Melanie Einbund
Shabbat services on April 25 were the fond farewell of several snowbirds who grace 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
April Shabbat also 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 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].