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Whitefish · Montana

Women's Summer Retreat

August 17–24, 2026

A week of adventure, connection, inspiration, and meaningful moments in the heart of Montana.

Explore the week

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.

Sunny & clear82°/50°

Sunny & clear

Typical mid-August

82° / 50°

  1. Welcome to MontanaWelcome! We're so excited to begin this unforgettable week together.
  2. Upon Arrival — Meet at Baggage ClaimOnce you've collected your luggage, meet the group at baggage claim.Arrival ContactsChayala SchwartzCallWhatsAppElisheva BerinsteinCallWhatsAppSara AzarCallWhatsApp
  3. 2:00 PMHead OutMontana, here we come!
  4. 3:00 PMPontooning on Flathead LakeGoogle MapsFirst stop: the lake. An afternoon on the water surrounded by some of Montana's most beautiful views.
  5. Lunch on the LakeGood food, fresh air, and the perfect setting to start getting to know each other.
  6. 6:30 PMSettle InFind your room, unpack, get comfortable, and make yourself at home.
  7. 7:30 PMWelcome DinnerOur first dinner together — good food, great company, and the start of an incredible week.
  8. 8:30 PMMeet Rabbi KreitenbergA warm welcome and introduction to the heart behind our week together.
  9. 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.

Sunny, light breeze84°/52°

Sunny, light breeze

Typical mid-August

84° / 52°

  1. 8:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletStart the morning with intention and discover a more personal way to connect through prayer.
  2. 8:30 AMBreakfastCoffee, breakfast, and a beautiful Montana morning.
  3. 9:00 AMMorning JournalingA few quiet minutes to reflect, reset, and put your thoughts on paper.
  4. 9:20 AMHappiness with Deedee MarkowitzWhat does it really mean to live a happy life? An honest conversation about joy, perspective, and what truly fills us.
  5. 10:10 AMAyelet ElnecaveTopic to be announced.
  6. 11:00 AMR' Dovid RefsonNot Hating Others & Loving Others.
  7. 11:45 AMPack Lunches To GoFuel up, pack what you need, and get ready to head into Glacier.
  8. 12:30 PMDepart for GlacierAdventure time. We're heading into one of the most beautiful places in the country.
  9. 2:15 PMAvalanche Lake TrailGoogle MapsMountains, waterfalls, forest, and one seriously beautiful destination. Take it all in.
  10. 6:00 PMBack to the Ranch
  11. 7:30 PMDinner
  12. 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.

Partly cloudy81°/51°

Partly cloudy

Typical mid-August

81° / 51°

  1. 8:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletStart the morning with intention and a moment to connect through prayer.
  2. 8:30 AMBreakfastFuel up for a full day ahead.
  3. 9:00 AMMorning JournalingA few quiet minutes to reflect, reset, and put your thoughts on paper.
  4. 9:20 AMA 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.
  5. 10:15 AMAyelet ElnecaveTopic to be announced.
  6. 11:10 AMR' Dovid RefsonRevenge.
  7. 12:05 PMPack Lunches To GoGrab lunch and get ready for an afternoon on the river.
  8. 1:00 PMDepart for Whitewater Rafting
  9. 2:30 PMWhitewater RaftingGoogle MapsRapids, laughs, adrenaline, and incredible Montana scenery with Wild River Adventures.
  10. 6:30 PMBack to the Ranch
  11. 7:30 PMDinner
  12. 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.

Sunny & warm85°/53°

Sunny & warm

Typical mid-August

85° / 53°

  1. 8:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletStart the morning with intention and a moment to connect through prayer.
  2. 8:30 AMBreakfastCoffee, breakfast, and another beautiful Montana morning.
  3. 9:00 AMMorning JournalingA few quiet minutes to reflect, reset, and put your thoughts on paper.
  4. 9:20 AMTried & True Dating Tips with Deedee MarkowitzDating, relationships, expectations, and everything in between — practical advice with room for the real questions.
  5. 10:15 AMAyelet ElnecaveTopic to be announced.
  6. 11:10 AMR' Dovid RefsonCriticizing Others.
  7. 12:00 PMLunchFuel up for a full afternoon ahead.
  8. 12:45 PMDepart to Blueberry Picking 🫐Spend the afternoon picking fresh blueberries and enjoying the Montana countryside.
  9. 4:30 PMChallah BakeRoll up your sleeves and join us for an afternoon of mixing, braiding, and baking challah together.
  10. 5:30 PMDinner
  11. 6:15 PMRodeo!!! 🤠Google MapsTime 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.

