Melanie Einbund
New happenings and changes are in sight.
First off, the Institute for Judaic Services and Studies (IJSS) will be welcoming our new rabbi, Laura Harari, to the pulpit. Rabbi Harari will be officiating at our High Holiday Services and continuing with monthly Shabbat services. Rabbi Laura is a dynamic personality, a people person, and enriched with Judaic practices and studies.
We are excited as we work towards being able to meet person-to-person as a congregation for both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
IJSS is a small and welcoming congregation. Our members are the core of our being. If you have questions or wish to join our congregation, please feel free to contact Joan Elder at 520-360-1478 or Seth Eisner at 520-818-6340 for information.
High Holiday news will be sent to members in August.
Celebrations
Ok, we are late, but May is the month of Jewish American Heritage in the United States and Jewish Heritage Month in Canada. Both countries have declared May as the time to acknowledge the achievements and contributions made by members of the Jewish community.
No reason not to celebrate and become involved just because it is June.
Some suggestions:
1. Join a Jewish congregation: May we suggest IJSS?
2. Visit a Jewish museum or historical site such as the Jewish History Museum in Tucson.
3. Make something Jewish: Recreate your family’s favorite recipe.
4. Learn about your country’s Jewish history: Who was the first U.S. Supreme Court judge?
5. Read something Jewish: Our libraries have many books and tapes.
6. Research your family’s history: Where did your last name come from?
7. Listen to Jewish music or composers: Broadway music is a great source.
8. Watch a Jewish TV show such as The Goldbergs.
9. Watch a Jewish movie such as Crossing Delancey.
10. Do a Jewish activity with your friends such as Havurahs and Shabbat dinners.
Spring is baseball time!
“There are three things any self-respecting Jewish boy should want to be when he grows up—a doctor, lawyer, or Sandy Koufax.”—Alan Siegel, author
As Jews, we loved baseball, and we root hard for those who play baseball. Baseball is not a religion, but it is a game that is a part of our lives like no other. When Jews came to America, baseball helped them feel more at home. We identified with and were proud of players like Moe Berg (a spy), Hank Greenberg (he stood up for Jackie Robinson), Ron Bloomberg (the first designated hitter), Erskine Mayer (first Jewish pitcher to pitch in the World Series, 1915), Sandy Koufax (refused to play on Yom Kippur), Barney Dreyfus (owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, 1899-1932), and Albert Von Tilzer (composed the music for “Take Me Out To The Ballgame”). How can we learn more about them and find out more about others like them? Take a look at the jewishbaseballmuseum.com.
Events for Travel
White Night in Tel Aviv, June 28, 2021
Began in 2005 to celebrate Tel Aviv as the White City because of the extraordinary Bauhaus buildings throughout the city. Go to concerts, shows, exhibits, cafes, and more. It is a long, nighttime celebration combining architecture and nightlife that lasts into the early hours of the morning.
Festival of Jewish Cultures, Paris, June 30, 2021
Exploring the Jewish culture through eclectic programs including music, theater, and the arts.
IJSS wishes you and yours a summer of happiness, peace, health, and lots of ice cream!