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PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS: December 12-25, 2017, 24 Kislev — 7 Tevet, 5778

Dec 4

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Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events.

  • Wednesday, 12/13/2017—Wednesday, 12/20/2017, 25 Kislev — 2 Tevet, 5778: Chanukkah.
  • Tuesday, 12/12/2017, 24 Kislev, 5778, 5:30 P.M.: Erev Chanukah. We will light the first candle of the Diane Kaplan Memorial Chanukkiah at the Civic Center. If you come at 5:30.30, you’ll probably miss it, especially if it is cold.
  • Wednesday, 12/13/2017, 25 Kislev, 5778: First day of Chanukah. We will light the second candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Thursday, 12/14/2016, 26 Kislev, 5778: Second day of Chanukah. We will light the third candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Friday, 12/15/2017, 27 Kislev, 5778: Third day of Chanukah. We will light the fourth candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Saturday, 12/16/2017, 28 Kislev, 5778: Fourth day of chanukah. We will light the fifth candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M. From there we will go to the YWCA, 220 2nd Street North, for the annual community Chanukah party. Please bring a milchig (dairy) dish to share, and a hearty appetite for latkes and Sufganiyot.
  • Sunday, 12/17/2017, 29 Kislev, 5778: Fifth day of Chanukah. We will light the sixth candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Monday, 12/18/2017, 30 Kislev, 5778: 12:00 P.M.: Menorah lighting at the Montana State Capitol in Helena, followed by a MAJCo meeting at 1:00 P.M.
  • Monday, 12/18/2017, 30 Kislev, 5778: Sixtht day of Chanukah. We will light the seventh candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.m.
  • Tuesday, 12/19/2017, 1 Tevet, 5778: Seventh day of Chanukah. We will light the eighth candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.m.
  • Wednesday, 12/20/2017, 2 Tevet, 5778: Eighth day of Chanukah.
  • Sunday-Monday, 12/24-25/2017, 6-7 Tevet, 5778: Christmas at the Mercy Home. Please see separate article in Ram’s Horn.

Posted in 2017, 5778, December, Events, Kislev, Ram's Horn, Tevet

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WEEK END HOSPITALITY

Sep 25

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Todah Robah to the following congregation members for their hospitality to Rabbi Ruz Gulko over Yom Kippur week end.

  • Friday, 09/29/2017, Airport Pickup: Marty Foxman
  • Friday Evening, 09/29/2017, Dinner Hosts: Don and Helen Cherry

Please bring a milchig (dairy) dish to share. Please let Helen or Nadyne know what you would like to bring via email, helen@aitzchaim.com nadyne@aitzchaim.com

Appetizers
Breads
Salads
Hot dishes
Fruits
Vegetables
Desserts

Posted in 2017, 5778, Elul, Events, Ram's Horn

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PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov 27

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Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events.

  • Saturday-Sunday, 12/24-25/2016, 24-25 Kislev, 5777: Christmas at the Mercy Home. Please see separate article in Ram’s Horn.
  • Saturday, 12/24/2016—Saturday, 01/01/2017, 24 Kislev — 3 Tevet, 5777: Chanukkah.
  • Saturday, 12/24/2016, 24 Kislev, 5777, 5:30 P.M.: Erev Chanukah. We will light the first candle of the Diane Kaplan Memorial Chanukkiah at the Civic Center. If you come at 5:30.30, you’ll probably miss it, especially if it is cold.
  • Sunday, 12/25/2016, 25 Kislev, 5777: First day of Chanukah. We will light the second candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Monday, 12/26/2016, 26 Kislev, 5777: Second day of Chanukah. We will light the third candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Tuesday, 12/27/2016, 27 Kislev, 5777: Third day of Chanukah. We will light the fourth candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Wednesday, 12/28/2016, 28 Kislev, 5777, 12:00 P.M.: Menorah lighting at the Montana State Capitol in Helena, followed by a MAJCo meeting at 1:00 P.M.
  • Wednesday, 12/28/2016, 28 Kislev, 5777: Fourth day of chanukah. We will light the fifth candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Thursday, 12/29/2016, 29 Kislev, 5777: Fifth day of Chanukah. We will light the sixth candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Friday, 12/30/2016, 1 Tevet, 5777: Sixtht day of Chanukah. We will light the seventh candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.m. From there we will go to the home of Jerry and Nadyne Weissman, 2777 Green Briar Drive, for the annual community Chanukah party. Please bring a milchig (dairy) dish to share, and a hearty appetite for latkes and Sufganiyot.
  • Saturday, 12/31/2016, 2 Tevet, 5777: Seventh day of Chanukah. We will light the eighth candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.m.
  • Sunday, 01/01/2017, 3 Tevet, 5777: Eighth day of Chanukah.

