MJP's First Statewide Shabbaton Reflections

We had a vision that we thought would work–to bring together Jewish families from across Montana and with the help of rabbis, community members, and specialized staff, offer multiple pathways to engage with Judaism in a way that was unique to this special place. While I thought this was the best model to bring together Montana’s geographically-distant and diverse Jewish community and  strengthen connections among congregations and with each other, trying something for the first time meant we weren’t sure. I am so happy to let you know that our weekend exceeded our hopes.

First, I want to thank the Kolatch Family Foundation. Because of their support, we were able to lower our registration fee and provide an array of activities with professional staff. We were able to charge $72 per adult for the whole weekend, making it possible for folks to take a risk on trying something new. If you'd like to support our next Shabbaton, please consider making your own gift.

Outdoor Shabbat services.

We also relied on the hard work of Montana’s rabbis. Thank you to Rabbi Francine Roston and Rabbi Ed Stafman, who each led part of the weekend, and Rabbi Sonja Pilz’s support helped us connect with the Bozeman Jewish community. Student Rabbi Megan Eslamboly who serves Beth Aaron in Billings and student rabbi and cantorial soloist Adina Ikeman with MJP were amazing. Kaelie and our Shabbaton coordinator R.E. Natowicz–and their team of Jewish summer camp veterans including Gwen, Ariel, Lisa, and Temma–worked to make sure tasty food was on the table, kids were busy making music, and the thousands of other details were taken care of so that everyone could focus on finding joy and creating connections. 

We had a weekend of davening, Torah study, mindful nature walks, niggun circles, art, kids' song-writing, and shared meals and conversations. Over 70 participants—from every Jewish community in Montana, as well as unaffiliated Jews from across our 147,000 square miles—came together for the largest statewide gathering of Montana Jews. In a moment when much of Jewish communal conversation is necessarily focused on crisis, this Shabbaton offered participants a respite and a time of joy, learning, and community. One father wrote to us, “I really can't quite put into words how it made me feel to see my kids have such a great time connecting with other Jewish children of all ages.” Another participant wrote that the weekend inspired her to get involved more with her local congregations–and to take up Torah study. 

Shabbat selfies

Putting words to the bright colors of these memories as we unwind from this huge undertaking is hard. Grateful. Proud. Tired. Energized. If you want even more Shabbaton reflections after this long post head to our Shabbaton page to check out our full event report.