Partly sunny80°/50°

Partly sunny

Typical mid-August

80° / 50°

  1. 8:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletStart the morning with intention and a moment to connect through prayer.
  2. 8:30 AMBreakfastCoffee, breakfast, and an easy Friday morning.
  3. 9:15 AMR' Dovid RefsonCharity — צדקה.
  4. 10:00 AMRabbi KreitenbergPlaceholder for topic.
  5. 10:45 AMDepart for Sound Bath with Yoga HiveTime to slow down, reset, and enjoy a relaxing sound bath experience.
  6. 12:45 PMReflective JournalingA quiet moment to reflect and put your thoughts on paper.
  7. 1:00 PMPicnic LunchLunch outdoors before heading into Whitefish.
  8. 1:30 PMDowntown WhitefishExplore the shops, grab a coffee, and enjoy some free time around town.
  9. 3:30 PMBack to the RanchTime to head back and start getting ready for Shabbos.
  10. 4:30 PMKugel & RefreshmentsA little pre-Shabbos snack while everyone gets ready.
  11. Shabbos PrepShower, get dressed, help set the table, arrange flowers, and get ready for Shabbos together.
  12. 7:30 PMShabbos Photo 📸Everyone dressed up with Montana behind us — time for the group photo.
  13. 7:45 PMCandle LightingLight the candles together as we welcome Shabbos in Montana.
  14. Welcome the Shabbos Queen with RebeccaTake a moment to slow down, disconnect from the week, and get ready to welcome Shabbos together.
  15. 8:00 PMKabbalos ShabbosSongs, prayer, and the start of our first Shabbos together in Montana.
  16. 8:30 PMShabbat DinnerGood food, singing, conversation, and a Friday night around the table together.
  17. SpeakerPlaceholder for speaker & topic.
  18. 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.

Sunny & still83°/52°

Sunny & still

Typical mid-August

83° / 52°

  1. 10:30 AMLight Breakfast & CoffeeA slow Shabbat morning. Coffee, something light, and nowhere to rush to.
  2. 11:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletA relaxed morning session to explore prayer and connect in your own way.
  3. 11:30 AMKiddushCome together for Kiddush, good food, and an easy Shabbat morning.
  4. 12:00 PMR' Dovid RefsonSpeaking Badly of Others.
  5. 1:00 PMShabbat LunchGood food, singing, conversation, and time around the table together.
  6. 5:30 PMWomen's ClassAn open conversation about Jewish womanhood, relationships, and the meaning behind the mitzvah of family purity.
  7. 6:30 PMWomen's PanelAn open floor for real questions, honest answers, and conversations about Jewish life, relationships, and everything in between.
  8. 8:00 PMSeudah ShlishitThe final meal of Shabbat — a chance to sit together, sing, and enjoy the last moments of the day.
  9. 9:52 PMHavdalahCome together for Havdalah as we close out Shabbat and head into the night.
  10. 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.

Sunny & warm84°/51°

Sunny & warm

Typical mid-August

84° / 51°

  1. 8:00 AMOptional Prayer Class with AyeletStart the morning with intention and a moment to connect through prayer.
  2. 8:30 AMBreakfastCoffee, breakfast, and the start of our final full day in Montana.
  3. 9:15 AMNo More Drama with Your Mama... or Anyone Else! with Deedee MarkowitzA real conversation about relationships, boundaries, communication, and navigating the people in our lives.
  4. 10:00 AMAyelet ElnecaveTopic to be announced.
  5. 10:45 AMR' Dovid RefsonAppreciating Others, Parents, and the Almighty.
  6. 11:30 AMPack Lunches To GoGrab lunch, pack what you need, and get ready for an afternoon in Glacier.
  7. 12:00 PMDepart for Hidden Lake TrailBack to Glacier for one more adventure in the mountains.
  8. Hidden Lake TrailGoogle MapsBig skies, mountain peaks, and some of Glacier National Park's most beautiful views.
  9. Going-to-the-Sun Road Scenic DriveSit back and take it all in — one of the most iconic and breathtaking drives in Montana.
  10. 5:30 PMHead Back
  11. 8:00 PMBanquet Dinner & ReflectionsA special final dinner together to celebrate the week, the friendships, and everything we're taking home with us.
  12. 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.

Clear morning81°/51°

Clear morning

Typical mid-August

81° / 51°

  1. 8:30 AMFinal BreakfastOne last breakfast together before it's time to head home.
  2. 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

First Floor

  • Room 1016 guests
  • Room 1026 guests
  • Room 1037 guests
  • Room 1046 guests

Second Floor

  • Room 2017 guests
  • Room 2026 guests
  • Room 2036 guests
  • Room 2043 guests

Room assignments will be finalized closer to the retreat.

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
Heritage Retreats Montana badge

Heritage Retreats

Summer Retreat · North Star Ranch, Whitefish MT · August 17–24, 2026

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