Melanie Einbund
This past year we have experienced several events and a very big ‘to do’ list.
In July 2023 we gathered with Jewish Friendship Group (JFG) members casually to say hello in the MountainView Bar and Grill.
In August, a Jewish Community Meet and Greet was held, reacquainting with each other and preparing for the coming holidays.
The High Holidays began with incredibly talented liturgical staff, Rabbi Seltzer, Eliyanah Powers, and Dr. Joshua Nichols (our new accompanist)!
At Rosh Hashanah services, honey cakes baked by congregants were distributed to each attending family. Thanks to Diane Korn who has agreed to help with the coordination of the Honey Cake Bakers.
Yom Kippur began with solo cellist Robert Marshall’s rendition of Kol Nidre. An extraordinary performance!
Chanukah came quickly with a joint event between IJSS and JFG.
Our annual meeting saw the departure of board members Sherry Kaplan, Sam Horowitz, and Joel Wyner. We will always be grateful for their contributions and wisdom. New board members elected include Joy Erickson, Jerry Lankin, and Judi Friedman, and later, Bonnie Lasky was appointed to the board.
Yvette Sabulsky became the leader of the communication group.
In January, we held our second Tu B’Shevat seder.
In April, a cocktail party honored Rabbi Seltzer. Memories, laughter, and special thoughts were shared. It was a lovely evening and a bit bittersweet.
In May we toured the Tucson Jewish History Museum and Holocaust Center.
In June we held our first Shavuot event.
Among all of this we searched for a new Torah. Herb Weiss and his committee worked very hard to secure our new Torah, which survived the Holocaust. Sam Horowitz obtained the Torah mantles.
We searched for a new rabbi, since Rabbi Seltzer was retiring for the __nth? time. Rabbi Seltzer, Ron Solomon, and his committee worked together to discover our new Rabbi, Rabbi Danny Price.
A name change took place from Institute of Jewish Studies and Services (IJSS) to B’nai Midbar (People of the Desert). Kudos to Seth Eisner who led and completed the name change, a complicated and often convoluted project.
Let us not forget the coming of our website. Bonnie Lasky has guided us through thought and planning and is now making it happen!
It was a very full 10 months.
Continuing: Rabbi Price met with Melanie, Joy, and Bonnie to discuss educational opportunities. Rabbi Price is approachable, engaging, and caring. His love of Judaism and ritual shines through his persona. Rabbi Price will begin our education series by acquainting us with our prayer book, to obtain an understanding of its writings and ritual. Additional class thoughts are the Aliyah, Torah Trope, and Jewish History. Please let us know your views and preferences.
Ideas continue to flow including learning and having Havdalah services, a Chesed group reaching out to those who are ill or in need, events honoring members and their accomplishments, and a Hebrew chanting group.
A Call for Volunteers
You ask how is all of this going to happen? Simply, we need you! We are looking for volunteers to become members of the education, fundraising, communication, and religious committees. For more information contact Esta Goldstein.
Shavuot is a time to honor the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai from G-d to Moses. Modern day celebrations include discussion, education, and dairy foods. The event was held with tables for discussion and learning; led by Sherry Kaplan, Herb Weiss, and Sam Horowitz.
A Meet and Greet! Set your calendar for Aug. 25 to visit with Rabbi Price. There will be conversation and stories to share! More information forthcoming.
B’nai Midbar is a welcoming congregation. If you have questions or wish to join our congregation, contact Esta Goldstein at 520–825-1181 for information.
Wishing you a wonderful summer.