Category Archives: August
YAHRZEITS — ELUL, 5782
RAM’S HORN POLICY FOR LISTING YAHRZEIT MEMORIALS:!
Yahrzeit memorials are listed by consecutive Hebrew month, date, and year, if known, or at the beginning of the list for one calendar year following the date of passing.
Compiled by Aitz Chaim over many years, this list is maintained by the Ram’s Horn. Please send any corrections or additions to editor@aitzchaim.com
May the source of peace send peace to all who mourn, and may we be a comfort to all who are bereaved.
| Name of Deceased | Hebrew Date of Passing | Deceased Relationship to Congregant |
| Don Cherry | 25 KISLEV, 5782 | HUSBAND OF HELEN CHERRY; FATHER OF STEVE, KAREN, AND DOUG CHERRY |
| Rae Lind | 6 Cheshvan, 5782 | Wife of Michael Renne |
| Bashe Fagenberg | 10 Elul, 5685 | Great-Grandmother of Nadyne Weissman |
| Diane Sherick | 10 Elul, 5781 | Wife of Jack Sherick, Mother of Michael Sherick and Heidi Sherick |
| Norman Nagel | 11 Elul, 5736 | Father of Meriam Nagel |
| William Meyer | 21 Elul, 5726 | Grandfather of Diane Sherick |
| Harriet Renne | 22 Elul, 5769 | Mother of Michael Renne |
| Dawn Schandelson | 23 Elul, 5778 | Wife of Arnold Schandelson, Mother of Brett and Scott Schandelson |
| Joe Barrett | 28 Elul, 5753 | Uncle of Nadyne Weissman and Joy Fedderson |
| Zel Lana Jennings | 28 Elul, 5766 | Niece of Diane Sherick |
MONTANA JEWISH PROJECT COMPLETES PURCHASE OF MONTANA’S OLDEST SYNAGOGUE
Helena, MT— After nearly a year of fundraising, the Montana Jewish Project (MJP) bought back Helena’s Temple Emanu-El and will return it to Jewish use for the first time since 1935.
“We are thrilled to have succeeded in this monumental effort,” said Rebecca Stanfel, president of the Montana Jewish Project’s Board.
Roman Catholic Bishop Austin Vetter played a key role in the sale. With his staff, he met with MJP for months, as MJP renegotiated from buying historic Temple Emanu-El and surrounding properties to buying only the synagogue.
“It’s been my pleasure to work with the Montana Jewish Project through this process. It’s vital for all of us that people of faith focus on the good that we can do together instead of our differences. My prayers are with them and Montana’s Jewish Community for God’s blessing in this new endeavor,” Bishop Vetter said. MJP will also lease the open lawn next door to the historic synagogue for community use.
“We are so grateful for Bishop Austin Vetter for his enthusiasm and support. He worked with us for many months, and extended closing deadlines twice.
“We are also grateful to the more than 2,000 donors from Helena and across Montana and the United States who made this dream a reality. Without their generosity and their gifts that ranged from $5 to $100,000, we know we would not be here today. We’re also thankful for the interfaith support we received from many Montana synagogues and churches, as well as from Montana businesses. This was truly a community-wide effort,” Stanfel said.
The Montana Jewish Project was founded by members of Helena’s Jewish community over a year ago and entered into a landmark purchase agreement with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena on November 10, 2021, for the historic building once known as Temple Emanu-El. The group plans a re-dedication and celebration at the synagogue later in the fall.
“We know our work is only just starting,” said Julie Bir, member of the Montana Jewish Project’s Board of Directors. “We can’t wait to fulfill our mission: to create a statewide center for Jewish life, enhance interfaith opportunities, combat antisemitism in Montana schools, and bring to reality the Jewish value of “repairing the world.”
MJP has big plans. Once funding is secured, MJP will hire a traveling director of programming who will oversee education, speakers, cultural events, and foster a sense of larger community for all of Montana’s Jews. In addition, MJP will create curricula about the history of Jewish Montana and the realities of being Jewish in the Treasure State for schools across the state. Returning to the first home for Jewish life in Montana will anchor future generations to the rich history of Judaism in the state.
“Helena was one of only four state capitals in the nation without a synagogue or Jewish Center,” Bir said. “We’ve just changed that. We’re also excited for Helena’s Jewish community to have a permanent place to meet for religious observance, cultural events, and community-growing.”
“Now that we have the building as our base, we want to pivot and immediately transition to helping Jewish life in Montana thrive,” said Stanfel. “Our all-volunteer-led organization launched programming already, but it’s important we hire a professional who can oversee this and create new cultural pathways for Montana Jews to connect to their traditions. Now that we have this incredible building, it is essential we keep community support.”
