To Quote the Obvious: June Is Busting Out All Over
Melanie Einbund
So, I didn’t attend our last Shabbat with Rabbi Price on April 17. I got sick! But, thanks to Joy Erickson’s report of the service, we have an update! It’s worth a read below.
An Evening to Remember!
Congregation B’nai Midbar concluded its formal Shabbat services until High Holy Days in September with joyful music, prayer, and celebration.
On April 17, more than 60 people, including congregants and guests, gathered for the traditional Shabbat service, led by Rabbi Daniel Price, with cantorial soloist Eliyannah Powers doing double duty as the keyboardist for this evening. The music was beautiful; congregants joined in singing and reciting the poetic Sabbath prayers.
A wonderful addition to the service was the reading of the Torah to honor the marriage of Judi Friedman and Jerry Lankin, reminding us that love can be found anywhere, anytime, at any age. We wish them great happiness.
At the end of the service, everyone gathered to socialize and enjoy the plentiful Oneg (delicious desserts and fruit), generously provided by congregational members Judi and Jerry and Sue and Herb Cohn, in honor of their 33rd anniversary. A little Challah (special sabbath bread), homemade by Judi Friedman, our bride-to-be, and sweet wine were shared by all.
As is their tradition, congregation members brought food to donate to Southern Arizona Impact for distribution to those in need.
Everyone left feeling renewed and in good spirits.
Our summer Shabbats will be held in members’ homes and are in the planning stage. Please visit our website at bnaimidbar.com for additional information and to receive our e-newsletter, Jewish Links, which is found on our website, bnaomidbar.com. You may find that you are interested in learning more about our community! If so, we invite you to email infocbm@gmail.com for additional information.
Congregation B’nai Midbar provides individuals of ALL backgrounds the opportunity to celebrate, practice, and learn from Jewish culture and religion in a welcoming and socially fulfilling environment. Please join us!
Our board has arranged for summer Shabbat services. The services will be conducted in private homes. If you are interested in welcoming congregant members for Shabbat in your home or leading/participating in services, please contact Joy (joyerickson4@gmail.com). Attendees tell us that they enjoy a little change of pace in a less formal environment.
Dates to Remember
Melanie Einbund
Summer services (please contact infocbm18@gmail.com for time and locations): June 19, July 17, August TBD
High Holy Days
Erev Rosh Hashanah, Sept. 11
Rosh Hashanah, Sept. 12
Kol Nidre (Erev Yom Kippur), Sept. 20
Yom Kippur and Break the Fast, Sept. 21
Shabbat Services Year 5787
Oct. 16
Nov. 20
Dec. 18
Annual Meeting: Dec. 11
Oneg Celebrations: An Oneg is a mitzvah (good deed) to celebrate and sponsor a special occasion, memory, an honor, or just because. A special April Oneg celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Herb and Sue Cohn. Sue’s baking skills are well known. I hear she outdid herself.
Our sponsors for October are Mike and Gerri Koen, celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary. In November Leslie Klipper Stewart will be celebrating her 70th birthday with an Oneg for all. December is sponsored anonymously. Come and see who it is! If you have a celebratory or memorial event, please consider sponsoring an Oneg. You can always share the Oneg honors with another.
Celebratory Events
The Gift, June 1
Havdalah Service, Sept. 5
Chanukah, Dec. 5-12
Chanukah Celebration, Dec. 1
Mitzvahs
Judi Friedman and Jerry Lankin got married on April 19! Although the Aufruf (a pre-wedding tradition with the couple called up to the Torah on the Shabbat before the wedding) didn’t have candy, the atmosphere was full of good wishes for the happy couple.
We Remember
Marsha Foresman was a friend to all, a fun spirit, full of wisdom and joy. With sadness we mark her sudden passing in April. She will be missed.
Bonnie Lasky has been an ardent supporter of B’nai Midbar. Bonnie created our website, our Jewish Links newsletter, Books of Remembrance, and so many other items that I’ve lost track. She has passed the torch! The publication of our newsletter Jewish Links to is now in the capable hands of Leslie Stewart. Leslie is a new board member. She is a consummate professional and communications professor. We know she will lead the way, keeping us up to date and then some. Thank you, Leslie, for stepping up and helping us grow! Please send your ideas, ways to assist, articles of interest, etc. to Leslie at lesliekstewart21@gmail.com.
The Gift Continues with a new class!
Questions often come up when looking at in-home care. Navigating the Continuum of Care gives strategies for choosing in-home services. Also a look at residential care and its eligibility. Figure out how to do it and know your resources. A look at palliative care and hospice will be addressed as well. Contact Bonnie Lasky (bglasky@att.net) for more information.
It’s a Mitzvah! With the High Holy Days approaching we are asking Congregants and Guests to read passages, help on the Bimah and with the Torah. Leslie Gordon (lesweiss47@yahoo.com) is coordinating readings and those wishing to aid on the Bimah. Please reach out to her if you are interested.
Jewish Links, our E-Bulletin, and our website bnaimidbar.com will keep you up to date. Please subscribe and/or visit the website for more information.
We at Congregation B’nai Midbar provide 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 infocbm18@gmail.com.
Congregation B’nai Midbar wishes safe travel for those of you who get away for the summer and that temperatures allow for peaceful walks for those of you who stay!
Do You Know About National Shabbat Services?
Melanie Einbund
“Shabbat 250” in 2026
In 2026, the U.S. President designated May 15–16 as a National Shabbat, officially called “Shabbat 250,” to honor the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence and Jewish American Heritage Month. This is the first time a sitting president has called for a national Shabbat observance.
The White House encouraged friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds to set aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude in line with the sacred Jewish tradition of Shabbat. Jewish American contributions to the nation, were cited with figures like Hyam Salomon, a Revolutionary War financier, and George Washington’s letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, which affirmed religious liberty.
Many congregations hosted special Shabbat services, Torah readings, and community gatherings. Others observed at home. The White House’s call invited all Americans to join in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving, making it a shared national moment.
Rabbis and community leaders see this as a positive counter to antisemitism, emphasizing Jewish faith, resilience, and the role of religious freedom in American life. It also offers a rare opportunity for interfaith unity during a national holiday.
Havdalah: Joy and Bill Erickson are again offering to host a community outreach, Meet & Greet Havdalah, on an evening in early September. A beautiful ceremony closing Shabbat and preparing us for a new week. Please contact Joy (joyerickson4@gmail.com) if you would like to help with this event. Reservations will be required. Please let Joy know if you would like to receive an invitation.