Building Our Future, Together

A synagogue is more than a building. It is a Jewish home. It is where we gather for Shabbat and holidays, teach our children, celebrate milestones, share meals, welcome newcomers, and support one another through life's most important moments. These moments are only possible though, when we have a building that is safe, comfortable, and reflective of the community it serves.

Congregation Har Shalom has been in the center of Jewish life in Missoula since 1988. Har Shalom has brought together a vibrant and diverse Jewish community to serve northwest Montana. Through those years we have grown in incredible ways, but the building has not grown with us. The roof leaks. The kitchen is outdated. The garage and storage structure require attention. The sanctuary is simple and unadorned. Just to name a few.

So now it is our turn to care for our building and property, in order to ensure that this growing community can continue to use its Jewish Home in ever expanding ways.

With this in mind, we are launching Building Our Future, Together: The Har Shalom Building Campaign, with a goal of raising $250,000 by Chanukah 2026. The goal of this Campaign is to establish and fund a permanent Building Fund for Har Shalom to be used on building and property repairs, improvements, and beautification projects.

This isn't just about fixing what's broken. It's about creating a building that reflects the vibrant community inside it.

We want Har Shalom to be safe, welcoming, functional, and beautiful—from our classrooms and sanctuary to our gathering spaces, kitchen and restrooms, grounds, and everything in between.

We have already begun this work. Thanks in large part to a federal security grant, we have new exterior lighting and security cameras, several new exterior and interior security doors, blast-resistant glass on the windows, and additional security improvements are ongoing.

A permanent and well capitalized Building Fund is the next step. It is the key to continuing the momentum of what we have already come so far to realize.

What Will the Fund Support?

Examples of the projects that the Building Fund will provide a permanent resource for (subject to the discretion of the Board)

The goal is to stop thinking about building needs one emergency at a time and start planning for the long-term care and improvement of our shared home.

Your Gift Can Be Doubled

Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, Har Shalom is proud to announce that the next $100,000 in donations will be matched!

Every qualifying gift of $100 or more will be matched dollar-for-dollar, until the full $100,000 match is reached.

Every gift matters. Whether you give $100, $180, $1,800, or more, you are helping build the future of Har Shalom.

L'Dor V'Dor — From Generation to Generation

There is something deeply Jewish about caring for what we inherit and making sure it is ready for those who come after us.

The people who built Har Shalom created a home for Jewish life in Missoula.

Now it's our turn.

When we invest in this building, we are investing in children who will learn here, families who will celebrate here, friendships that will begin here, and Jewish traditions that will continue here.

We are building l'dor v'dor—from generation to generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why $250,000?

The goal allows us to establish a permanent Building Fund rather than simply raising money for one project. It gives Har Shalom the ability to address immediate needs while planning for future maintenance, improvements, and beautification.

Is this a roof campaign?

No. The roof is one important building need, but this is a comprehensive Building Campaign. The Fund will support maintenance, safety, functionality, improvements, and beautification throughout the building and grounds.

Will my donation be matched?

Gifts of $100 or more will be matched dollar-for-dollar while matching funds remain available, up to the $100,000 total match.

What if I can't give $100?

Every gift is welcome and meaningful. The $100 threshold simply qualifies a gift for the match. Har Shalom values every gift, no matter the size.

Who decides how the money is spent?

The Har Shalom Board will oversee the Fund and prioritize projects based on need, cost, available resources, safety, and benefit to the congregation.

Can I give stock or another non-cash gift?

Yes. Har Shalom can explore gifts of appreciated securities, real estate, vehicles, and certain life-insurance gifts. These gifts must be reviewed and approved by the Board before acceptance. Please contact Har Shalom before transferring a non-cash gift.

What happens after we reach $250,000?

This Campaign will end, but the Building Fund will continue. Our goal is to create a permanent resource that future generations can build upon.

Help Us Build Something Beautiful

Har Shalom is a small synagogue, but what happens inside these walls is enormous.

Now we have the opportunity to make our home reflect the community we have become—and the community we hope to be.

Please join us in caring for our shared Jewish home, making it more beautiful and welcoming, and building a strong foundation for the future.

$250,000 by Chanukah 2026.

Growing Together. Building the Future of Har Shalom.

Every gift. Every person. Every generation.

Contact Har Shalom for other giving options and other questions!