Aryeh Green, Speaker Event
Joy Erickson
Occasionally, something magical happens when you share a space with an enormously talented, credentialed, and experienced person—someone who is brilliant, passionate, self-revealing, and with his quiet demeanor, also touches your heart. Such was the case on March 27 when approximately 100 guests came to listen to Aryeh Green who was in SaddleBrooke at the invitation of Congregation B’nai Midbar, a congregation that welcomes all and serves the residents of SaddleBrooke and surrounding communities.
Originally from the Washington, D.C., area, Aryeh has been a citizen of Israel for 40 years. Married, with children and grandchildren, he has worked in government, education, and the business world and is currently in renewable energy. He is also an author, working on his second book, Finding Peace in the Promised Land, which is due out later this year.
The audience was fully engaged as they watched with quiet respect Israel’s Superheroes video that showcases everyday “heroes” who are, at a moment’s notice, hearing the terrifying sound of a ballistic missile breaching their country’s border or witnessing the massive and brutal murders of more than 1,200 young adults attending a music festival, causing them to race home, collect their superhero’s combat gear and weapons, and immediately report for duty.
When a friend or stranger asks, “How are you doing?” their reply is often, “Okay, considering.” Considering that in the past year and a half, more of your countrymen and women have been killed proportionally than the U.S. lost in World War II. That the remaining hostages, who were taken over a year ago, are most likely never going to return home either dead or alive. Fearing that keeping your children safe will be questionable. That even after more than 75 years of building a nation based on Judaic Christian ideology and the principles of democracy, many enemies do not “recognize” Israel’s right to even exist, let alone live in peace. That your country is surrounded on all sides and would like you to disappear forever!
And yet, after thousands of years of history, some good and some beyond awful, the Jewish people have learned how not only to survive, but also to live and to always have hope, and to actively work to repair our world. For these people, there is no other choice.
Celebrating our 25th year: Congregation B’nai Midbar at SaddleBrooke 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.
And There They Go!
Melanie Einbund
April Shabbat services on April 25 were a fond farewell to several snowbirds who graced our congregation throughout the winter months. We will miss their smiles and wish them safe travels.
But wait, the board is looking forward to Shabbat services over the summer, led by lay leaders. Herb Cohn is taking the point on this. Contact Herb at shofarman@aol.com if you wish to participate, attend a service, or sponsor an Oneg. We welcome your involvement.
April’s Oneg was sponsored by the B’nai Midbar Board, honoring new members. A welcoming gift was given to all new members. An Oneg is a mitzvah (good deed) to commemorate and sponsor a special occasion, memory, or honor. If you would like to sponsor an Oneg beginning September 2025 through April 2026, contact Judy Friedman at judi95476@gmail.com.
The April Shabbat saw the departure of Dr. Josh Nichols, our accompanist for some years. Josh made our music “sing” as he practiced and prepared with reverence so that no note was missed or obscured. We will miss you, Josh. Hopefully, you will come by from time to time. Perhaps he will captivate us with one of his original compositions.
Aryeh Green spoke to the community on March 27 at the DesertView Performing Arts Center. His message was hopeful and how the present conflict has brought the Israeli population closer together. A new sense of pride and enthusiasm for Israel permeated the audience.
Dates to Remember:
Late summer: A pre-High Holy Day Community Gathering (more information to come)
Summer Lay Shabbat Services: Dates to be determined
Nov. 15: A Celebration of B’nai Midbar’s 25-Year Anniversary
Dec. 21: Chanukah Celebration
Our seder is a collaboration to celebrate the freedom from slavery of the Israelites in Egypt. Our first community seder has been sold out! Vu will be leading us in our centuries-long traditions and practices. Because this article is written prior to our seder, know that there are many people cooking, preparing, and cleaning behind the scenes. We will have a full update for you in our June article.
Thanks to Eva Freidner who conducted our second Chant and Chocolate in early April. Chanting Hebrew prayers is a form of meditation practiced by many.
Now is the time to practice: Have you ever wanted to read and/or chant from the Torah? We encourage you to participate during services by chanting from the Torah. This is a special honor. Rabbi Price will help you along the way. For additional information, contact Joy Erickson at joyerickson4@gmail.com.
You are an important part of what B’nai Midbar offers! Volunteers are always welcome. Select an area of interest, event, or project. Your knowledge and time contribute to who we are and who we will become. Please contact Joy Erickson at joyerickson4@gmail.com for more information.
Congregation B’nai Midbar, formally known as IJSS, is celebrating 25 years since our founding. Our history can be seen on our website bnaimidbar.com/history. Explore our new website and learn about us and what’s new!
Until the beginning of the Jewish New Year, we will miss the spirit, wit, and leadership of Rabbi Price and the voice and dedication of Eliyanah Powers. We will welcome our new accompanist Rouzbeh Tebyanian, an experienced clergical musician.
Congregation B’nai Midbar at SaddleBrooke 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.