B’Nai Midbar Annual Meeting
Please attend the annual meeting on Dec. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. This meeting affects our common life together and as we look to the future and how we grow as a Jewish Congregation.
The 2023 annual meeting minutes will be available, reports will be presented, and most importantly we will elect new officers. We will also review and vote on our new bylaws, and will reflect on our 2023-2024 activities. Together we will celebrate our accomplishments and look forward to new ones. You are encouraged to attend on Dec. 13. And yes, there will be ice cream.
If you are interested in serving on the board, please contact Esta Goldstein at [email protected]. And, as you learn of plans and opportunities, we hope that you will volunteer to support our Congregation’s programs.
Times and locations will be sent to the congregation and guests.
A B’nai Mitzvah!
Similar to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah the B’nai mitzvah celebrates the reading of the Torah to the Congregation for an adult who missed the opportunity at the age of 12 for girls or at 13 years old for boys. Study is comparable to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah. It is long, difficult, and time consuming. Marilyn Anthony, a long standing member and active contributor to our Congregation read from the Torah in October, thereby having her B’nai Mitzvah! We are excited for her! This was a dream she had since she was 12 years old. At that time girls did not have a Bat Mitzvah. Mazel Tov (Congratulations) Marilyn on this major achievement!
So Much Happened and…
Melanie Einbund
Breathing room, I think not.
Rabbi Daniel “Danny” Price’s openness and spirit guides us through our Shabbat services. Our Rabbi is a talented musician and adds to our services with music and singing. He has also created an educational program for us to learn and discuss relevant topics impacting us in today’s world. (More to come on that). Eliyanah Powers, Cantorial Soloist, has a voice par excellence that cannot be compared. Dr. Joshua Nichols, Accompanist, is a fine musician and composer. Coming to services is not only spiritual but the musical quality is superb as we are guided through our prayers and liturgy.
We Cannot Say ‘Thank You’ Enough
Having a facility that allows us to observe and practice our traditions is a blessing. Fr. Huy Vu and his congregation of the Santa Catalina Catholic Church has warmly welcomed us. The appreciation of our congregation is limitless as we celebrate our Shabbat services in peace and reflection. Thank you!
Dates to Remember
* Shabbat Services at 7 p.m.:
2024: Dec. 20
2025: Jan. 17, Feb. 21, March 21, April 25
* Chanukah Potluck Party: Dec. 28, 4 to 7 p.m., Entertainment by Susan Kravitz
* A Celebration of Onegs: The October Oneg commemorated the 60th Anniversary of Eileen and Dick Feldgus. What an event—60 years! Sharon and Art Triester as good friends helped with the food, decoration, and the many congratulations.
Joy Erickson sponsored November. Sherry Kaplan has reserved December for her celebration.
* January begins a first! The New Membership Committee will honor our new members to the B’nai Midbar Congregation.
* Come February Bonnie Lasky and Irv Rosenberg will sponsor the Oneg. To round out the Spring and final Shabbat service until High Holy Days, Herb and Sue Coen will support the Oneg.
From the list above please contact Judi Friedman at [email protected] to reserve your spot from September 2025 through April 2026 for your personal celebration.
Onegs are held after Shabbat services to greet and be with friends. Beverages and a variety of cakes, cookies, and challah are made available.
How We Grow and Homework!
In September, the board met with Rita Pollak to learn how to work as a team, create goals, and define objectives. Rita is a true professional. Her abilities as a collaborative family law attorney, facilitator, and mediator guided us through several exercises. We defined action items. Rita did this in all of a few hours! In my opinion she is remarkable!
B’nai Midbar is a welcoming congregation. If you wish to join our congregation or have questions, please feel free to contact Esta Goldstein 520-825-1181 for information.