Become part of Har Shalom and the community

Har Shalom believes that a synagogue is an extension of your family, a warm and caring place where you can find spiritual nurturing, education for your entire family, opportunities for social activities or a chance to practice Jewish values such as Tzedekah or Tikkun Olam.

Our organizations and committees, listed below, are waiting for you to become involved.  

ADULT EDUCATION We offer two classes this year, taught by our resident
Spiritual Leader and Student Rabbi, Laurie Franklin. Contact: 406-546-9368

ATIDAYNU - Sheehan Ednie-Rosen
The Jewish Sunday School's mission is to provide quality educational programs for children in an enriched Jewish environment, and is dedicated to instilling within each student a joyful attitude toward Judaism. The school serves children from to Kindergarteners through 7 graders. Students receive an education in Jewish principles including bible stories, history, holidays, basic Hebrew language, ethics and Israel. In addition, students are guided to prepare for b'nai mitzvah study. Upon request, Spiritual Leader and Student Rabbi Laurie Franklin leads the student through b'nai mitzvah study. Contact Sheehan: rosens@montana.com

BUILDING, PROPERTY AND GROUNDS - David Jolles
This committee is responsible for building maintenance and repairs. Contact David: 406-728-3344.

CARING COMMITTEE - Bert Chessin, Har Shalom President  
This Committee provides additional support on a short-term basis to people who are recovering from surgery or illness. Volunteers pick up groceries or drug prescriptions, prepare meals and deliver them, visit or just make periodic phone calls to check up on someone living alone. Contact Bert: 406-531-5193

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE - Sherry Kolenda
The Committee is responsible for recruiting, attracting, and retaining supporters, and engaging them in the livelihood of Har Shalom in meaningful ways. This committee proposes "giving" requirements and prepares donation materials and events. Contact Sherry: 406-251-7996

COLLEGE CONNECTION: Missoula Hillel - Adair Kanter, 
University of Montana liaison and advisor
Missoula's Hillel chapter, located on the campus of the University of Montana, Missoula, stays in touch with our college students by sending Jewishly-themed care packages throughout special times during the year, and with a monthly e-newsletter designed to keep students in touch with Har Shalom and the Jewish community. Contact Adair: 406-243-2122  

COMMUNICATIONS - Kate Soukonnikov, Marlene Hutchins
This committee is responsible for planning and implementing the various ways in which we communicate with our congregants. The communications include the bi-monthly newsletter, web site and facebook updates, creating special mailings and posting “The Weekly.” Contact Marlene: artdogz@msn.com 

COMMUNITY RELATIONS - Spiritual Leader and Student Rabbi Laurie Franklin, Bert Chessin
This committee is responsible for explaining Judaism to the non-Jewish community and for liaison work with churches and schools. Contact Laurie: 406-546-9368, Bert: 406-531-5193

FINANCE COMMITTEE - David Jolles, Treasurer
This committee is charged with maintaining the financial integrity and stability of the Synagogue. The Committee works on annual dues pledges and collections, annual financial statements, annual budgeting, and works with congregants who need assistance with annual dues level. This committee produces a written report analyzing dues, and makes recommendations for any dues changes. Financial background will be very helpful for this Committee. Contact Jeff: jeffbendremer@gis.net

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - Spiritual Leader and Student Rabbi Laurie Franklin
Responsible for seeking out and encouraging lay leaders of Har Shalom. Contact Laurie: 406-546-9368

MUSIC COMMITTEE  - Bert Chessin
The mission of the Music Committee is to assist Spiritual Leader and Student Rabbi Laurie Franklin and lay leaders, with developing and enhancing our musical programs. Contact Bert: 406-531-5193

ONEG - Suzanne Aboulfadl
We coordinate the celebration of our Oneg Shabbat (the pleasure of Shabbat). We are in need of volunteers who would be willing to bring a couple of challot and a few simple snacks (e.g., fruit, nuts, crackers and cheese, veggies and dip) to share as we visit together after Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday. To volunteer, use the sign-up sheet in the kitchen area at Har Shalom or contact Suzanne: 406-549-0555.

For our Oneg after Shacharit on Saturday (following Friday "Shabbat at Home" — check the current newsletter for dates) volunteers are welcome to bring a dozen bagels and cream cheese.  

RELIGIOUS PRACTICES COMMITTEE - Kate Soukonnikov
The mission of this committee is to provide Har Shalom's members with
a worship experience that is meaningful and caring. The committee recommends changes in ritual to the Board, including music, and may authorize experimental services. In addition, the Committee works closely with our student rabbi and Board of Directors regarding issues of decorum and etiquette during religious services. 

TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEE - Robin Abeshaus, Suzanne Aboulfadl
The mission of the Social Justice and Action Committee is to work for social justice by providing volunteer opportunities and information regarding the social concerns of our world.

Our vision is to be a congregation where repairing the world is second nature. We participate as volunteers at the Missoula Food Bank. We have committed to become a support congregation for Family Promise Missoula, which is part of a national effort to assist homeless families by providing temporary housing in churches, synagogues, or other faith communities. For more information on Family Promise, see http://familypromisemissoula.org/. We raise awareness of national Jewish tikkun olam activities and, when possible, join these efforts.

Contact Robin: 406-542-7535 

For more information or to join Har Shalom's committee, please contact the co-chairs.