The week, day by day
Itinerary
Eight days in Whitefish, Montana and Glacier National Park — hikes, rafting, rodeo, Shabbat and learning.
Aug 17
Day 1
Monday
Arrive in Big Sky Country, cruise Flathead Lake, and settle into the ranch.
Partly sunny79°/49°
Aug 17
Day 1
Monday
Arrive in Big Sky Country, cruise Flathead Lake, and settle into the ranch.
Partly sunny79°/49°
Partly sunny
NWS forecast · Whitefish, MT
79° / 49°
- Welcome to MontanaWelcome! We're so excited to begin this unforgettable week together.
- Upon Arrival — Meet at Baggage ClaimOnce you've collected your luggage, meet the group at baggage claim.Arrival ContactsChayala SchwartzCallWhatsAppElisheva BerinsteinCallWhatsAppSara AzarCallWhatsApp
- 2:00 PMHead OutMontana, here we come!
- 3:00 PMPontooning on Flathead LakeGoogle MapsFirst stop: the lake. An afternoon on the water surrounded by some of Montana's most beautiful views.
- Lunch on the LakeGood food, fresh air, and the perfect setting to start getting to know each other.
- 6:30 PMSettle InFind your room, unpack, get comfortable, and make yourself at home.
- 7:30 PMWelcome DinnerOur first dinner together — good food, great company, and the start of an incredible week.
- 8:30 PMMeet R' KreitenbergA warm welcome and introduction to the heart behind our week together.
- IcebreakersNames, laughs, new faces — and the beginning of new friendships.
Aug 18
Day 2
Tuesday
Morning inspiration followed by an afternoon hiking Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park.
Mostly sunny79°/48°
Aug 18
Day 2
Tuesday
Morning inspiration followed by an afternoon hiking Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park.
Mostly sunny79°/48°
Mostly sunny
NWS forecast · Whitefish, MT
79° / 48°
- 8:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletStart the morning with intention and discover a more personal way to connect through prayer.
- 8:30 AMBreakfastCoffee, breakfast, and a beautiful Montana morning.
- 9:00 AMMorning Journaling with RebeccaA few quiet minutes to reflect, reset, and put your thoughts on paper.
Rotating Classes
Group 9:20 AM 10:10 AM 11:00 AM Group A Ayelet R' Refson Deedee Group B R' Refson Deedee Ayelet Group C Chayala R' Kreitenberg R' Refson - Happiness with Deedee MarkowitzWhat does it really mean to live a happy life? An honest conversation about joy, perspective, and what truly fills us.
- Ayelet ElnecaveCrash course to Chumash: Why do we have to read this every year?
- R' Dovid RefsonCommandments between man and man.
- 11:45 AMPack Lunches To GoFuel up, pack what you need, and get ready to head into Glacier.
- 12:30 PMDepart for GlacierAdventure time. We're heading into one of the most beautiful places in the country.
- 2:15 PMAvalanche Lake TrailGoogle MapsMountains, waterfalls, forest, and one seriously beautiful destination. Take it all in.
- 6:00 PMBack to the Ranch
- 7:30 PMDinner
- 9:30 PMMeet the Educators: Women in the Modern EraReal women, real questions, real conversation. Explore what it means to live as a Jewish woman in today's world.
Aug 19
Day 3
Wednesday
Hit the rapids for whitewater rafting, then wind down with a Paint & Sip night.
Sunny & clear81°/49°
Aug 19
Day 3
Wednesday
Hit the rapids for whitewater rafting, then wind down with a Paint & Sip night.
Sunny & clear81°/49°
Sunny & clear
NWS forecast · Whitefish, MT
81° / 49°
- 8:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletStart the morning with intention and a moment to connect through prayer.
- 8:30 AMBreakfastFuel up for a full day ahead.
- 9:00 AMMorning Journaling with RebeccaA few quiet minutes to reflect, reset, and put your thoughts on paper.
Rotating Classes
Group 9:20 AM 10:15 AM 11:10 AM Group A Deedee R' Refson R' Kreitenberg Group B R' Refson R' Kreitenberg Deedee Group C Chayala Deedee Ayelet - Emunah — Staying Strong During Trying Times with Deedee MarkowitzWhat keeps us going when life gets hard? A conversation about faith, trust, and finding strength in the moments that test us most.
- R' KreitenbergTopic to be announced.
- R' Dovid RefsonCommandments between man and man.
- 12:05 PMPack Lunches To GoGrab lunch and get ready for an afternoon on the river.
- 1:00 PMDepart for Whitewater Rafting
- 2:30 PMWhitewater RaftingGoogle MapsRapids, laughs, adrenaline, and incredible Montana scenery with Wild River Adventures.
- 6:30 PMBack to the Ranch
- 7:30 PMDinner
- 8:15 PMPaint & Sip Night 🎨Paint night with Miriam + cocktails by Ayelet. No artistic talent required — just come ready to have fun.
Aug 20
Day 4
Thursday
Blueberry picking, challah baking, and a true Montana night at the rodeo.
