History
Formed in 1881, Beth El Jacob Synagogue was started by a group of Lithuanian Jews who split from Children of Israel Congregation, (They apparently felt that the Children of Israel congregation was not sufficiently religious).  A permanent congregation was established in 1885 under the leadership of Rabbi A. Zarchay as an Orthodox Shul.  The first home of the synagogue was at the corner of East Second and Walnut Street in Des Moines, Iowa.  About 1903, Rabbi Ziechik came to Des Moines to raise funds for a Yeshiva in Lithuania.  He was such an inspiration to the members, the congregation asked if he would remain and become their rabbi.  He went home and returned with his family.
  
Until 1922, the congregation was housed in three different locations on the east side of Des Moines.  In 1922, the congregation built a shul on 5th and University.  During the 1940's, Beth El Jacob was the largest congregation in the city, with a membership of over 400 families 

From the founding until after WWII, all of the sermons were in Yiddish. At that time the congregation was about 95% Lithuanian.  Following WWII, Jews from other parts of Eastern Europe came to America and joined our congregation.  In addition, the younger members, who were not fluent in Yiddish, wanted a new Rabbi, who would give sermons in English.  

For roughly twenty years the congregation ebbed and flowed to find its center.  In the mid 1940's the congregation hired Rabbi Garelick while Rabbi Ziechik remained as the Senior Rabbi.  Rabbi Garelick became the Rabbi when Rabbi Ziechik formally retired.  Rabbi Garelick served Beth El Jacob from about 1945 to 1950.  He was followed by Rabbi Herschprung for the next two years.  Rabbi Nadoff served Beth El Jacob for the following decade, about 1953-1963.   He was a very inspiring leader and convinced the congregation to build what is now the current home of Beth El Jacob Synagogue.  Rabbi Nadoff left due to the lack of a day school.  He was followed by Rabbi Pachino (1964-1969), who was reputed to give such great sermons that often there were 150 people at shul on an ordinary Shabbos morning.  Some members viewed Rabbi Pachino as too strict.  Rabbi Garmaize was here for one year in 1969.  

Then in 1970, Rabbi Berg, a very scholarly rabbi, came and remained as a very popular rabbi through his retirement in 1999.  Rabbi Berg is currently Rabbi Emeritus and our Torah reader.   Following Rabbi Berg, were Rabbi Applebaum (1999-2000) and Rabbi Sytner (2000-2003).  Rabbi Schwarzbaum our current rabbi, began his service to Beth El Jacob in 2004.

From the 1950's through the end of the 20th century, the congregation was a "modern" orthodox or traditional congregation.  Some of Rabbi Ziechik grandchildren still belong to Beth El Jacob Synagogue.

*Our thanks to Uby Rabinovitz one of Rabbi Ziechik grandsons, for this synopsis of Beth El Jacob's history.