B’midbar Festival Appreciation

On May 30, we celebrated the Jewish Cultural Festival Volunteers at a special appreciation Shabbat.  Rabbi Bodney-Halasz delivered a clever sermon that captured the spirit of our Jewish Cultural Festival so beautifully, we knew it was too special not to share with everyone.

This week’s Torah portion, B’midbar, opens the Book of Numbers with a census—a moment of taking stock, assigning roles, and preparing the Israelites for their journey through the wilderness.

But the census isn’t just about counting heads. It’s about acknowledging that each person counts. Each one is needed. Each one belongs. Which is the same idea at the heart of our Jewish Cultural Festival. The Festival is our opportunity to call upon our members to offer the gifts of their time and financial support – so that we may open the door to Judaism for all who wish to learn about our traditions and our faith, and ensure that we meet the fundraising goals that sustain our congregation’s sacred mission.

Thousands of people from all walks of life gather each year to enjoy food, music, learning, and community. They come to sample challah and rugelach, dance to Klezmer, pet goats, win raffle prizes, and hear moving stories, such as those we will hear this year, about Holocaust survivors and Dayton’s Jewish history. Our sanctuary becomes a place of study, our grounds a celebration of culture, and our hearts a place of welcome.

This year, we are especially looking forward to welcoming acclaimed Israeli jazz vocalist, Daphne Levy.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of you, our volunteers—those who bake and those who guide, those who count tokens and those who sell them. Those who organize parking, and those who ensure our guests feel welcome. Those who help run our Shuk and Mitzvah Alley, those who engage children with scavenger hunts and story time, and those who coordinate everything from food and entertainment to logistics.

Each role matters. Each person counts.

So tonight, in the spirit of gratitude, I offer a creative retelling of B’midbar—our opening to the Book of Numbers—honoring each of you and the sacred work you do. Thank you for helping us navigate the wilderness of this enormous endeavor.

As we see throughout the Torah, there are moments when names are listed—and times when important individuals are left out. If I’ve unintentionally omitted anyone in my acknowledgments, please accept my sincere apology. You matter deeply, and your contributions are seen and appreciated.

A Creative Translation of Numbers 1 and 2

And it came to pass in the wilderness of Dayton, in the third year following the pandemic, that Rabbi Karen gathered Rabbi Tina and Suzanne Shaw and said:

“Let us number those who labor for the sake of community, that their efforts may be known, and their names exalted upon the scroll of gratitude. Take ye the sum of all who give of their time, of their energy, of their goodwill. Count them not only by number,

but by the care with which they serve, by the laughter they share, and by the challah they knead.”

And among them rose up leaders— Cathy of the House Lieberman, Carol of the House Finley, who worked closely with Jodi of the Tribe of Phares — who offered guidance and strength, and brought people together with wisdom and heart. … Women whose commitment shines from morning setup to final cleanup. And so they appointed the heads of all the tribes, saying:

“Let there be bakers, led by Robin, daughter of Kent. Let there by greeters and tour guides, guided by Rita, of Dushman and Rich. Let the little ones be cared for by Josie of the House Buchanan and Adrianna, of the Randall clan. Let knowledge flow from Mitchell and Sara, sages of the House Faust, together with Jennifer, of the House of Holman. Let food be prepared under the careful eye of Cathy, of the House of Lieberman, who doubled her portion of responsibility. Let volunteers be coordinated by Alexandria, daughter of King, and parking be kept in divine order by Rick, son of Goldberg. Let logistics and holy security be watched over by Dan, of the tribe Young, and the refuse of the camp be tended to with honor by Sam, son of Tobias, master of the sacred recycling. Let the Shuk overflow with vendors gathered by Rachel of Evans and Sarah of Carpenter, and let raffle baskets be multiplied under the care of Robin, of Moore. Let mitzvot fill the alleyways, guided by Jeff of Blumer, Beth, of Adelman, and Marcia of Cox. And let the word of the Festival go forth through the voices of Robin of Kent, Fran of Rickenbach, and Jodi of the House Phares, who also beareth the sacred title of Festival Coordinator.”

And it was said: “Pitch the tents in orderly fashion, that each space may serve a sacred purpose. And lo, the tents were pitched—not in the wilderness, but upon the sacred ground of Riverside Drive. Let there be places of learning and places of laughter, places of tasting and places of storytelling. Let the sacred be made visible, as our guides lead guests through the Tent of Torah, and show forth the treasures of our tradition—tallits and mezuzot, Torahs and Kiddush cups. Let every guest feel invited to draw near, not only to the tables of food, but to the heart of Jewish life.”

And the people encamped as was instructed:

To the west, where the sun begins its descent, there dwelt the sacred camps of food and drink —from the Food Pitt to Bourbon on the Street, from hot dogs to deli, and the holy works of our volunteer bakers. To the north stood the sanctuary and sacred learning, the petting zoo, and the path of justice known as Mitzvah Alley. To the south arose the tent of entertainment, where music and movement brought joy to all ages. To the east stood the vendors of the Shuk, offering handmade treasures and gifts inspired by Jewish spirit. And at the gates of the camp, near the entrance, stood the booths of

tokens and raffle tickets and those who welcome guests and send them forth on their journey.

And lo—the people came. They tasted. They danced. They learned. They asked questions. And they were welcomed.

And now, I’m taking a bit of creative liberty by including the next section of Torah—even if it doesn’t follow the scroll’s exact flow.

And they were reminded: “Thou shalt not underestimate the holiness of hospitality. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s baked goods (but thou mayest sample them). Thou shalt not forget sunscreen. Thou shalt recycle according to the sacred signage. Remember the Festival Day and keep it joyful. Six months shalt thou plan, and on the seventh—June 8th—thou shalt celebrate. Thou, and thy children, and thy guests, and all who find meaning in community.”

And so it was. And so it shall be.

Before we close, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated Temple Israel staff whose behind-the-scenes work makes the Jewish Cultural Festival possible year after year:

· Suzanne Shaw, Executive Director

· Rabbi Tina Sobo, Associate Rabbi and Director of Education

· Jodi Phares, Marketing and Communications Manager

· Ellen Finke McCarthy, Administrative Assistant

· Jessica Ragno, Bookkeeper

· Annette Stogdill, Receptionist

· Scott Francis, Maintenance Personnel (and the one-man team behind all things fixed, lifted, and carried)

Their creativity, coordination, spreadsheets, and endless patience are part of the holy work that makes this day shine. We thank them deeply.

Tonight, as we worship, dine, sing, and share s’mores in celebration with our extraordinary musical guest, Dan Nichols, may we remember that community is not just built by programs, but by people.

May the work of our volunteers be seen, and honored, and felt. May each individual who contributed their time and energy know that they made a difference. May Cathy, Carol, and Jodi feel the pride of a community uplifted by their leadership. May we continue to open doors to Jewish life—with pride, with courage, and with joy. And may the One who counted the tribes in the wilderness, bless our community with strength, joy, and a never-ending stream of visitors. And let us say: Amen.