In 1891, Helena’s Jewish community-built Temple Emanu-El. The cornerstone is inscribed with 5651, that year in the Hebrew calendar. The synagogue’s first president described the new building as a “gift to ornament the city we love.” But in 1935, during the Great Depression, the congregation gave Temple Emanu-El to the state of Montana for $1, asking only that it be used for a “good and social purpose.” The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena bought it to house administrative offices in 1981. In the past year, the bishop streamlined administrative operations, consolidating three separate office locations into the new Center for Catholic Life in Helena. Temple Emanu-El is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“We welcome all our supporters, the Jewish community across Montana and here in Helena, and the broader community to celebrate with us,” said Bir. “We have worked to carry forward the legacy of Montana’s earliest Jewish settlers, who built Temple Emanu-El despite the obstacles they faced.”
A ceremonial signing will take place at 10 AM, August 26 at the former Temple Emanu-El (515 North Ewing) with Bishop Vetter. Members of the media and the public are invited to attend. Weather permitting, this will be outside the building.
FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION, THE MONTANA JEWISH PROJECT
From Generation to Generation
August 25, 2022
Dear MJP Supporters,
We did it!
This is the email we have been dreaming of writing to you for a year and a half. Today MJP is closing on Montana’s first synagogue, Temple Emanu-El, and returning it to the Jewish community after 87 years.
We could not have accomplished this milestone without your support. We are grateful beyond words for your donations, your encouragement, your ideas, and your help.
Without the incredible community support we received, MJP would not be reclaiming this building. Every dollar donated, every collection raised from a synagogue or church, every fundraiser held in MJP’s honor, every volunteer hour, and every email sharing hope and ideas helped bring us to this joyful day.
Read on for more details.
- Please join us
- WHEN? Tomorrow, Friday, August 26, at 10 AM
- WHERE? At the synagogue, 515 Ewing, Helena, MT 59601
- WHAT? Ffor a ceremonial signing of the closing paperwork, which we are also inviting media to attend. Weather permitting, we will be outside, right in front of this majestic building. We will be there with bells on!
Our journey—and our work—are just beginning. We are eager to launch more statewide programming including education, Jewish cultural events, interfaith outreach, community programs, and more.
Stay tuned for future emails about ways to get involved in volunteering, participating in programs, and supporting our ongoing work. We would also love to hear from you about what you are looking for in the coming year’s programming. We can’t wait to continue this journey with you.
With gratitude as always,
Rebecca Stanfel
Our new home!
Adapted from today’s press release
Montana Jewish Project completes purchase of Montana’s oldest synagogue
After nearly a year of fundraising, the Montana Jewish Project (MJP) bought back Helena’s Temple Emanu-El and will return it to Jewish use for the first time since 1935.
Roman Catholic Bishop Austin Vetter played a key role in the sale. With his staff, he met with MJP for months, as MJP renegotiated from buying historic Temple Emanu-El and surrounding properties to buying only the synagogue. MJP will also lease the open lawn next door to the historic synagogue for community use
“It’s been my pleasure to work with the Montana Jewish Project through this process. It’s vital for all of us that people of faith focus on the good that we can do together instead of our differences. My prayers are with them and Montana’s Jewish Community for God’s blessing in this new endeavor,” Bishop Vetter said.
We are grateful for Bishop Austin Vetter for his enthusiasm and support. He worked with us for many months, and extended closing deadlines twice. We are also grateful to the more than 2,000 donors from Helena and across Montana and the United States who made this dream a reality. Without their generosity and their gifts that ranged from $5 to $100,000, we know we would not be here today. We’re also thankful for the interfaith support we received from many Montana synagogues and churches, as well as from Montana businesses. This was truly a community-wide effort.
The Montana Jewish Project is an all-volunteer-led organization, founded by members of Helena’s Jewish community over a year ago. After entering into a landmark purchase agreement with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena in November 2021, MJP has been raising funds to reacquire the historic building once known as Temple Emanu-El..
We know our work is only just starting. We can’t wait to fulfill our mission: to create a statewide center for Jewish life, enhance interfaith opportunities, combat antisemitism in Montana schools, and bring to reality the Jewish value of “repairing the world.”
MJP has big plans. Once funding is secured, MJP will hire a traveling director of programming who will oversee education, speakers, cultural events, and foster a sense of larger community for all of Montana’s Jews. In addition, MJP will create curricula about the history of Jewish Montana and the realities of being Jewish in the Treasure State for schools across the state. Returning to the first home for Jewish life in Montana will anchor future generations to the rich history of Judaism in the state.
Helena was one of only four state capitals in the nation without a synagogue or Jewish Center. We’ve just changed that. We’re also excited for Helena’s Jewish community to have a permanent place to meet for religious observance, cultural events, and community-growing.
Now that we have the building as our base, we want to pivot and immediately transition to helping Jewish life in Montana thrive. Our volunteers have launched programming already, but it’s important we hire a professional who can oversee this and create new cultural pathways for Montana Jews to connect to their traditions. Now that we have this incredible building, it is essential we keep community support.
We welcome all our supporters, the Jewish community across Montana and here in Helena, and the broader community to celebrate with us. We have worked to carry forward the legacy of Montana’s earliest Jewish settlers, who built Temple Emanu-El despite the obstacles they faced.
