Welcome to Our March 20 Shabbat
Melanie Einbund
Welcome to our March 20 Shabbat. Rabbi Price will officiate. As always, Eliyanah Powers, our cantorial soloist, and Ruzbeh Tebyanian, accompanist, will assist.
The February celebration of Tu B’shevat took on a new flavor. Yes, lavender at the Under the Oaks lavender farm in Oracle. Farmer John gave us the history of the property, a lesson on the care and cultivation of lavender with humor, and a true appreciation of the land and the environments that surround all of us. We walked the farm, learned, and “oohhed” and “aahhed” at the artifacts and artworks that are very integral to the farm. We felt peaceful as we entered the barn. The seven species were introduced and songs were sung, led by Eva Friedner. At one point, we had the accompaniment of the burros in the pen just outside the barn. Carolyn and Farmer John were gracious to offer us lavender lemonade, Earl Grey tea with lavender, and lavender cookies. Will life ever be the same after?
As we look at Tu B’shevat and other holidays, your input, creativity, and volunteerism are appreciated. Please contact any board member to let us know your interest.
You may have missed it, but Eva Friedner offered her special and intimate Chant Circle again in February—a way to meditate and pray. Reach out to Eva at eva.friedner@gmail.com if interested.
Eva Friedner came to the forefront again as she spoke about her parents’ story as Holocaust survivors—an account of coincidences, bravery, and mortification. The audience at Santa Catalina Church—which numbered close to 150–was enthralled.It was encouraging to hear her story and listen to all the questions that followed.
Dates to Remember:
Shabbat Services, led by Rabbi Daniel Price
March 20
April 17
Summer Services (locations to be announced)
May 15
June 19
July 17
Oneg Celebrations: February’s Oneg was provided by Bonnie Lasky and Irv Rothenberg to celebrate Bonnie’s 83rd birthday, Irv’s 91st birthday, and their first anniversary.
An Oneg is a mitzvah (good deed) to celebrate and sponsor a special occasion, memory, an honor, or just because. And you can always share the Oneg honors with another. Openings are available for September, October, November, and December. Contact Marcia Gilbert at marciagilbert@gmail.com to reserve a spot, ask questions, and/or volunteer.
Celebratory Events
April 1-2: Passover Seders
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 at jsda38@icloud.com for more information.
March 17: Theology of Prayer
April 14: What Happens After We Die?
Mitzvahs
Rita Pollak celebrated her 80th birthday!
Bonnie Lasky will celebrate becoming 83!
Irv Rothenberg becomes 91!
And if that wasn’t enough, Bonnie and Irv get to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.
Andrea and Steve Sahl became grandparents of baby boy Callum Arthur. Steve is so excited to have his grandson carry his father’s name—you guessed it, Arthur.
What Did I Forget?
Melanie Einbund
Wishing a quick recovery to Hal Kirman. Wishes of wellness to Sherry Kaplan. Sherry, an “institution” unto herself, has had a long illness and is now recovering slowly, but recovering.
Okay, so now I can talk about a 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 in which a helping hand could make a difference. Many of us now feel times to be different than they once were. An extra hand or smile would ease the way. We look to our community. If you have the wish to extend your hand to others in need, please contact Bonnie Lasky at bglasky@att.net.
The Jewish Film Festival in SaddleBrooke was a huge success! If you didn’t go, you missed it!
Matchmaking 2, Jan. 4, 2026: A Romeo and Juliet romantic saga! If you missed it, it’s a shame! A great story of two cultures, weddings, and matchmaking intricacies. A fun, heartwarming film!
Among Neighbors, Jan. 18, 2026: Exposes the mysteries of a small Polish town and the interlocking of love and hatred that shaped the lives of neighbors, both Jewish and Polish. This is an award-winning film.
B’nai Midbar and Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona co-sponsored the movies shown at the DesertView Performing Arts Center.
A Q&A followed the film with Yoav Potash, both director and writer of the film. To learn of the coincidences, incumbrances, running through hoops in a foreign and often unfriendly government is a story in itself. The audience was mesmerized! Actually, we still are!
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 at jsda38@icloud.com for more information.
March 17: Theology of Prayer
April 14: What Happens After We Die?
The Comedy Klatch: An experimental theater of original short plays, musical parodies, and comedy sketches. Susan Kravitz is the creator of this funny, exciting, and riveting production. Performances were sold out by late January. Seeing some of our friends on stage and their erudite costumes spun us into fits of laughter.
Several are in need!
Congregation B’nai Midbar, in combination with IMPACT of Southern Arizona, sponsors a food drive at every Shabbat Service that we are in session. Please bring any food products that you wish to donate to Shabbat Services on Friday, March 20. Packaging and dating are not important. IMPACT will separate the donations accordingly. If you wish to donate, checks made payable to IMPACT of Southern Arizona are welcome. Literature will be available at the table. Know that your contribution is tax deductible via Arizona tax credits. Feed people and get a tax break!
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 you a Happy St Patrick’s Day!