Beth El Jacob Synagogue - Des Moines, Iowa

Let's get right to it..."Life is to be lived to the best of our ability". If you can "buy into" that suggestion, allow me to share with you how, in one simple move, you can improve your (and your children's) quality of life by moving to Des Moines, Iowa. I know what it is like to live in "The City". I lived in Jersey City, New Jersey for several years. My family (wife and seven children) came to Des Moines after 27 years in Miami. I know what it is like to spend $4,000 a month for a small apartment or smaller house. I know what it is like to commute an hour ONE WAY into the city. I know what it is like to be in congested sections of town, to be fearful of allowing children to play outside. And, I know what it is like to be constantly rushed, pressured and pushed to "keep up". But no longer...we made the smart decision to slow down and live.

My commute to the shul is less than five minutes - streets mind you, no highway. I live in a very nice home (with a real yard, thank you!) in a nice neighborhood full of trees. My walk on Shabbat is a very pleasant thirty minutes and the shul is a wonderful mixture of very friendly people. (A visitor once remarked to me that he asked a Des Moines person for a favor..and the person did ten! That is the kind of people we have here.)

Yes, there is another world...honest. Here you can buy a 2,500 sq. foot home, in an excellent neighborhood, with a double car garage for under $225,000. That means you can sell your home or condo and still have money left over to start the kids in college! You want proof? I'd invite you to go online and look at, GMAC First Realty, Iowa Realty , Coldwell Banker or Realtor.com or other Iowa sites to compare. Even if you are a young couple, just starting out, an $100,000 home is not out of the question. And, you'll be able to have a job where you can afford to spend time with your family. Salaries, for beginning careers, range from $40,000 to $60,000. Those are 40 - 50 hour a week jobs...not the 70 - 80 hours you currently work PLUS the commute.

You want recreation for your spare time? Come to Des Moines! Learn all about our city at Des Moines Metro Partnership (Chamber of Commerce). We have miles and miles of bicycle trails, a fantastic new Science Center, a top of the line art museum, a wonderful zoo, a new performing arts facility, a botanical garden, at least a dozen golf courses, a symphony, opera, Iowa Cubs baseball, Iowa Stars hockey a farm club for Dallas (in a brand new arena), a real downtown and shopping! Oh my...the shopping! See for yourself the new Jordan Creek Town Center. And, if you really want to see something come and visit our State Fair voted the number two vacation attraction in the United States. Our city gives you more than enough to do...more than enough to live and enjoy life!

And for Jews the quality of life becomes even better. We have a great congregation in Beth El Jacob. Imagine, living a real life outside of the clutter of the city and still have Shabbos Shomer, Torah True Jews! Our Orthodox shul is vibrant, a Jewish Learning Center, Mikvah, Kollel program, kosher food, a committed Torah loving staff. Our community has two kosher food establishments, an active federation, and a wonderful new day school operated right here at Beth El Jacob.

I know, and you know, that what you really want for your family is quality. We can offer so much. And you know what else? By coming here you will help make a great community even better. Your presence here will help insure life "lived to the fullest". Call me to learn more. In fact, call me directly at 515-720-7530 or, contact me by email . We're so proud of our area we'll even, if you are interested; send you a complete relocation packet. You'll love it in Des Moines...I promise.