The sanctuary was resplendent in High Holy Day décor! Rabbi Price punctuated traditional and modern services with sermons relating to looking forward and accepting new experiences. Eliyanah Powers, our Cantorial Soloist, was in resonant voice as she led us in prayer through melodies of awe and beauty. Rouzbeh Tebyanian, our Accompanist played customary melodies for the first time with skill, sensitivity and thought. Rouzbeh proved his skill on the new melodies too! That was Rosh Hashanah!
As is our tradition… honey cakes were given to Rosh Hashanah morning service attendees. Honey cakes symbolize a ‘Sweet New Year.’ Our gracious honey cake bakers donated their time, ingredients and talents in making these cakes. Sweet thanks to Libby Cohen, Sue Cohn, Esta Goldstein, Leslie Gordon, Fran Pakenham and Loraine Stillman.
On Rosh Hashanah afternoon, Tashlich services were led by Rabbi Price. Those who attended cast their sins in the form of bread upon a flowing lake. Our thanks to Mike Roddy (HOA-1) who made this simple and meaningful ceremony possible.
Yom Kippur began with Aidan Kram, violinist, accompanied by Rouzbeh Tebyanian who played Kol Nidre (All Vows). Aidan’s performance was both solemn and inspiring as he played in perfect tone. Kol Nidre is a fervent melody that sets the holiday as one of prayer, asking for forgiveness and returning to our commitments of piety and observance.
Break The Fast was ‘over the top.’ Judi Friedman and Jerry Lankin with their volunteers provided a variety of foods, desserts and beverages that knew no end. It was a fabulous repast after a fast for 24 plus hours for us to relax and visit among each other.
Our High Holy Day services were beautifully conducted and presented. We are grateful to Rabbi Price who through his thought and compassion, the congregation experienced enrichment, tradition, music, readings, Eliyanah’s voice and Rouzbeh talents coupled with the sincere of Aidan’s performance of Kol Nidre, made our reflection and prayer memorable.
Memory Books are a tradition of honoring loved ones during this holiday. These books are a custom that many of us hold dear as we think of our family and friends who have passed. The books are kindhearted, sensitive and contain prayers. Grateful recognition to Bonnie Lasky and Sue Spaniol for their work and compassion.
We look forward to 5786 as to a Year of Vision. There are several points to this exciting plan. From time to time, I will write about one or two of them. First off is a major question and the most important. ‘How can we (the board and congregation) make a positive impact not only on our Jewish community but on the community as a whole?’ We ask for input but most importantly let’s make it happen and be a part of our future. Think about sharing your skills and knowledge. We are seeking congregants to join the board (three positions are open), volunteers for finance, onegs, setup, membership and a plethora of other items. If you are interested or have ideas as to how you can contribute, email Joy Erickson, our President, at infocbm@gmail.com. Note that all volunteers need to be congregational members in good standing. We hope you will consider sharing your talents with us.
Catching up: Havdalah is observed as we leave Shabbat and welcome the new week with wine, spices and the extinguishing of a special candle’s light. Havdalah at sunset was spiritual and inviting. Camaraderie, stories and an exorbitant amount of good food fueled the spirit of over 40 attendees. Rabbi Price led us in prayer and song preparing us for the New Year.
Dates to RememberShabbat Services (7 pm)
- Friday, October 17
- Friday, November 21
- Friday, December 19
- Friday, January 16, 2026
- Friday, February 20, 2026
- Friday, March 20, 2026
- Friday, April 17, 2026
Celebratory Events
- 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
- Thursday, February 26, 2026 — Jewish Museum Trip
- Wednesday, April 1, 2026 to Thursday, April 2, 2026 — Passover
More 2026 dates tome!
Adult Education – Led by Rabbi Price—Classes of Jewish Text Study based on Jewish Ethics.
- Tuesday, December 16
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Tuesday, March 17, 2026
- Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Our Community’s Loss Judy Wyner, passed away after a prolonged illness in September. Judy always had a smile and compassion in her heart. Judy was an accomplished artist both in mind and execution. When I first saw her artwork, my breath was taken away. Judy and her husband, Joel, were always active members of the Jewish community at SaddleBrooke. Their dedication to our community is an example to follow.
Jewish Links and our website (bnaimidbar.com) will keep you up to date. Please subscribe and/or log onto the website for more information. Email Bonnie Lasky at bglasky1836@gmail.com and her team have worked hard to provide you with up to the minute information!
Celebrate with B’nai Midbar at our 25th Anniversary Fundraiser on Saturday, November 15. Excitement is in the air as we prepare to have fun! Think of a sock hop! Our Rabbi playing with his band, a silent auction (the surprises will amaze you) pastrami, corned beef and many other delights. Email Judi Friedman at infocbm@gmail.com and she will let you know how you can contribute and/or support this event.
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, email Joy Erickson at infocbm@gmail.com
Thanksgiving is coming! We hope your celebrations will be plentiful!
Plans floated to reopen San Manuel Mine as part of regional copper development
