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‍A mashup of thoughts, ideas, news, and stories about this unique outpost of Jewish life in the West. Remote Jewish communities are as old as time, but this remote Jewish community is young, vibrant, and growing. Our saga draws on age-old Jewish values, quintessential Western grit, and the idealistic fire of four Chabad Families. Curious, complex, and committed, they model the highs and lows of being human, the relevance of being Jewish, and simmering, lasting courage to persevere.
A Quarterly Publication of Chabad Lubavitch of Montana

Jews of the West

The Heart & Science of Medicine

"I have a learning disability that wasn't diagnosed until I went to medical school, so it took a tremendous amount of work to get there. I discovered that I love the deep connection that forms between doctor and patient."

Interview with Sarah Bronksy by Elie Benhiyoun

On Being Human

I don't Exercise - I move

For the first four decades of my life, I didn't work out. Aside form an occasional baseball game, I didn't play sports at school or camp, I didn't even like joining the "elimination" games in the school gym.

By Rabbi Chaim Bruk

Dear Friends,

It's exciting! Passover is upon us, when we relive our redemption and internalize what it means to be free.

So much of the Seder experience is intended to keep the children engage. My Zayde, of blessed memory, Reb Shimon Goldman, as well as my Aba, may he live and be well, would hide their Afikoman, the larger piece of broken matzah divide at Yachatz. Then, we'd try to "steal" it from them all night long. It was exhilarating.

We would then demand a "ransom" payment in the form of a Toys "R" Us purchase for the return of their Afikoman.

There are a variety of reasons for "stealing" the Afikoman. When I was a teenager, I discovered something that our Rebbe wrote in his commentary on the Haggadah Shel Pesach: "Even stealing of this nature may have an effect on a child's personality, ingraining negative tendencies. Therefor, the practices is shunned."

It made sense.

If we teach our children that lying is wrong, and then lie about their age to save $12 at the amusement park, we've sigle-handely destroyed their education ,proving that we aren't sincere and that our values are worth about $12. Telling kdis that stealing is bad and then giving thlem the thrill of stealling is not a good idea. Instead, Chavie instituted "Ma Nishtana" presents in our home. If you get up and ask the Four Questions loud and clear, you earn a present, and on Chol Hamoed, the intermediate days of Passover, we head to the toy store to receive saide presents.

Nuance matters. Details are a big deal. Let's resolve this Pesach to share the story of Exodus, observe the mitzvos of Passover, and instill Jewish values in ourselves and our loved ones that long-term positive effect.

Have a Happy & Kosher Passover! A Zissen Pesach!
Rabbi Chaim Bruk

Gravlax

An original recipe by Rivky Markossian.

While gefilte fish is an essential Seder dish, this cured salmon recipe will impress your guests! It's light, fresh, and easy to make—I dare you to find an easier recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb sashimi-grade salmon (bones removed, skin on)
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 bunch fresh dill sprigs, plus ¼ cup chopped dill for garnish

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Instructions

  • Combine the sugar and salt in a bowl.
  • Lay two large pieces of plastic wrap on a work surface, slightly overlapping.

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Spread half of the sugar-salt mixture over the plastic wrap, then place the salmon skin-side down on top.

  • Cover the salmon with the remaining mixture and top with the dill sprigs.
  • Wrap the salmon tightly in the plastic wrap, place it in a large dish, and weigh it down with a flat object and some heavy items (such as cans).
  • Refrigerate for 48 hours, draining excess liquid from the dish every 12 hours.  
  • Unwrap the salmon, scrape off the salt, rinse gently, and pat dry.  
  • Slice thinly on an angle (avoid cutting through the skin or eating it).  
  • Garnish with roughly chopped fresh dill for extra flavor.

Happy Cooking!

Only in Montana

‍Strengthening the Montana Jewish Community by promoting Jewish pride, study, and celebration

Established with the generosity of the Rohr Family

Chabad-Lubavitch of Montana
Publisher

Rabbi Chaim Bruk
Editor-in-Chief

Elie Benhiyoun
Managing Editor

Rivky Markossian
Associate Editor
‍
Mrs. Chavie Bruk
Contributing Columnist

Dafne Zivan
Illustrator

gromybrand.com
Design & Production

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