Gathering, Sharing, and Caring
Melanie Einbund
We extend heartfelt thanks to the members of our congregation who opened their homes this summer to celebrate Shabbat. These intimate gatherings allow us to come together as a Jewish community while enjoying the warmth of each other’s homes, greeting old and new friends, sharing ideas, and discovering trusted local resources.
More importantly, sharing the beauty of our traditions and reflecting in a private setting creates a unique spiritual closeness. Discussing the Torah portion that is read and sharing insights deepens our connection. You are welcome to join us for the simplicity, care, and humanity of our congregation.
Annual Meet and Greet with Havdalah Service—Sept. 5
Joy and Bill Erickson will again host this special community event for members and guests of Congregation B’nai Midbar. Please join us for our annual Meet and Greet event combined with a short but joyful end of Shabbat Havdalah sunset service. Reservations can be made at www.bnaimidbar.com. Contact Joy (info@cbm18@gmail.com) for additional information.
Summer Shabbat Services
Email Esta Goldstein (jsda38@icloud.com) for locations.
* Aug. 28—Parish Hall, Santa Catalina Catholic Church. Led by Rabbi Price and Susan Kravitz. All services begin at 7 p.m.
Welcome to Jewish Links
We welcome Susan Kravitz, founder of Comedy Klatch and known as “Sonoran Sue,” to our Jewish Links e-news publication. Mining Jewish Humor offers uplifting and satirical reflections.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to Jewish Links for additional information, visit our website at bnaimidbar.com. Leslie Stewart is our publisher and can be reached at Lesliekstewart21@gmail.com.
High Holy Days
* Erev Rosh Hashanah—Sept. 11
* Rosh Hashanah—Sept. 12
* Kol Nidre—Sept. 20
* Yom Kippur & Break the Fast—Sept. 21
Shabbat Services—5787
* Oct. 16
* Nov. 20
* Dec. 18
Annual Meeting
* Dec. 11
Oneg Celebrations
An Oneg is a mitzvah—an opportunity to honor a special occasion or memory.
* October: Mike and Gerri Koen celebrate their 64th anniversary.
* November: Leslie Klipper Stewart celebrates her 70th birthday.
* December: Sponsored anonymously.
If you have a celebratory or memorial event, consider sponsoring an Oneg.
Celebratory Events
* Havdalah Service—Sept. 5
* Chanukah—Dec. 5–12
A Personal Note
I joyfully celebrate my first date with my husband, Nate, on July 12, 2026—39 years since our blind date at Fenton’s Ice Cream Parlor in Oakland. He had me at ice cream. Thank you, Nate, for walking this world with me.
B’nai Midbar News
Melanie Einbund
From Our President, Joy Erickson
A beloved congregant and community leader, Esta Goldstein, is preparing to move back east after 30 years in Tucson. Her contributions to both the Jewish and broader Tucson communities are immeasurable. Intelligent, compassionate, and dedicated, Esta helped form Congregation B’nai Midbar and remains a treasured mentor.
Her guiding lesson—“Stay calm, do what’s right, and listen to your heart”—continues to inspire. We hope to honor her before her departure. Her move creates an opening on our Board of Directors, and we encourage anyone interested in serving or joining a committee to reach out.
A Special Request—We Need You!
Our board is dedicated but needs additional support. We are seeking:
* A numbers person (CPA/accountant)
* Development experience
* Organizational/administrative support
Contact Joy Erickson (infocbm18@gmail.com) if you enjoy teamwork and meaningful involvement.
Nominating Committee
Contact Bonnie Lasky (bglasky@att.net) if interested in board service or project involvement.
High Holy Days Volunteers
To read passages or assist on the Bimah, contact Leslie Weiss (lesweiss47@yahoo.com).
Honey Cake Bakers Needed
We need eight bakers to make ten one pound honey cakes each. Contact Melanie Einbund (meinbund@sbcglobal.net).
Remembering and Honoring
Visit the National Jewish Memorial Wall at NJMW.org/ijss or nationaljewishmemorialwall.com/ijss. For help, contact Joel Wyner or Jeff Syden. Submit names for the 2026 Book of Remembrance to Bonnie Lasky.
Jewish Participants in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
* Matt Turner (USA)—Jewish goalkeeper, playing his second World Cup. Jewish broadcasters include Andrés Cantor, José Pékerman, Benny Feilhaber, Nico Cantor, and Roger Bennett.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to Jewish Links or visit Bnaimidbar.com. Contact Leslie Stewart with articles or mitzvahs. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay connected with our warm and welcoming community.