Welcome 5786
Melanie Einbund
Catching up: Havdalah is observed as we leave Shabbat and welcome the new week with wine, spices, and the extinguishing of a special candle’s light. Havdalah at sunset was spiritual and inviting. Camaraderie, stories, and an exorbitant amount of good food fueled the spirit of over 40 attendees. Rabbi Price led us in prayer and song preparing us for the New Year.
Dates to Remember
Shabbat Services (7 p.m.)
Nov. 21
Dec. 19
Jan. 16
Feb. 20
March 20
April 17
Celebratory Events
Oct. 6-7: Sukkot
Nov. 15: Celebrating B’nai Midbar’s (formerly IJSS) 25th Year Anniversary
Dec. 12: Annual Meeting
Dec. 21: Chanukah Party
Feb. 26: Jewish Museum Trip
April 1-2: Passover
More 2026 dates to come!
Adult Education—Led by Rabbi Price. Classes of Jewish Text Study based on Jewish Ethics, will be held on Dec. 16, Jan. 20, March 17, and April 14.
Our Community’s Loss: Judy Wyner passed away after a prolonged illness in September. Judy always had a smile and compassion in her heart. Judy was an accomplished artist both in mind and execution. When I first saw her artwork it took my breath away. Judy and her husband Joel were always active members of the Jewish community at SaddleBrooke. Their dedication to our community is an example to follow.
Jewish Links and our website ‘Bnaimidbar.com’ will keep you up to date. Please subscribe and/or go to the website for more information. Bonnie Lasky (bglasky1836@gmail.com) and her team have worked hard to provide you with up-to-the-minute information!
Celebrate with B’nai Midbar at our 25th Anniversary Fundraiser on Nov 15. Excitement is in the air as we prepare to have fun! Think of a sock hop! Our Rabbi will be playing with his band and there will be a silent auction (the surprises will amaze you), pastrami, corned beef, and many other delights. Contact Judi Friedman (infocbm@gmail.com) and she will let you know how you can contribute and/or support this event.
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 infocbm@gmail.com.
Thanksgiving is coming! We hope your celebrations will be plentiful!
Greeting 5786!
Melanie Einbund
The sanctuary was resplendent in High Holy Day décor! Rabbi Price punctuated traditional and modern services with sermons relating to looking forward and accepting new experiences. Eliyanah Powers, our cantorial soloist, was in resonant voice as she led us in prayer through melodies of awe and beauty. Rouzbeh Tebyanian, our accompanist, played customary melodies for the first time with skill, sensitivity, and thought. Rouzbeh proved his skill on the new melodies too! That was Rosh Hashanah!
As is our tradition, honey cakes were given to Rosh Hashanah morning service attendees. Honey cakes symbolize a “Sweet New Year.” Our gracious honey cake bakers donated their time, ingredients, and talents in making these cakes. Sweet thanks to Libby Cohen, Sue Cohn, Esta Goldstein, Leslie Gordon, Fran Pakenham and Loraine Stillman.
On Rosh Hashanah afternoon Tashlich services were led by Rabbi Price. Those who attended cast their sins in the form of bread upon a flowing lake. Our thanks to Mike Roddy, who made this simple and meaningful ceremony possible.
Yom Kippur began with Aidan Kram, violinist, accompanied by Rouzbeh Tebyanian, who played Kol Nidre (All Vows). Aidan’s performance was both solemn and inspiring as he played in perfect tone. Kol Nidre is a fervent melody that sets the holiday as one of prayer, asking for forgiveness, and returning to our commitments of piety and observance.
Break The Fast was “over the top.” Judi Friedman and Jerry Lankin with their volunteers provided a variety of foods, desserts, and beverages that knew no end. It was a fabulous repast after a fast for 24–plus hours for us to relax and visit with each other.
Our High Holy Day services were beautifully conducted and presented. We are grateful to Rabbi Price: through his thought and compassion, the congregation experienced enrichment, tradition, music, readings, Eliyanah’s voice, and Rouzbeh’s talents, as well as the sincerity of Aidan’s performance of Kol Nidre. All of these combined to make our reflection and prayer memorable.
Memory Books are a tradition of honoring loved ones during this holiday. These books are a custom that many of us hold dear as we think of our families and friends who have passed. The books are kindhearted, sensitive, and contain prayers. Grateful recognition to Bonnie Lasky and Sue Spaniol for their work and compassion.
We look forward to 5786 as a Year of Vision. There are several points to this exciting plan. From time to time I will write about one or two of them. First off is a major and most important question: “How can we (the board and congregation) make a positive impact not only on our Jewish community but on the community as a whole?” We ask for input but most importantly let’s make it happen and be a part of our future. Think about sharing your skills and knowledge. We are seeking congregants to join the board (three positions are open), volunteers for finance, onegs, setup, membership, and a plethora of other items. If you are interested or have ideas as to how you can contribute, please contact our President, Joy Erickson, at infocbm@gmail.com. Note that all volunteers need to be congregational members in good standing. We hope you will consider sharing your talents with us.