Mostly sunny84°/51°
Aug 20
Day 4
Thursday
Blueberry picking, challah baking, and a true Montana night at the rodeo.
Mostly sunny84°/51°
Mostly sunny
NWS forecast · Whitefish, MT
84° / 51°
- 8:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletStart the morning with intention and a moment to connect through prayer.
- 8:30 AMBreakfastCoffee, breakfast, and another beautiful Montana morning.
- 9:00 AMMorning Journaling with RebeccaA few quiet minutes to reflect, reset, and put your thoughts on paper.
Rotating Classes
Group 9:20 AM 10:15 AM 11:10 AM Group A Deedee R' Refson Ayelet Group B R' Refson Ayelet Deedee Group C Chayala Chayala R' Refson - No More Drama With Your Mama (or anyone else ;) with Deedee MarkowitzA real conversation about relationships, boundaries, communication, and navigating the people in our lives.
- Ayelet ElnecaveEishet Chayil: Your Guide to Accessing your Feminine Strength.
- R' Dovid RefsonCommandments between man and man.
- 12:00 PMLunchFuel up for a full afternoon ahead.
- 12:45 PMDepart for Blueberry Picking 🫐Spend the afternoon picking fresh blueberries and enjoying the Montana countryside.
- 3:00 PMDepart Blueberry PickingEveryone should be ready to leave blueberry picking promptly at 3:00 PM.
- 4:00 PMArrive Back at RanchReturn to North Star Ranch with time to freshen up before the Challah Bake.
- 4:30 PMChallah Bake with RebeccaRoll up your sleeves and join us for an afternoon of mixing, braiding, and baking challah together.
- 5:30 PMDinner
- 6:15 PMDepart for Rodeo 🤠Google Maps6:15 PM is the departure time from the ranch — not the rodeo start time. Time for a true Montana night: cowboys, horses, and all the rodeo action!
Aug 21
Day 5
Friday
A sound bath, downtown Whitefish, and a beautiful evening welcoming Shabbat together.
Mostly sunny90°/58°
Aug 21
Day 5
Friday
A sound bath, downtown Whitefish, and a beautiful evening welcoming Shabbat together.
Mostly sunny90°/58°
Mostly sunny
NWS forecast · Whitefish, MT
90° / 58°
- 8:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletStart the morning with intention and a moment to connect through prayer.
- 8:30 AMBreakfastCoffee, breakfast, and an easy Friday morning.
Rotating Classes
Group 9:15 AM 10:00 AM Group A R' Refson R' Kreitenberg Group B R' Kreitenberg R' Refson Group C Chayala Deedee - R' Dovid RefsonCommandments between man and man.
- R' KreitenbergTopic to be announced.
- 10:45 AMDepart for Sound Bath with Yoga HiveTime to slow down, reset, and enjoy a relaxing sound bath experience.
- 12:45 PMReflective JournalingA quiet moment to reflect and put your thoughts on paper.
- 1:00 PMPicnic LunchLunch outdoors before heading into Whitefish.
- 1:30 PMDowntown WhitefishExplore the shops, grab a coffee, and enjoy some free time around town.
- 3:30 PMBack to the RanchTime to head back and start getting ready for Shabbos.
- 4:30 PMKugel & RefreshmentsA little pre-Shabbos snack while everyone gets ready.
- Shabbos PrepShower, get dressed, help set the table, arrange flowers, and get ready for Shabbos together.
- 7:30 PMShabbos Photo 📸Everyone dressed up with Montana behind us — time for the group photo.
- 7:45 PMCandle LightingLight the candles together as we welcome Shabbos in Montana.
- Welcome the Shabbos Queen with RebeccaTake a moment to slow down, disconnect from the week, and get ready to welcome Shabbos together.
- 8:00 PMKabbalos ShabbosSongs, prayer, and the start of our first Shabbos together in Montana.
- 8:30 PMShabbat DinnerGood food, singing, conversation, and a Friday night around the table together.
- Oneg + Ayelet's StoryStick around after dinner for dessert, an Oneg, and the chance to hear Ayelet share her story.
Aug 22
Day 6
Shabbat
A slower day of good food, meaningful conversations, connection, and time together.
Slight chance of showers & storms88°/56°
Aug 22
Day 6
Shabbat
A slower day of good food, meaningful conversations, connection, and time together.
Slight chance of showers & storms88°/56°
Slight chance of showers & storms
NWS forecast · Whitefish, MT
88° / 56°
- 10:30 AMLight Breakfast & CoffeeA slow Shabbat morning. Coffee, something light, and nowhere to rush to.
- 11:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletA relaxed morning session to explore prayer and connect in your own way.
- 11:30 AMKiddushCome together for Kiddush, good food, and an easy Shabbat morning.
- 12:00 PMR' Dovid RefsonAppreciation.
- 1:00 PMShabbat LunchGood food, singing, conversation, and time around the table together.
