Melanie Einbund
We welcomed Rosh Hashanah and the New Year 5787! Services conducted by Rabbi Daniel Price were dynamic, spiritual, and encouraged community. Rabbi Price is known for his contemporary and thoughtful religious practices. His musical abilities added an additional dynamic. Eliyanah Powers, our cantorial soloist, guided us through prayer with a voice and spirit that is mesmerizing. Rouzbeh Tebyanian, music director, added additional notes and arrangements. Aidan Kram, violinist, guided us into Kol Nidre on Yom Kippur eve, creating a solemn and captivating experience.
On Yom Kippur during the traditional study session we took a different direction. Instead of study, many spoke of their way to Judaism. An interesting take as our experiences and pathways are very much not the same!
Participation by Congregants and Guests who read passages was inspiring. It was wonderful to see many faces both familiar and new taking part in the services. Leslie Weiss coordinated our readers and volunteers. A magnificent endeavor that went off without a hitch!
Who ate all of those honey cakes? Our tradition is to give honey cakes to attendees at the end of Rosh Hashanah morning services. Honey cakes symbolize a sweet New Year. Our bakers were so generous that we were able to donate some to the Southern Arizona IMPACT Food Bank. Many thanks to our bakers: Sue Cohn, Leslie Gordon, Diane Korn, Jerry Lankin, Linda Merritt, Fran Pakenham, Loraine Stillman, and Beth Vincent.
We got rained out! Tashlich services on Rosh Hashanah afternoon were cancelled. Instead we received a major downpour of much-needed and desired rain. What a mitzvah (good deed)!
Our Break the Fast (after Yom Kippur) was splendiferous! The tables were full of salads, kugels, bagels, lox and the trimmings, and challahs, babka, cakes, and cookies. You name it, we had it! Many thanks to Judi Friedman and her committee!
The Book of Remembrance, recognizing those who have passed, was distributed. Bonnie Lasky (bglasky@att.net) and her volunteers compiled a loving and beautiful book. Remembrances during the Yom Kippur Yitzkor service and throughout the year are dear to us.
We Aren’t Done Yet!
Sukkot and Simchat Torah are two joyful, symbolic holidays that come right after the intensity of the High Holy Days. They’re connected, but each celebrates something different—one focuses on gratitude and vulnerability, the other on joy and Torah.
Sukkot recognizes harvest season with gratitude for the year’s agricultural bounty and the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, recalling the temporary huts (sukkot) they lived in after leaving Egypt.
Simchat Torah (“Rejoicing of the Torah”) comes immediately after Sukkot and marks the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle and the immediate beginning of the new cycle. A powerful symbol of continuity and blessing.
Dates to Remember
Shabbat Services Year 5787
Nov. 20
Dec. 18
Celebratory Events
Chanukah—Dec. 5-12
Annual Meeting
Dec. 11