We welcomed our new Torah in February and formally introduced our new name, B’nai Midbar. To celebrate, a special Oneg was sponsored by the board.
Our services on Friday, March 22 were led by Rabbi Seltzer, assisted by Cantor Eliyanah Powers and accompanist Dr. Joshua Nichols. They guided us through their words, voice and musical abilities.
The Oneg for Friday, March 22 was sponsored by Melanie and Nate Einbund, Marilyn Anthony and Willy Halpert and Bruce and Yvette Sabulsky. We celebrated March birthdays and Nate and Melanie’s 35th wedding anniversary last September. Well, all good things come in time.
Please note that our Shabbat services will be held on Friday, April 19.
This is a special Shabbat as we say ‘Farewell’ to Rabbi Seltzer as our Rabbi. Approaching 92 years, he has decided to ‘retire’. Any guesses on how long that will last? For over 12 years, Sanford Seltzer has led our congregation through celebration, joy, life’s concerns and world circumstances that are often hard to understand.
To recognize Rabbi Seltzer, the April services will be preceded with a cocktail party to celebrate and honor Rabbi Seltzer’s tenure with our congregation. The Oneg will be sponsored by Rabbi Seltzer’s wife, Rita Polack. If you wish to sponsor an Oneg for a special event, remembrance or celebration, email Judi Friedman at judi9547@gmail.com.
A humble and learned man, Rabbi Seltzer is a respected figure in the Jewish community. His classes are always well attended, often to standing room only. We are sorry that he is opting out of those too. The Rabbi’s knowledge has made significant contributions to education, culture and interfaith understanding. He seeks to inspire and connect people across cultural and religious boundaries.
Rabbi Seltzer made an impression upon me when I first met him. A man who has written myriads of papers writes a new sermon for each service. This, to me, is an amazing feat of scholarship that enables the marrying of ancient texts, learnings and stories with the modernity of the times. He says it keeps him on his toes and that he learns in the process. Because of his effort we all do!
In an earlier interview with the Rabbi, I asked what has influenced him. His response was simple and meaningful. To quote, “There is a biblical verse from the Book of Proverbs that has been my guide through all of this: ‘Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom’”.
Rabbi Seltzer has been instrumental in our selection of our new Rabbi; Rabbi Daniel Price. We welcome Rabbi Price as we wish our honored Rabbi Seltzer a joyful retirement.
On Sunday, March 24, we celebrated Purim together with the Jewish Friendship Group. Purim is the story of Wicked Haman who convinced King Ahasuerus to have the Jews killed. Encouraged by her cousin, Mordechai, Queen Esther, the king’s wife, risks her life to intercede on her people’s behalf.
We look forward to a variety of Hamentaschen in all flavors.
When I came to SaddleBrooke, I brought a tradition of giving attendees at Rosh Hashanah morning services a honey cake. Honey cakes symbolize a sweet and happy New Year. Over 80 honey cakes were baked and given to the congregation this past Rosh Hashanah. Oh! And there is a job opening! I have asked that a member of our congregation become the Honey Cake Baker coordinator. No baking, just coordinating. If interested, send an email to meinbund@sbcglobal.net.
B’nai Midbar is a small and welcoming congregation. If you have questions or wish to join our congregation, call Esta Goldstein at (520) 825-1181 for more information.
B’Shalom (in peace).
Longtime Tucson bar sold, to be redeveloped
