What We Do
Shabbat
We gather monthly for a Friday night Potluck dinner & Shabbat service at someone’s home. Services are led by Rabbi Francine and they are abbreviated with lots of singing, teaching and storytelling. Our prayer books always includes Hebrew text, transliteration as well as English translation. Potluck dinners are always dairy/vegetarian/vegan/kosher fish to accommodate Jewish dietary restrictions and be welcoming for all. We enjoy kosher wine or grape juice for Kiddush and then share in whatever wine and beverages our members contribute.
High Holy Days
The Glacier Jewish Community/B’nai Shalom gathers for High Holy Day services at various locations around the Flathead Valley. We hold Erev Rosh HaShanah services, First Day of Rosh HaShanah services, a Second Day of Rosh HaShanah Hike, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur morning and evening/Yizkor/Neilah services.
It gives our community great joy to gather and share our ancient traditions together as well as create our own modern traditions.
Holidays
At the core of every Jewish holiday is the narrative of the Jewish people and its ongoing traditions. We gather every year for Chanukah, Purim and Passover to tell the story of the Jewish people’s past and create new memories for our Jewish community today. Our gatherings include time to socialize, enjoy good food and wine together and share in Jewish rituals such as Chanukah candlelighting, telling the story of Purim and sharing a Passover seder.
Our community is committed to radical hospitality and fiscal responsibility. While some events may include fees, we strongly encourage people who cannot afford the fees to reach out to Rabbi Francine or someone on the Steering Committee to receive subsidies. Any event that requires a fee for food and venue will be publicized with the price. And, most importantly, a considerable amount of the congregational budget IS designated to assist participants who can not afford the fees for themselves and their family, so please do not hesitate to reach out to rabbi@glacierjc.org.
Learning
Rabbi Francine is a gifted teacher and enjoys guiding people in their ongoing journey as a learning Jew. She is happy to meet with people one-on-one to advise on spiritual and educational matters. Rabbi Francine also facilitates discussions and classes for the community both online and in-person at locations such as Odd Fellows Cafe. She also tutors conversion candidates and Bar/Bat Mitzvah students privately.. You should contact the Rabbi to set up an appointment.
Socials
There are so many great activities and venues in the Flathead Valley. Glacier Jewish Community/B’nai Shalom offers congregants opportunities to “just hang out” with each other at local establishments or on the trails. In the past, socials have met at Stumptown Arts Studio, Bonsai Brewing, the Izaak Walton Inn and Round Meadows Trails. Check our Calendar for more information!
Volunteer
It has been Glacier Jewish Community’s goal to offer congregants a monthly opportunity to volunteer in the community. We take the ethic of “tikkun olam”, repairing the world, very seriously and want to do our part to help those in need in Northwest Montana. In the past we have cooked and served Christmas dinner at the Samaritan House in Kalispell, held food drives to support local Food Pantries and we are currently forming a work crew for Habitat for Humanity in Kalispell once a month.
If you have a project and need volunteers, please contact us and we will be happy to vet your proposal to share with our congregation.