Posted in 2016, 5777, December, Events, Kislev, Planning, Ram's Horn, Tevet

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PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

Dec 2

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Please mark your calendars to remind you of these upcoming events.

  • Monday, 12/07/2015—Monday, 12/14/2015: Chanukkah.
  • Sunday, 12/06/2015, 5:30 P.M.: Erev Chanukah. We will light the first candle of the Diane Kaplan Memorial Chanukkiah at the Civic Center. If you come at 5:30.30, you’ll probably miss it, especially if it is cold. From there we will go to the home of Jerry and Nadyne Weissman, 2777 Greenbriar Drive, for the annual community Chanukah party. Please bring a milchig (dairy) dish to share, and a hearty appetite for latkes and Sufganiyot. Please see separate article in Ram’s Horn.
  • Monday, 12/07/2015: First day of Chanukah. We will light the second candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Tuesday, 12/08/2015: Second day of Chanukah. We will light the third candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Wednesday, 12/09/2015: Third day of Chanukah. We will light the fourth candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Thursday, 12/10/2015: Fourth day of chanukah. We will light the fifth candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Thursday, 12/10/2015, 12:00 P.M.: Annual MAJCO Chanukiah lighting at the Capitol Rotunda in Helena. Please see separate article in Ram’s Horn.
  • Friday, 12/11/2015, Fifth day of Chanukah. We will light the sixth candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.M.
  • Saturday, 12/12/2015: Sixtht day of Chanukah. We will light the seventh candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.m.
  • Saturday, 12/12/2015, 4:00 P.M.: Helena Community Chanukah potluck and celebration. Please see separate article in Ram’s Horn.
  • Sunday, 12/13/2015: Seventh day of Chanukah. We will light the eight candle at the Civic Center at precisely 5:30 P.m.
  • Monday, 12/14/2015: Eighth day of Chanukah.
  • Thursday/Friday, 12/24-25/2015: Christmas at the Mercy Home. Please see separate article in Ram’s Horn.

Posted in 2015, 5776, Events, Kislev, Planning, Ram's Horn

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CHANUKAH IN HELENA

Nov 29

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Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, we can look forward to Chanukah that begins this year on Sunday, December 6th ( just one week from today!).

We will be gathering at the State Capitol rotunda on Thursday, December 10th at high noon for our annual MAJCO chanukiah lighting ceremony and speeches. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to tell their friends. “You don’t have to be Jewish”. The more the merrier. Set up and schmoozing begins at 11a.m. Immediately following this program, we will hold a MAJCO board meeting. Room to be determined. All are welcome to attend.

Then, on Saturday, December 12th, the Helena Jewish Community is hosting a Chanukah potluck and celebration. This program will begin at 4pm in The Forum ( on the 2nd floor) of Touchmark on Saddle Dr. ( 915 Saddle Dr.) At that time, Rabbi Ed will offer a shiur (Jewish study session) on the topic of religious zealotry, focusing on the Chanukah story which begins (in 1 Maccabees chapter 2, as follows:

“A Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer a [Greek style] sacrifice upon the altar in Modein, according to the king’s command. [24] When Mattathias saw it, be burned with zeal and his heart was stirred. He gave vent to righteous anger; he ran and killed him upon the altar. [25] At the same time he killed the king’s officerwho was forcing them to sacrifice, and he tore down the altar. [26] Thus he burned with zeal for the law, as Phinehas did against Zimri the son of Salu.”

At this shiur, we will look at what the Jewish tradition, and especially the Talmud, have to say about this part of the Chanukah story, the preceding Pinchas story, and religious zealotry in general. You may find it surprising. The shiur will be open to whoever wishes to do some Chanukah learning.

Immediately following this study session, we will hold havdalah, followed by chanukiah lighting and a vegetarian potluck. This is a rare opportunity to partake of a little Jewish learning, socializing and holiday celebration right here in Helena. Hope you can attend.
Shavuah tov ( have a good week),
Janet

Submitted by Janet Tatz

Posted in 2015, 5776, December, Events, Kislev, MAJCO, Ram's Horn

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MAY YOU HAVE AN EASY FAST!

Sep 12

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May You Have an Easy Fast!

Aitz Chaim Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur Schedule

As we draw to an end of the Days of Awe, we prepare for Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur. We hope to see you at our services, which will all be at the Bethel, 1009 18th Ave SW, led by Student Rabbi Bess Wohlner

Kol Nidre services will begin at 7pm on 9/13/13 at the Bethel, 1009 18th Ave SW, led by Student Rabbi Bess Wohlner. Sarah Weissman will be our cantorial soloist for the Kol Nidre.

