A great sage once observed, “On Chanukah we make a big deal about the fact that the Maccabees found a small flask of oil. Why? Isn’t it possible, and even probable, that the Greeks could miss one jug?” He answered that “the miracle wasn’t that they found the oil, but rather that after all they endured they still cared to search for it.” It’s no miracle that Jews are excited about experiencing authentic Yiddishkeit when given the opportunity; their pintele Yid, their neshama, their internal jug of oil, remains pure. The miracle is that there was a rebbe in Brooklyn who cared enough to search for them.
The Rebbe may have passed away in 1994 but his teachings of life, love and learning continue to inspire millions and have paved the way for a world of Jewish harmony, human love and the coming of Moshiach, may it unfold speedily in our days.
* * * * *
The Jewish community of Montana is constantly growing, offering Jews the opportunity to celebrate Judaism while living in the gorgeous Northern Rockies. The community offers Shabbos minyanim, Mikvah Mei Menachem, Camp Gan Israel, Jewish Learning Institute and so much more. The members of the community are warm and welcoming and would love to see you come spend a Shabbos with them when visiting Yellowstone National Park or skiing at Big Sky.
State Capital: Helena
State Nickname: The Treasure State
State Motto: Gold and silver
State Flower: Bitterroot
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
First Shul: Temple Emanuel in Helena, Montana in 1891