What?  We got Nu...NEWS???

This page is dedicated to highlighting Nu...NEWS about BEJ that needs more space than a place on the calendar or a short sentence on the Home Page.  Submissions for Nu...NEWS should be sent directly to the BEJ Office.

Beth El Jacob Sisterhood Launches HAMENTASCHEN SEASON 5771! 

 Beth El Jacob's Sisterhood has long offered the tastiest hamentaschen this side of Shushan. It's Sisterhood's largest fundraiser of the year, enabling programs that include meals to the needy and infermed, educational programming, and fun events for one and all. Sold by the dozen, our hamentaschen are large, decadent and spanning from the traditional favorites to our very awesome and unique BEJ premium favorites. You've got to try them, not only because it's our big fundraiser, but because they are quite simply DELICIOUS! Order yours, today!

Des Moines Torah Learning Project

Come and learn with the rabbis!  Sunday through Thursday we meet one on one or in groups to learn with one of five rabbis.  For a complete schedule, take a look at our calendar page.  The classes are open to members and non-members of Beth El Jacob.  Learn for an hour, two or as long as you like.  From Contemporary Issues to Classic Talmud this is the place to be morning...or evening.

Jewish Outreach Campaign

Beth El Jacob wants young Jewish families to come and live in Des Moines.  Why should you consider it? Des Moines offers far more than many on either coast realize... life among trees, lawns,  fifteen-minute commutes, affordable housing and a vibrant and diverse Jewish Community ready to welcome you with open arms!   

You should know that Des Moines is really a wonderful community!  But hey, don't take our word for it!  How about visiting FORBES and learn why Des Moines is ranked #4 in the nation for doing business and having a career!  Go ahead click right here to go to the report.

Not convinced?  How about buying a wonderful home for under (well under) $200,000?  How about living in a place that really values safety and community?  How about picking up the phone and giving us a call.  Or send us an e-mail. (Contact Info is right here.) We'll be proud to send you more information about what makes our city a community that we know you'll love. 

When the shul existed in downtown Des Moines, the men were seated downstairs and the women upstairs.  This was the way of the shul until we built the existing building in 1957, when the decision was made not to install a mechitzah.

Mixed seating somehow became the accepted policy and the level of Orthodox tradition was diminished.  Beth El Jacob, although a member of the Orthodox Union, continued this practice in both the small chapel and the main sanctuary.

25 years ago, Rabbi Emeritus Marshall Berg, began the process of bringing back some sense of orthodox tradition by requesting a mechitzah in the daily chapel.  Seven years ago a Kollel was brought to Des Moines.  Negotiations were held and a new agreement was reached that created, in the main sanctuary, a mens section, a womens section and a "mixed section". Since then, Beth El Jacob has worked to better the opportunity for Orthodox practice, and eliminated the mixed section. We are currently working on numerous programs to enrich our community, including re-establishing the eruv, and you are going to want to be a part of it.

We now have a kosher sanctuary, a commitment to daily minyanim, and a functioning partnership with the Lubavitch Judaic Resource Center.

If you have a pioneering spirit and you're tired of big city life, then Des Moines is the place you should consider.  The economy is great, the housing is fantastic, the activities are amazing and you've got a home here at BEJ.  For more about our shul and community please explore our website and/or call us at 515-274-1551.