Summer Is on the Way!
Melanie Einbund
Our last Shabbat officiated by Rabbi Price until the High Holy Days was on April 17. Eliyanah Powers, our Cantorial Soloist, was there to guide us through services and rituals. (FYI: Ruzbeh had a prior commitment and will be with us for the High Holy Days). Saying ‘Lehitraot’ (until we meet again) to many of our “snowbird” members will be full of memories and warm thoughts. To those of us remaining in Tucson, we hope for a summer of moderate temperatures.
Our board has arranged for summer Shabbat services. The services will be conducted in private homes. If you are interested in welcoming congregant members for Shabbat in your home or leading/participating in services, please contact Joy (joyerickson4@gmail.com).
Passover Seders were everywhere. Congregants opened their homes to invite members to share the holiday together. B’nai Midbar is grateful to those who held those seders. The reviews are wonderful. Reminders of days past with family, vibrant conversations, traditional practices and of course, the platters of cuisine and refreshment. Passover is a special time, and wherever you are, sharing our history, customs and practices is heartening.
Joy and Bill Erickson are again offering to host Havdalah in early September. It is a beautiful ceremony closing Shabbat and preparing us for a new week. Please contact Joy (joyerickson4@gmail.com) if you would like to help with this event.
In April Eva Friedner once again offered her warm and caring Chant Circle, a way to meditate using prayer to bring harmony and consideration. Eva is always a warm and soothing presence. We have something to learn from her. Reach out to Eva if interested at eva.friedner@gmail.com
Dates to Remember
Summer services (locations will be announced): June 19, July 17, August 21.
High Holy Days: Erev Rosh Hashanah, September 11, Rosh Hashanah – September 12, Kol Nidre (Erev Yom Kippur) September 20, Yom Kippur and Break the Fast September 21.
Oneg Celebrations: An Oneg is a mitzvah (good deed) to celebrate and sponsor a special occasion, memory, an honor, or just because. A special April Oneg celebrates the marriage of Judi Friedman and Jerry Lankin.
Our sponsors for October are Barry and Marcia Gilbert, celebrating their anniversary. December is sponsored anonymously. If you have a celebratory or memorial event in November, please consider sponsoring an Oneg. You can always share the Oneg honors with another.
Celebratory Events
Chanting and Chocolate: April 27
Havdalah: Sept. 5
Adult Education: Led by Rabbi Price. Open to members are classes of Jewish Text Study based on Jewish Ethics. Space is limited. Please contact Esta Goldstein jsda38@icloud.com for more information.
Mitzvahs: Judi Friedman and Jerry Lankin got married in April!
Community News
Melanie Einbund
Bonnie Lasky has been an ardent supporter of B’nai Midbar, encouraging “All Things New.” Bonnie created our website, our Jewish Links Newsletter, Books of Remembrance, and so many other items that I’ve lost track. Her energy, creativity and go-getter attitude have amazed us as we try to keep up with her. Bonnie has decided to cut back a bit. Bonnie has handed over the publication of our newsletter, “Jewish Links,” to Leslie Stewart. Leslie is a new board member. She is a consummate professional and communications professor. We know she will lead the way, keeping us up to date and then some. Thank you, Leslie, for stepping up and helping us grow! Please send your ideas, ways to assist, articles of interest, etc. to Leslie at lesliekstewart21@gmail.com.
Let’s talk about the chesed committee. Chesed is the Hebrew word for “kindness” or “compassion” and is a central Jewish value. The Chesed caring team is designed to support and comfort our members and their families in times of need, hardship, ill health and any other issue where a helping hand can make a difference. A lot of us now feel times are different than they once were. An extra hand or smile eases the way. We look to our community. If you have the wish to extend your hand to others in need, please contact Esta Goldstein jsda38@icloud.com or Susan Kendal einfo4848@yahoo.com.
The Gift an End–of–Life-Conversation: My husband and I took this course. The presenters, material, and conversations were more than educational. The atmosphere was one of trust, caring and honesty. We learned a great deal and now know how to ease the way for ourselves and for those we love. We hope that this class will be offered again. Contact Bonnie Lasky bglasky@att.net for more information.
Several are in need! Congregation B’nai Midbar in combination with Impact of Southern Arizona sponsors a food drive at every Shabbat Service from the High Holy Days to April.. Packaging and dating are not important. Impact will separate the donations accordingly. If you wish to donate, checks made payable to Southern Arizona Impact are welcome. Know that your contribution is tax deductible via AZ Tax Credits. Feed people and get a tax break!
May 1 to 31 is Jewish American Heritage Month celebrating our 350-year history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States. With over 7.5 million Jewish Americans, this month recognizes the rich traditions of Jewish communities and their integral role in shaping American society and the American Experience. For information and events contact https://www.jewishheritagemonth.gov.
Jewish Links, our E-Bulletin and our website Bnaimidbar.com will keep you up to date. Please subscribe and/or log onto the website for more information.
We at Congregation B’nai Midbar provide 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 infocbm18@gmail.com.
Congregation B’nai Midbar wishes everyone a May full of fun and adventure!