• Yom Kippur morning services will begin at 10 am on 9/14/13 at the Bethel, 1009 18th Ave SW, led by Student Rabbi Bess Wohlner.
• A discussion on Yom Kippur will be held at 3pm.
• Yizkor service will begin at 4:30pm
• Ne’ila service will begin at 5:30 pm
• A community potluck (milchig) break the fast meal will follow the conclusion of Ne’ila services. Please contact Helen Cherry to sign up for the potluck.

Mark your Calendars for Upcoming Services and Events…

  • MAJCO Shabbaton, October 4-6 at Congregation Har Shalom in Missoula

  • Aitz Chaim Services for October, 2013: Weekend of October 11-13, led by Student Rabbi Bess Wohlner

  • Chanukah: 11/27 – 12/5. Watch your email and aitzchaim.com for more information!

  • Bar Mitzvah of Max Weissman, Saturday, December 28. Contact Aaron and Wendy Weissman for more information.

Posted in 2013, Events, MAJCO, October, Planning, Ram's Horn, September

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STUDENT RABBI MIRIAM FARBER’S LAST VISIT – MAY 10-12

May 3

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Student Rabbi Miriam Farber’s last official visit to Great Falls will be Mother’s Day week end, May 10-12. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend Friday evening services, Saturday morning Torah study, and the milchig (dairy) potluck/adult discussion Saturday evening. The schedule follows.

  • Friday evening, 05/10/2013: Shabbat services led by student Rabbi Miriam Farber, 7:30 P.M. at The Bethel *
  • Saturday morning, 05/11/2013: Torah Study, led by Student Rabbi Miriam Farber, 10:00 A.M. at the Bethel *
  • Saturday evening, 5:30 P.M. Milchig (dairy) Potluck and Adult Discussion at the Bethel. * Please bring a dairy dish to share.

Todah Robah to the following Congregation members who have offered their hospitality to Student Rabbi Miriam Farber and to provide the oneg for this coming week end:

  • 05/10/2013 Airport Pickup: Marty Foxman
  • 05/10/2013 Friday evening dinner: Don and Helen Cherry
  • 05/10/2013 Friday evening Oneg: Stephen Boyd and Joy Breslauer
  • 05/11/2013 Saturday lunch: Laura Weiss

This is the last time we will meet together as a community until the High Holy Days. We have so much to celebrate together — the coming of Spring, the fact that Israel exists, the fact that we are and can still be Jews in Montana of all places, learning to love and trust God more every day, learning and passing on the teachings of Torah to our children, and strengthening the ties that bind us together as families and as a community, and as a people specifically chosen by God to bless the rest of the world. What a wonderful heritage to share with each other and to pass on to our children. Let’s take this time and every time we get a chance to be uniquely Jewish to celebrate it and to kindle or rekindle the lights of Shabbat in our hearts.

* Bethel Lutheran Church, 1009 18th Ave SW

For directions or more information, click about us above.

Posted in 2013, May, May 2013, Planning, Ram's Horn

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Student Rabbi Miriam Farber will be here this weekend! Mark your calendar for a Great Falls ‘Jewish Weekend!’

As Joy noted last week, Student Rabbi Miriam Farber will be here in a few short days; it has been too long since we have gathered for services.  

  • Kabbalat Shabbat services will be held at the Bethel on Friday, April 19 at 7:30 pm.
  • Torah Study will be held at the Bethel at 10am on Saturday, April 20.
  • Our NFTY (National Federation of Temple Youth) will also be meeting on Saturday afternoon.  Contact Rabbi Miriam if you need more information about this meeting.
  • We will gather for an adult discussion at the Bethel on Saturday evening, 5:30 pm.  This will also be a vegetarian/milchig potluck meal.  Please bring a dish to share!

We look forward to seeing you at our services!

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SCHEDULE CHANGE: Adult Discussion and Milchig Potluck Dinner Saturday, 5/5, 5:30 P.M. at the Bethel

May 3

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The best laid plans …

Ah well. We had planned for a Lag B’Omer bonfire and celebration this weekend. However, if you take a look at the weather forecast, it just wasn’t to be. Saturday’s weather is supposed to be a high of about 50 with lots and lots of rain.

Therefore, we are going to go back to our original plans for Adult Discussion on Saturday evening. We will have a milchig potluck dinner, 5:30 p.m. at the Bethel. Hope to see you there!

Posted in Events, May 2012

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