Congregation B’nai Midbar at SaddleBrooke – August 2025

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 25th 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.org.Many thanks to Bonnie Lasky (bglasky1836@gmail.com) and all of our volunteers!

In July, we enjoyed the Dolly Steamboat Cruise followed by lunch at Tortilla Flats.

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 will speak on July 11 on 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 one’s names.

We have a new address! We have a permanent address to mail correspondence, membership renewals, donations, special events, Book of Remembrance entries, and other items to:

Congregation B’nai Midbar

PO Box 9223

Tucson, AZ 85738

Congregation B’nai Midbar is celebrating 25 years since our founding. Our history can be seen on our website at bnaimidbar.org/history. Explore our website, learn about us and what is happening! We are a 501(c)(3) taxexempt 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.

Sue and Herb Cohn leading our June Shabbat service (photo by Joy Erickson)

So, What’s New?

Melanie Einbund

Summer Lay Led Shabbat Services

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. July 18 was our next lay led Shabbat service. 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.