests and volunteers at no additional cost. These have no power or hookups, just a water and dump station.

Transportation:

DRBI does not yet own a shuttle van but numerous shuttle and Uber options exist from the Phoenix airport only 45 minutes away.

Donations:

Support for our programs is greatly appreciated, and additional donations can be made to help us continue offering these enriching experiences.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Desert Rose Baha'i Institute, 1950 West William Sears Drive, Eloy, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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