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 Book Club

The Sisterhood has just announced their January Book Club Selection.  For more information about the event and the book.  Just click here!

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

In June Beth El Jacob will begin our outreach marketing campaign to attract young Jewish families to come and live in Des Moines.  We already know what you are thinking..."So, what can be so great about moving way out west to live among trees, lawns,  have a fifteen-minute commute, buy an affordable house and a join a vibrant Jewish Community ready to welcome us with open arms?"  Oh...the answer is in the question! 

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.  Everything is here...except you!

Orthodoxy Returns to Des Moines

It has been a long time coming...but, hey, we're Jews and we are used to waiting...

It is with great joy and pride that beth El Jacob Synagogue announces the Return of Orthodox practice to Des Moines.  The shul, established in 1885, is returning to the traditions of separate seating for men and women along with an improved mechitzah.

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".

In August of 2004, Rabbi Aaron Schwarzbaum became the rabbi and he immediately began a series of programs and events designed to restore not only activity but also the seed of learning with regard to orthodox practices.  His goal was to bring the community a clear choice and an fully practicing Orthodox Shul including separate seating of men and women during prayer, an active day school, an unbroken string of daily minyans and the repair of the community eruv.

We are, again, proud and delighted that these dreams have come true thanks the the tireless work of so many BEJ members.  We now have a kosher sanctuary, a new day school, a rebuilt eruv and at last count (but who's counting...) we have reached 429 days without missing a minyan!

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 visit our site at or give Rabbi Aaron a call at 515-274-1551.  Beth El Jacob...everything is here...except you!