Sue and Herb Cohn leading our June Shabbat Service (photo by Joy Erickson)
So, What’s New?
Melanie Einbund
In June some 18 members attended our first lay-led Shabbat services, hosted by Esta Goldstein. Our lay leaders were Herb and Sue Cohn. The service they provided was thoughtful, caring, and traditional. Everyone participated in an atmosphere that was relaxed and peaceful. The Oneg was a time to socialize and catch up with each other. Many thanks to Esta who had a variety of cakes, fruits, and cool beverages for us to enjoy.
We hope that some of you will volunteer to lead a service. Your skills and knowledge will be very welcome. Contact Herb at shofarman@aol.com if you wish to lead or attend a service. Oneg sponsors are encouraged. Seating is limited to 25 people at each service.
Speaking of Onegs, if you wish to commemorate or recognize a special occasion, memory, or honor, contact Judi Friedman at judi95476@gmail.com to arrange the sponsoring of an Oneg. And speaking of volunteers, we hope that some of you will help us with the Onegs in the months to come. All you have to do is contact Judi.
Dates to Remember
Melanie Einbund
Summer Shabbat Services (at 7 p.m.)
Aug. 15: Lay-Led Shabbat Services (a leader is requested)
We hope that if you are interested in leading a Lay Leader Shabbat service, you will contact Herb Cohn at shofarman@aol.com.
Shabbat Services (at 7 p.m.)
Oct. 17
Nov. 21
Dec. 19
High Holy Days
Sept. 22-23: Rosh Hashanah
Oct. 1-2: Yom Kippur
Celebratory Events
Aug. 31: Pre-High Holy Day Meet and Greet
Sept. 13: Havdalah and Selichot Service (marks the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the new week)
Oct. 6-7: Sukkot
Nov. 15: Celebrating B’nai Midbar’s 25-Year Anniversary
Dec. 12: Annual Meeting
Dec. 21: Chanukah Party
The 2026 calendar is full of services and events, too. But we will leave that for another time.
To be “in the know,” keep up to date with our Jewish Links and our website Bnaimidbar.com. Many thanks to Bonnie Lasky, bglasky1836@gmail.com, and all of our volunteers!
Always exploring as we set off for the Dolly Steamboat Cruise on July 9. This article was written before the fact. But together we are off on an adventure, and that’s what counts! Also, knowing that the boat’s cabins are climate-controlled is a plus. We will sightsee on this six-mile Canyon Lake cruise as we look for desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and a host of other animals to be viewed from the decks of the Dolly! And then there is lunch at Tortilla Flat!
Recently, turbulent times have found some of our congregants, friends, and family in Israel. We are happy that they have made their way home and are safe. Herb Weiss spoke on July 11 about his experiences in Israel and his travels home. May peace come to Israel and the world and be sustained.
Remembering loved ones during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a custom that many of us hold dear. Our thanks to Bonnie Lasky and Sue Spaniol in preparing the Book of Remembrance. They will reach out to members as they confirm and/or add your loved ones’ names.
We have a new permanent address! We can mail correspondence, membership renewals, donations, special events, Book of Remembrance entries, among other items to Congregation B’nai Midbar, P.O. Box 9223, Tucson, AZ 85738.
Congregation B’nai Midbar is celebrating 25 years since our founding. Our history can be seen on our website bnaimidbar.com/history. Explore our website to learn about us and what is happening! We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt congregation. Contributions are welcome.
Congregation B’nai Midbar is a congregation that provides individuals of all backgrounds the opportunity to celebrate, practice, and learn from Jewish culture and religion in a welcoming and socially fulfilling environment. For information, contact Joy Erickson at joyerickson4@gmail.com.
As we prepare for a time of reflection, may all be well with you and yours.