We are planning a rededication and celebration at the synagogue later in the fall. Stay tuned for more details on this.
Follow us across the below social media channels to stay up-to-date on the latest MJP happenings as well as learn interesting historic facts about Jewish people and communities across Montana.
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Visit our web site
Copyright © 2021 Montana Jewish Project, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
PO Box 491, Helena, MT 59624
YAHRZEITS — AUGUST, 2022
RAM’S HORN POLICY FOR LISTING YAHRZEIT MEMORIALS:
Yahrzeit memorials are listed by consecutive Gregorian month, date, and year, if known, or at the beginning of the list for one calendar year following the date of passing.
Compiled by Aitz Chaim over many years, this list is maintained by the Ram’s Horn. Please send any corrections or additions to editor@aitzchaim.com
May the source of peace send peace to all who mourn, and may we be a comfort to all who are bereaved.
Deceased
Congregant
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS UPCOMING EVENT
This is a reminder of the Kabbalat Shabbat service led by Devorah Werner on the first Friday of the month, August 5, 2022, 8 Av, 5782, at 6:00 P.M. at the Bethel.
As discussed and approved by the church council on June 8, 2021, all organizations that are using the facilities will be required to follow all the current use guidelines or any new guidelines adopted by the church council or as mandated by any federal, state or local government agency.
Current guidelines include but are not limited to:
- Masks will be voluntary and are recommended if persons are or have been ill, or if people are more comfortable wearing them.
- Social Distancing would still be appreciated.
- Food or beverages will be allowed upon request. Council will review requests.
- All contact surfaces must be wiped down with a sanitization product before leaving.
- Any additional expense incurred due to requirements for additional sanitization of the facilities, or part of, shall be paid by the responsible parties involved.
The address for the Bethel is 1009 18th Avenue Southwest. click here for map and directions.
Hope to see as many of you there as possible.
ROSH HASHANAH SCHEDULE 5782
Rosh Hashanah Schedule 2021 — 5782
Please mark your calendars for this upcoming event.
- Monday evening, 09/06/2021, 7:00 P.M.: Arev Rosh Hashanah Services, led by Rabbi Ruz Gulko, at The Bethel.
- Tuesday morning, 09/07/2021, 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.: Rosh Hashanah Morning Services, led by Rabbi Ruz Gulko, at The Bethel
- Tuesday afternoon, 09/07/2021, 12:30 P.M.-ish: Tashlich at Giant Springs Heritage State Park
- Lunch TBA
Rabbi Ruz has asked that all attendees be vaccinated and masked, and that social distancing be observed.
The address for the Bethel is 1009 18th Avenue Southwest. click here for map and directions.
The address for Giant Springs Heritage State Park is 4803 Giant Springs Road. Click here for driving directions.
HELENA SYNAGOGUE TOUR
From Wendy Weissman:
The Helena Jewish community is trying to purchase back the old synagogue that is now office spaces. They want to buy it and renovate it.
They are just in the beginning stages of this process, and have formed a non profit called the Phoenix Project, of which I am the treasurer. Right now they are giving tours of the old synagogue and getting ideas of what types of renovations it could use and how to best use the space. And of course, they are starting some fundraising.
I thought we could all caravan down to Helena and tour the synagogue. The Helena Jewish community has offered to host us for a short meet and greet outside the synagogue.
I am throwing out a date that works for the Helena community – how does Sunday September 19th at 2 PM sound for a tour? We can carpool or caravan down to Helena for the day. We could do our tour at 2 and then the Helena community would meet us at 3. We can either do dinner in Helena or just head back to Great Falls.
Thoughts??? I tentatively booked us a tour for that date when I was doing some treasury work with the President today…. If that date doesn’t work, throw out some other dates and I will coordinate with the Helena community to see if it will work, but this date seemed to work for them. I want to do this sooner rather than later so I don’t have to drive in the snow…
Wendy
DIANE MEYER SHERICK, JUNE 10, 1942 — AUGUST 13, 2021, (25 SIVAN, 5702 — 6 ELUL, 5781), OBITUARY
The Aitz Chaim community sends sincere condolences to Jack and family.
FROM THE GREAT FALLS TRIBUNE
FROM WAYWYNEN-RICHARDS FUNERAL HOME IN BUTTE, MT.
YAHRZEITS — AUGUST, 2021
RAM’S HORN POLICY FOR LISTING YAHRZEIT MEMORIALS:
Yahrzeit memorials are listed by consecutive Gregorian month, date, and year, if known, or at the beginning of the list for one calendar year following the date of passing.
Compiled by Aitz Chaim over many years, this list is maintained by the Ram’s Horn. Please send any corrections or additions to editor@aitzchaim.com
May the source of peace send peace to all who mourn, and may we be a comfort to all who are bereaved.
Deceased
Congregant
The Aitz Chaim Ram's Horn 