A few Jewish merchants settled in Billings in 1884, but a community began only after 1900. Congregation Beth Aaron was formed in Billings in 1918. The Jewish population grew and declined mainly with the boom (1950s) and bust (1960's) of the oil business. By 1979, there were approx. 30-40 Jewish families in Billings.

Small painting of woman with white scarf and blue shirt (Leslie Stark Doherty) lighting the shabbas candles with the covered bread and wine on the table; painted by Fred Veston. Painting appears to be done in watercolor and oil crayons. The painting was a gift for Leslie from the artist for her Bat Mitzvah. Veston created a small painting as a gift for every Bar or Bat Mitzvah for the members of Congregation B'nai Israel.