- 5:30 PMInteractive class with Dr. Faye ZakheimRed and Green flags in Dating
- 6:30 PMWomen's PanelAn open floor for real questions, honest answers, and conversations about Jewish life, relationships, and everything in between.
- 8:00 PMSeudah ShlishitThe final meal of Shabbat — a chance to sit together, sing, and enjoy the last moments of the day.
- 9:52 PMHavdalahCome together for Havdalah as we close out Shabbat and head into the night.
- 10:30 PMMelava Malka: Music & Games 🎶Shabbat may be over, but the night isn't. Music, games, snacks, and time to hang out together.
Aug 23
Day 7
Sunday
Hidden Lake and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, followed by our closing banquet and bonfire.
Mostly sunny, slight PM rain80°/47°
Aug 23
Day 7
Sunday
Hidden Lake and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, followed by our closing banquet and bonfire.
Mostly sunny, slight PM rain80°/47°
Mostly sunny, slight PM rain
NWS forecast · Whitefish, MT
80° / 47°
- 8:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletStart the morning with intention and a moment to connect through prayer.
- 8:30 AMBreakfastCoffee, breakfast, and the start of our final full day in Montana.
Rotating Classes
Group 9:15 AM 10:00 AM 10:45 AM Group A Ayelet R' Refson Deedee Group B R' Refson Deedee Ayelet Group C Chayala Ayelet Chayala - A New Beginning with Deedee MarkowitzEvery chapter gives us the opportunity to begin again. A conversation about growth, change, and becoming who we want to be.
- Ayelet ElnecaveDavid and Goliath: Who was the Actual Underdog?
- R' Dovid RefsonCommandments between man and man.
- 11:30 AMPack Lunches To GoGrab lunch, pack what you need, and get ready for an afternoon in Glacier.
- 12:00 PMDepart for Hidden Lake TrailBack to Glacier for one more adventure in the mountains.
- Hidden Lake TrailGoogle MapsBig skies, mountain peaks, and some of Glacier National Park's most beautiful views.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road Scenic DriveSit back and take it all in — one of the most iconic and breathtaking drives in Montana.
- 5:30 PMHead Back
- 8:00 PMBanquet Dinner & ReflectionsA special final dinner together to celebrate the week, the friendships, and everything we're taking home with us.
- 9:30 PMBonfire 🔥One last Montana night under the stars — bonfire, music, and time together before we head home.
Aug 24
Day 8
Monday
One last breakfast together before we say goodbye to Montana and head home.
Sunny & clear80°/49°
Aug 24
Day 8
Monday
One last breakfast together before we say goodbye to Montana and head home.
Sunny & clear80°/49°
Sunny & clear
NWS forecast · Whitefish, MT
80° / 49°
- 8:30 AMFinal BreakfastOne last breakfast together before it's time to head home.
- 9:30 AMDepart for FCA AirportBags packed, hearts full. Goodbye, Montana — until next time. ✈️
Where you'll rest
Room Lists
Ranch WiFi
- Network
- Guest
- Password
- Beaver355
Room Assignments Coming Soon
Room assignments are being finalized and will be posted here closer to the retreat.
Rotating classes
Group Lists
A
Group A
- Alyssa Annenberg
- Arielle Isakharov
- Batel Hagbi
- Dalya Ackerman
- Deborah Talia Misan
- Elizabeth Mardakhayeva
- Gabriela Kaganovich
- Gabrielle Grishko
- Jessica Olsen
- Julia Britt
- Lea Chen
- Remy Fields
- Sydney Moore
- Tovah Sharman
- Victoria Loewenstern
B
Group B
- Abby Siskind
- Clare Vaysiberg
- Daniella Levi
- Ella Amram
- Jasmine Altmark
- Judianna Abrams
- Julia Annenberg
- Melissa Nacheman
- Mirabella Matyukov
- Natalie Kacherova
- Natalie Yechzkia
- Sara Altmark
- Sarah Brooks
- Teagan Wodrich
C
Group C
- Elisheva Berinstein
- Hindi Leshinsky
- Menucha Fink
- Miriam Roness
- Sara Azar
- Shaindy Zafir
- Shayna Leiser
Come prepared
Packing List
Clothing
- Clothing for the week
- Nicer clothes for Shabbat
- Light jacket or sweater for cool evenings
- Bathing suit
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes — hiking boots are not necessary
- Water shoes — Crocs are not sufficient
- Bandana or cap
Outdoor Essentials
- Daypack / backpack
- CamelBak with a minimum 2L capacity OR 2 reusable water bottles (at least 40 oz total; wide-mouth preferred)
- Rain gear — lightweight rain jacket, poncho and/or umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent — important!
- Lip balm
- Small flashlight
- Towel for water activities
Personal Items
- Toiletries — shampoo, soap, toothbrush, etc.
- Any medications you need
- Personal items & essentials
Mountain mornings run cool — layering is your friend. Check each day's forecast box above before you pack your day pack.
Find us here
Location
North Star Ranch
Whitefish, Montana · near Glacier National Park
- Nearest airport
- Glacier Park International (FCA) — ~25 min drive