Montana is known for its known for its striking natural wonders, historical sites depicting the travels of Lewis and Clark and quaint glimpses into a version of America that is well-loved but quickly fading. Although there was a significant Jewish population in the past, particularly in the 19th century when Jewish pioneers flocked to the region, in recent decades, many of Montana’s Jews are leaving for larger cities and more vibrant Jewish populations.
It is no wonder then, that the sight of a rabbi dressed in chassidic garb caught the attention of non-Jewish officer John Fosket who was guarding the State Capital in Helena, Montana. The Chassidic Jew was Rabbi Chaim Bruk, Chabad shliach (emissary), who was making his way to the State Capitol for a menorah lighting. Fosket motioned the rabbi over and introduced him to his German Shepherd, affectionately named “Miky.” Fosket proceeded to tell Miky’s story.
Because of tightened security in all government buildings, Helena’s police forces were looking for the best bomb-sniffing dog they could find. They were prepared to spare no expense, and yet they were looking for bargains, since dogs trained to detect bombs are not cheap or easy to find. When the Israeli Defense Forces offered the Helena Police Department a free bomb-sniffing dog for the price of a flight (such specialty dogs often fetch $20,000), they jumped at the chance. However, there was one problem: Miky had been trained in Hebrew.
Although Fosket had scoured the bookstores and libraries in search of materials to help him learn enough Hebrew to speak to Miky, the dog didn’t seem to respond to his commands. He said Hi sha’er (stay!), Ch’pess (search!), and Kelev tov (good doggy), but the dog remained indifferent. When Fosket repeated the Hebrew phrases he learned, Rabbi Bruk informed him that the root of the problem was in the officer’s faulty pronunciation, and offered to give the officer private lessons on how to improve his communication with his dog.
A Chabad shliach is often faced with demanding tasks, from answering challenging questions late into the night, hosting dozens if not hundreds of people for meals and bringing the warmth of Yiddishkeit to faraway places. But after meeting Miky and his owner, Rabbi Bruk confesses that he has received something in return; after spending years searching in vain for someone in Montana to speak Hebrew with, he now can communicate with Miky the dog.