As you read this, the High Holy Days have passed. So, a recap of sorts.
Rabbi Daniel “Danny” Price officiated B’nai Midbar’s High Holy Days. His openness and spirit engaged us as we practiced traditions and recited prayers centuries old. Eliyanah Powers, cantorial soloist, was in splendid voice and fascinated us as she chanted prayers and expressed their deep meaning. Dr. Joshua Nichols, accompanist, interpreted the musicality of the services and provided a spiritual resonance. When your rabbi and accompanist are both accomplished musicians, the possibilities are endless. And we celebrated with a new name, B’nai Midbar, and a new Torah!
The giving of honey cakes at Rosh Hashanah, baked by congregants, was gladly received. Honey cakes symbolize wishes for a Sweet New Year.
Rabbi Price led us through Tashlich services at Lake Tucson. A peaceful surrounding as we cast our sins (in the form of breadcrumbs) upon the water. Thanks to Mike Roddy, Director of Golf and Grounds, SaddleBrooke One, who assisted us by giving us access to this site.
The Yom Kippur evening service included Stephen Beecher, cellist, who performed “Kol Nidre” (All Vows). This composition sets the tone for the Day of Atonement. It allows us to reflect to the day of prayer and remembrance.
The Book of Remembrance is given to those who have honored a loved one. A Wall of Remembrance posting pictures of loved ones is a new tradition to our congregation. As we looked at those who have passed, several emotions and caring were felt.
A Yom Kippur “Break the Fast” was a feast to behold!
Gratitude and thankfulness to all who helped make High Holy Days services memorable and valuable. We learned a lot from each other as we enveloped traditional ways of doing things and embraced new ones. From making our prayer space feel like a sanctuary, the welcoming of members and guests, setting up chairs and the pulpit and then bringing it down, to preparing the service, our honey cake bakers, and our talented liturgical staff are too numerous to mention individually. The board of B’nai Midbar is grateful to all of you. Thank you.
And to our congregation and guests, it was a delight to see so many of you—congregants, guests, and new faces! We hope to see you often as we celebrate throughout the year.
We cannot say thank you enough. Having a facility that allowed High Holy Days services to take place was amazing. Fr. Huy Vu and his congregation of the Santa Catalina Catholic Church made us feel welcome and comfortable in the Parish Hall. The appreciation of our congregation is limitless as we celebrated our High Holy Days services in peace and reflection. Thank you!
B’nai Midbar is a welcoming congregation. If you wish to join our congregation or have questions, please feel free to contact Esta Goldstein at 520-825-1181 for information. Good wishes to all!