Jews of Montana

 The history of the Jewish people in Montana begins about in 1862, when the Jews began arriving. These first Jews were drawn by the discovery of gold in Bannock and Virginia City. They worked in the mines, ran hotels and saloons, were merchants and leaders in the community.

The oldest Jewish settlement in Montana was in Helena, home to newly arrived Jewish merchants. The first synagogue, Temple Emanu-El was built in 1891. There were also a synagogue in Butte, it's synagogue was built in 1904. The state has never had a large community, perhaps never more than 2,000 or so, but the Jewish influence has been felt. Even before statehood came in 1889, Jews held political offices in various cities, and many were leading citizens. 

One early leader was Jacob Feldberg, an early member of the Virginia City town council. The marriage license and certificate (shown here) are for Belle Feldberg, the daughter of Jacob Feldberg and Emma Hyman. She was married, by Rabbi Jacob Millziner, to Alfred K. Wertheimer on 17 January 1902.

This record (FHL Film #00435167 item 4) is part of the Marriage License, Lewis and Clark County Collection at FamilySearch.org.