An Exciting Time
Melanie Einbund
April Shabbat services included our farewell to several congregants who winter with us. April’s Oneg was sponsored by the B’nai Midbar Board. New members were introduced and received a welcoming gift.
We said goodbye to Dr. Josh Nichols, our accompanist. Josh and his family are headed to the University of Mississippi in Jackson. He is taking on a role that will enhance his teaching and musical advancement. When he began, Josh studied Jewish liturgical music that was unknown to him. His hours of practice were repeatedly shown at our services. We will miss his talent and attention.
Eliyanah Powers, our cantorial soloist, captivates us all. We will welcome her return at Rosh Hashanah.
Rabbi Danny Price is taking the summer to travel and return to his Connecticut home. He has found a home for our former prayer books. He is personally delivering them to a Military Chaplain who will put them to good use. Thank you, Rabbi Price!
Herb Cohn, our religious chair, has arranged summer Shabbat services to be led by lay leaders; held at various homes. Contact Herb at shofarman@aol.com if you wish to lead or attend a service or sponsor an Oneg. Seating is limited to 25 people at each service.
Speaking of Onegs, to commemorate or recognize a special occasion, memory, or honor, contact Judi Friedman at judi95476@gmail.com.
Something to Talk About
Recently Congregation B’nai Midbar was featured in the Arizona Jewish Post (April 21) in the article “New Congregation Arises from SaddleBrooke Judaic Institute.” Phyllis Braun described our growth over 25 years and how we came to be. We are very honored for this tribute. And, more news! The article will be in the Jewish News in Phoenix. What a way to grow!
Dates to Remember
Summer Shabbat Services (at 7 p.m.)
June 20, Lay Shabbat Services, to be led by Herb Cohn
July 18,* Lay Shabbat Services, a leader is requested
August 15,* Lay Shabbat Services, a leader is requested
* If you are interested in leading the Lay Leader Shabbat services, contact Herb Cohn at shofarman@aol.com.
High Holy Days
Sept. 22-23, Rosh Hashanah
Oct. 1-2, Yom Kippur
Celebratory Events
June 3, Shavout, commemorates the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai
June 12, Boyce Thompson Arboretum Picnic Walk
July 9, Dolly Steamboat cruise and lunch at Tortilla Flats
Aug. 31, Pre-High Holy Day Community Gathering
Sept. 13, Havdalah and Selichot service (marks the end of Shabbat and the beginning of the new week).
Nov. 15, Celebrating B’nai Midbar’s 25th Year Anniversary
Dec. 21, Chanukah Party
There Are Seders and Then There Are Seders!
Melanie Einbund
Our first B’nai Midbar Community Seder led by Rabbi Danny Price and Father Huy Vu, C.SS.R., was a wonderful tribute to the sharing of rituals, beliefs, and spirituality that Passover brings to both congregations. Over shared tables the story of Passover with traditional and modern practices– including a huge amount of music led by Rabbi Price–was told. Father Huy expressed the meaning and relationship of Passover and the two religions through commentaries, reflections, and annotations. Both leaders led us through our centuries–long traditions and practices. Susan Kravitz’s contribution of the song “Wade In The Water” with history added an element of thoughtfulness. There are many to thank in both congregations for their help in preparing, cooking, cleaning, and other behind–the–scenes tasks.
Several of us liked the Passover Haggadah that we used at our seder. We are fortunate to be able to purchase these Haggadah for our personal use. Information on how to order will be made available.
Our neighbors at SaddleBrooke Ranch met with members of our board and Rabbi Price in April. It was an opportunity to learn about B’nai Midbar, make friendships, and share excellent food.
Israeli Independence Day and Israeli Memorial Day were celebrated by members attending ceremonies at the ‘J.’
And, Jewish American Heritage Month is celebrated every May to honor the contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States. The month highlights Jewish American achievements in various fields, including culture, history, science, government, and more.
You are an important part of what B’nai Midbar offers! Volunteers are always welcome. Select what appeals to you, 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 joyerickson4@gmail.com 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! Also know that we are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt congregation. Contributions are welcome.
Congregation B’nai Midbar 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 more information, contact Joy Erickson at joyerickson4@gmail.com.
Aryeh Green, Speaker Event Sponsored by Congregation B’nai Midbar
Joy Erickson
Occasionally something magical happens when you share a space with an enormously talented, credentialed, and experienced person—someone who is brilliant, passionate, self-revealing, and who, with his quiet demeanor, also touches your heart. Such was the case on March 27, when approximately 100 guests came to listen to Aryeh Green. Green, who was in SaddleBrooke at the invitation of Congregation B’nai Midbar, a congregation that welcomes all and serves the residents of SaddleBrooke and surrounding communities.
Originally from the Washington, D.C., area, Aryeh has been a citizen of Israel for 40 years. Married with children and grandchildren, he has worked in government, education, and the business world, and is currently working in renewable energy. He is also an author, working on his second book, Finding Peace in the Promised Land, which is due out later this year.
The audience was fully engaged as they watched with quiet respect Israel’s Superheroes video that showcases everyday “heroes.” At a moment’s notice, they are hearing the terrifying sound of a ballistic missile breaching their country’s border or witnessing the massive and brutal murders of over 1,200 young adults attending a music festival, causing them to race home, collect their superhero’s combat gear and weapons, and immediately report for duty.
When a friend or stranger asks, “How are you doing?” their reply is often, “OK, considering.” Considering that in the past year and a half, more of your countrymen and women have been killed proportionally than the U.S. lost in World War II. That the remaining hostages, who were taken over a year ago, are most likely never going to return home either dead or alive. Fearing that keeping your children safe will be questionable. That even after more than 75 years of building a nation based on Judaic Christian ideology and the principles of democracy, many enemies do not “recognize” Israel’s right to even exist, let alone live in peace. That your country is surrounded on all sides and would like you to disappear forever!
And yet, after thousands of years of history, some good and some beyond awful, the Jewish people have learned how not only to survive, but also to live and to always have hope, and to actively work to repair our world. For these people, there is no other choice.
Celebrating our 25th year: 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 joyerickson4@gmail.com.