What Did I Forget? | Community

Welcome to our March 20 Shabbat. Rabbi Price will officiate. As always Eliyanah Powers our Cantorial Soloist and Ruzbeh Tebyanian, Accompanist will assist.

The February celebration of Tu B’shevat took on a new flavor. Yes, lavender at the “Under the Oaks” lavender farm in Oracle. Farmer John gave us the history of the property, a lesson on the care and cultivation of lavender with humor and a true appreciation of the land and the environments that surround all of us. We walked the farm, learned and ‘oohhed’ and ‘aahhed’ at the artifacts and artworks that are very integral to the farm. We felt peaceful as we entered the barn. The seven species were introduced and songs sung led by Eva Friedner. We had the accompaniment at one point of the burros in the pen just outside the barn. Carolyn and Farmer John were gracious to offer us lavender lemonade, earl grey tea with lavender and lavender cookies. Will life ever be the same after? As we look at Tu B’shevat and other holidays your input, creativity and volunteerism are appreciated. Please contact any board member to let us know your interest.

You may have missed it, but Eva Friedner offered her special and intimate Chant Circle again in February. A way to meditate and pray. Reach out to Eva if interested at [email protected]

Eva Friedner came to the fore again as she spoke about her parent’s story as holocaust survivors. An account of coincidences, bravery and mortification. The audience was enthralled at Santa Catalina Church which numbered close to 150. It was encouraging to hear her story and listen to all the questions that followed.

Dates to Remember:

Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Daniel Price.

February 20

March 20

April 17

Summer services (locations will be announced)

May 15

June 19

July 17

Oneg Celebrations: February’s Oneg is provided by Bonnie Lasky and Irv Rothenberg to celebrate Bonnie’s 83rd, Irv’s 91st, and their 1st Anniversary.

An Oneg is a mitzvah (good deed) to celebrate and sponsor a special occasion, memory, an honor, or just because. And you can always share the Oneg honors with another. Openings are available for September, October, November, and December. Contact Marcia Gilbert ([email protected]) to reserve or spot, ask questions and/or volunteer.

Celebratory Events

February 13 A Classical Valentine Concert featuring: Ruzbeh Tebyanian (our accompanist) and Aidan Kram

(remember our violinist at Kol Nidre at the Catalina Catholic Church at 5:00 pm

February 26 Tour of the Jewish Museum

April 1-2 Passover Seders

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

Space is limited. Please contact Esta Goldstein ([email protected]) for more information.

March 17: Theology of Prayer

April 14: What Happens After We Die?

Mitzvahs

Rita Pollak celebrated her 80th birthday!

Bonnie Lasky will celebrate becoming 83!

Irv Rothenberg becomes 91!

And, if that wasn’t enough Bonnie and Irv get to celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary.

Andrea and Steve Sahl became grandparents of baby boy ‘Callum Arhtur.’ Steve is so excited to have his grandson carry his father’s name – you guessed it, “Arthur’.

Wishing a Quick Recovery to Hal Kirman

Wishes of Wellness to Sherry Kaplan. Sherry an ‘institution’ unto herself has had a long illness and is now recovering slowly, but recovering.

OK, so now I can talk about a Chesed committee. Chesed is the Hebrew word for “kindness” or “compassion” and is a central Jewish value. The Chesed Caring Team is designed to support and comfort to our members and their families in times of need, hardship, ill health and any other issue in which a helping hand could make a difference. Many of us now feel times to be different than they once were. An extra hand or smile would ease the way. We look to our community. If you have the wish to extend your hand to others in need please contact Bonnie Lasky, ([email protected]).

The Jewish Film Festival in SaddleBrooke! A HUGE Success! If You Didn’t Go You Missed It!

‘Matchmaking 2’: January 4, 2026– A Romeo-Juliet romantic saga! If you missed it, it’s a shame! A great story of two cultures, weddings and matchmaking intricacies. A fun, heartwarming film!

‘Among Neighbors’: January 18– 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.’

B’nai Midbar and Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona co-sponsored the movies shown at the Desert View Performing Arts Center.

A Q and A followed the film with Yoav Potash, both Director and Writer of the film. To learn of the coincidences, incumbrances, running through hoops in a foreign and often unfriendly government is a story in itself. The audience was mesmerized! Actually, we still are!

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

Space is limited. Please contact Esta Goldstein ([email protected]) for more information.

March 17: Theology of Prayer

April 14: What Happens After We Die?

The Comedy Klatch: An experimental theater of original short plays, musical parodies and comedy sketches. Susan Kravitz is the creator of this funny, exciting and riveting production. Performances were sold out by late January. Seeing some of our friends on stage and their erudite costumes spun us into fits of laughter.

The Gift an End -of -Life – Conversation– A series of 6 educational and interactive classes that speak to everything you want to know about the end of life and were afraid to ask. Classes are every Tuesday from February 3-March 10.

The first class was on Conversations about ‘Having That Conversation’. An intimate look at a time that is coming and gives us pause. The audience was involved and eager to learn, express themselves and listen. Contact Bonnie Lasky ([email protected]) for more information.

Several are in Need!

Congregation B’nai Midbar in combination with Impact of Southern Arizona sponsors a food drive at every Shabbat Service that we are in session. Please bring any food products that you wish to donate to Shabbat Services on Friday, March 20. Packaging and dating are not important. Impact will separate the donations accordingly. 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 AZ Tax Credits. Feed people AND get a Tax break!

Jewish Links, our E-Bulletin and our website ‘Bnaimidbar.com’ will keep you up to date. Please subscribe and/or log onto the website for more 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 contact Joy Erickson at [email protected].

Congregation B’nai Midbar wishes you a Happy St Patrick’s Day!