As you read this article, some things have happened, and some are in the future. I will try to keep you on track and discern between the two.
Summer Lay-Led Shabbat Services
In July, several members and guests attended our lay-led Shabbat services, hosted by Nate and Melanie Einbund. Our lay leaders were Herb and Sue Cohn. A thought-provoking, traditional and joyous service was held. We shared our thoughts and Shabbat joy together. The Oneg table was full of cakes, fruits and beverages. Friday, August 15 was our next lay led Shabbat service. Susan Kravitz was responsible for leading.
Onegs are a time to meet with everyone after worship. We exchange stories and relax as we savor some food and beverages. If you wish to commemorate or recognize a special occasion, memory or honor, email Judi Friedman at judi95476@gmail.com to arrange the sponsoring of an Oneg.
We Greet High Holy Days 5779
A Primer
Rosh Hashanah is a celebration, a time for joy and new beginnings. It is a moment to look forward to the year ahead with hope and optimism while also reflecting on the past year’s deeds and seeking forgiveness where necessary.
A custom is the eating of apples dipped in honey, symbolizing wishes for a sweet new year.
Many of us perform Tashlich. This ritual involves going to a flowing body of water and tossing pieces of bread or pebbles into it, symbolizing the casting away of sins and mistakes of the past year with the intention of starting anew.
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is Judaism’s holiest day of the year. It is a day dedicated to public and private confessions of sins, seeking forgiveness from God. Yom Kippur concludes the 10-dayy period known as the High Holidays. The holiday involves fasting, prayer and synagogue attendance.
Our services will be led by Rabbi Daniel Price, our cantorial soloist Eliyanah Powers and Rouzbeh Tebyanian, Accompanist. Kol Nidre is the opening prayer for Yom Kippur evening service. This year, Aidan Kram, an accomplished violinist, will perform this mesmerizing composition.
Dates to RememberSummer Shabbat Services (7 p.m.)
Friday August 15* — Lay Led Shabbat Services, Susan Kravitz lead
Shabbat Services (7 p.m.)
- Friday, October 17
- Friday, November 21
- Wednesday, December 19
High Holy Days
- Monday, September 22 to Tuesday, September 23 — Rosh Hashanah
- Tuesday, September 23 — Tashlich (thanks to HOA-1, we have a lake!)
- Wednesday, October 1 to Tuesday, October 2 — Yom Kippur and Break the Fast
Celebratory Events
- Sunday, August 31 — Meet and Greet
- Saturday, September 13 — Havdalah
- Monday, October 6 to Tuesday, October 7 — Sukkot
- Saturday, November 15 — Celebrating B’nai Midbar’s (formerly IJSS) 25th Year Anniversary
- Friday, December 12 — Annual Meeting
- Sunday, December 21 — Chanukah Party
The 2026 calendar is full of services and events, too. Dates and Events to come as we get closer to 2026.
Our ‘Jewish Links’ and our website at bnaimidbar.com will keep you up to date. Please subscribe and/or log onto the website for more information. Bonnie Lasky (bglasky1836@gmail.com) and our volunteers have worked hard to provide you with up to the minute information!
Herb Weiss spoke on Friday, July 11 about experiences in Israel and his travels home. The audience was mesmerized. Silence reigned as Herb spoke poignantly about his travels, his family and the issues Israeli citizens face in a tenable world.
We are truly privileged to have Herb’s stories, thoughts and concerns.
Remembering loved ones during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a custom that many of us hold dear. Our thanks to Bonnie Lasky and Sue Spaniol in preparing The Book of Remembrance. They will reach out to members as they confirm and/or add your loved one’s names.
We Have a New AddressWe have a permanent address where we can mail correspondence, membership renewals, donations, special events, and Book of Remembrance entries among other items to:
Congregation B’nai Midbar
PO Box 9223
Tucson, AZ 85738
Congregation B’nai Midbar (formerly IJSS) is celebrating 25 years since the founding of your Jewish Community. Our history and much more can be seen on our website at bnaimidbar.com/history! Explore our website, learn about us and what is happening! 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 information, email Joy Erickson at infocbm@gmail.com.
In celebration of the High Holy Days, we wish all of you ‘A Sweet New Year.’
Plans floated to reopen San Manuel Mine as part of regional copper development
