I Can’t Keep Up! | Community

The High Holy Days are past us and I need to shield my eyes from the oncoming traffic!

As expressed, before and forgive me for repeating myself but: 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 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 our volunteers, particularly for finance, onegs, setup, membership and a plethora of other items. If you are interested or have ideas as to how you can contribute, please contact Joy Erickson, our President, at ([email protected]). Note that all volunteers need to be congregational members in good standing. We hope you will consider sharing your talents with us. We can’t do this without you!

As I write into the future we will have celebrated our 25th Anniversary Celebration! A sock hop full of music from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Our very talented Rabbi Daniel Price a member of the ‘The Catalina Cruisers’ played unforgettable music. Many of us wore ‘sock hop’ regalia as we danced through the night! Dancing was perfect for those of us who could remember the steps or in some cases we made them up as we went! We had great Jewish deli food which brought happy smiles to many! It was topped off with a silent auction. Many thanks to those who donated items and their memories.

Honoring our PastOur Friday, November 21, Shabbat Service will honor our founding members and those members who have led, fostered and nurtured our congregation throughout the years. Their legacy of innovation and impact has left indelible marks with us. Our gratitude to Barbara Dever, Joan Elder, Esta Goldstein, Joel Wyner and Jane Udowitz.

We are Excited!Congregation B’nai Midbar is collaborating with Impact of Southern Arizona by sponsoring a food drive at every Shabbat that we are in session. Food insecurity is a growing problem for members of our broader community

We are partnering with Impact of Southern Arizona to help address this problem. Please bring any food products that you wish to donate to Shabbat Services on Friday, November 21. Packaging and dating are not important. Impact will separate the donations accordingly. Geri and Mike Koen will greet you at services to receive your contributions. If you wish to donate, checks made payable to Impact of Southern Arizona are welcome. Literature will be available at the table. Know that your contribution is tax deductible via all four AZ Tax Credits. Feed people AND get a Tax break!

Dates to Remember:Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Daniel Price, a liturgical master. Assisted by our extraordinary Cantorial Soloist Eliyanna Powers. Music is directed by our accomplished accompanist Rouzbeh Tebyanian. We assure you, that you will be amazed!

Shabbat Services (7 p.m.)

• Friday, November 21 – Oneg is sponsored by Andrea and Steve Sahl
• Friday, December 19
• Friday, January 16, 2026
• Friday, February 20, 2026
• Friday, March 20, 2026
• Friday, April 17, 2026

Oneg CelebrationsIf you would like to sponsor an Oneg, email Judi Friedman ([email protected]). An Oneg is a mitzvah (good deed) to celebrate and sponsor a special occasion, memory or an honor. Volunteers are needed to assist with the Onegs. You can volunteer by month, year or as you wish!

Celebratory Events

• 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 9, 2026 — Passover

Movies! Please join us!We are pairing with Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona to sponsor two movies at the Desert View Performing Arts Center.

‘Matchmaking 2’: Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 3 p.m. – A Romeo-Juliet romantic saga that is funny!

‘Among Neighbors’: Sunday, January 18, at 2 p.m. – Exposes the mysteries of a small Polish town and the interlocking of love and hatred that shaped the lives of neighbors, both Jewish and Polish. This is an ‘Award Winning Film’.

Adult Education – Led by Rabbi Price – classes of Jewish Text Study based on Jewish Ethics.

Please email Esta Goldstein ([email protected]) for more information.

• Tuesday, December 16
• Tuesday, January 20, 2026
• Tuesday, March 17, 2026
• Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Jewish Links, our new E-Bulletin and our website ‘Bnaimidbar.com’ will keep you up to date. Please subscribe and/or log onto the website for more information. Bonnie Lasky ([email protected]) and her team have worked hard to provide you with up to the minute information!

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 [email protected].

A Happy 2026 to All!