B’nai Midbar News
Melanie Einbund
Remembering, Honoring, and Worth Repeating: We have all experienced at one time or another the loss of someone close to us. The Jewish practice of Yahrzeit (the Yiddish word for “anniversary”) refers specifically to the anniversary of the date of a person’s passing. We commemorate the event with a candle and recite the Mourner’s Kaddish.
B’nai Midbar is fortunate that Jeff Syden and Joel Wyner created a web page for our congregation who wish to honor the passing of a person(s). Jeff took me through the learning curve to access and add my loved ones to the site.
But first, some background. The site (the site still uses the name IJSS) has partnered with the National Jewish Memorial Wall to provide a way that congregants and friends can commemorate and acknowledge their deceased. Since we don’t have a permanent building, this website augments the plaque and Yahrzeit memorial that would normally be in the synagogue. The site identifies the Yahrzeit remembrance, sends reminders, and has a place where you can store your personal memories of the deceased. Primarily, this is a platform for our community to capture family history and heritage through the sharing of stories and pictures.
You can access the site via www.NJMW.org/ijss or www.nationaljewishmemorialwall.com/ijss. Once on the site, you will find many choices you can explore, including Online Plaques, Yahrzeit Reminders, Planting a Tree in Israel, and other options. We encourage you to look, review plans, and check their pricing. If you need assistance, please reach out to Joel Wyner at jjaz612@q.com or Jeff Syden at jefsy760@gmail.com. They will be happy to assist you. Know that the name will change to B’nai Midbar at a later date.
You are an important part of our congregation and what B’nai Midbar offers! Volunteers are always welcome. Select what appeals to you: an area of interest, event, or project. Currently, we would appreciate help with our Onegs, honey cake bakers, set-up assistance for services, social activities, religious committee, membership, and our FUNraiser! It’s quite a list. Hopefully, there is an item or two that appeals to you. 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 website to learn about us and what’s 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.
Sending wishes for a happy and memorable summer to all!
Melanie Einbund
Summer Shabbat Services
Herb Cohn, our religious chair, has arranged summer Shabbat Services to be led by lay leaders. Services will be held at various homes. 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, to commemorate or recognize a special occasion, memory, or honor, contact Judi Friedman at judi95476@gmail.com.
Dates to Remember:
Summer Shabbat Services (at 7 p.m.)
July 18: Lay Led Shabbat Services (a leader is requested)
Aug. 15: Lay Led Shabbat Services (a leader is requested)
If you are interested in leading the Lay Leader Shabbat Services, 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 Community Gathering
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!
We have a new address!
Our congregation has expressed the wish to have a permanent address where we can mail correspondence, membership renewals, donations, special events, and Book of Remembrance entries, among other items:
Congregation B’nai Midbar
P.O. Box 9223
Tucson, AZ 85738