Reflections | Community | tucson.com

As you read this, the High Holy Days have passed. So, this is a recap of sorts.

Rabbi Daniel “Danny” Price officiated B’nai Midbar’s High Holy Days. His openness and spirit engaged us as we practiced traditions and recited prayers centuries old. Eliyanah Powers, Cantorial Soloist was in splendid voice and fascinated us as she chanted prayers and expressed their deep meaning. Dr. Joshua Nichols, Accompanist interpreted the musicality of the services and provided a spiritual resonance. When your Rabbi and Accompanist are both accomplished musicians, the possibilities are endless. And, we celebrated with a new Name, B’nai Midbar’ and a new Torah!

The giving of honey cakes at Rosh Hashanah, baked by congregants, was gladly received. Honey cakes symbolize wishes for a sweet New Year.

Rabbi Price led us through Tashlich services at Lake Tucson. A peaceful surrounding as we cast our sins (in the form of breadcrumbs) upon the water. Thanks to Mike Roddy, Director of Golf and Grounds, HOA-1, who assisted us by giving us access to this site.

The Yom Kippur evening service included Stephen Beecher, Cellist, who performed ‘Kol Nidre’ (All Vows). This composition sets the tone for the Day of Atonement. It allows us to reflect to the day of prayer and remembrance.

The Book of Remembrance is given to those who have honored a loved one. ‘A Wall of Remembrance’ posting pictures of loved ones is a new tradition to our Congregation. As we looked at those who have passed, several emotions and caring were felt.

A Yom Kippur ‘Break the Fast’ was a feast to behold!

Gratitude and thankfulness to all who helped make High Holy Day services memorable and valuable are countless. We learned a lot from each other as we enveloped traditional ways of doing things and embraced new ones. From making our prayer space feel like a sanctuary, the welcoming of members and guests, setting up chairs and the pulpit and then bringing it down, to preparing the service, our honey cake bakers and our talented liturgical staff are too numerous to mention individually. The Board of B’nai Midbar is grateful to all of you. Thank you.

And to our congregation and guests, it was a delight to see so many of you, congregants, guests and new faces! We hope to see you often as we celebrate throughout the year.

We Cannot Say ‘Thank You’ Enough

Having a facility that allowed High Holy Day Services to take place was amazing. Fr. Huy Vu and his congregation of the Santa Catalina Catholic Church made us feel welcome and comfortable in the Parish Hall. The appreciation of our congregation is limitless as we celebrated our High Holy Day services in peace and reflection. Thank you!

Havdalah

The celebration of Havdalah (a separation of Shabbat to welcome the new week) was hosted by Joy and Bill Erickson. Rabbi Price spoke to the meaning and symbolism of the service. As I looked upon the several (about 50) faces, there were smiles and gladness as we chanted prayers, passed the wine and spices, lit and dowsed the Havdalah candle and sang songs led by Rabbi Price on his guitar. Of course, the desserts were extraordinary! We are hoping that we will be able to continue this ceremony more often.

Dates to Remember

Shabbat Services (at 7 p.m.)

• Friday, October 25 – The October Oneg is sponsored by Eileen and Dick Feldgus celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary and Art and Sharon Triester in honor of their friends!
• Friday, November 15
• Friday, December 20

Onegs are held after Shabbat services to greet and be with friends. Beverages and a variety of cakes, cookies and challah are made available. If you wish to sponsor an Oneg to celebrate, honor a person(s) or event, email Judi Friedman at [email protected].

Annual Meeting – Friday, December 13 (it is rumored that ice cream is involved.) Times and locations will be sent to the congregation and guests.

Passages

It is with sadness and respect that we honor the passage of Willie Reich. Willie was a long time and sustaining member of B’nai Midbar. Her involvement in Jewish life and practices was of conviction and belief. She will be missed.

B’nai Midbar is a welcoming congregation. If you wish to join our congregation or have questions, call Esta Goldstein at (520) 825-1181 for information.

Good wishes to all!