Jewish Life - Des Moines, Iowa

G-d Puts Us In Some Interesting Places...

I'm on a business trip in Charleston, South Carolina and staying at The Charleston Place in the Old City.  Just across Hasell Street, next to the hotel is Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim the reform congregation founded in 1749.  The building is a classic Greek Revival piece of architecture.  It is the second oldest synagogue building in the United States and the oldest in continuous use. Fifteen years ago, when I was last in Charleston, the building was closed and I didn't get the chance to visit.

This past Monday, my first full day in the city, I went back to the synagogue for a look at this historic site.  However, the building didn't open until 10am and I was there at 9:30.  "Tomorrow.", I said to myself.  "Tomorrow I'll make it a point to visit."

Today, I got to walk in the door.

Inside the sanctuary a man was giving a tour to five individuals.  He was giving the history of the congregation and the building.  The visitors were spellbound as he told of the people who, in 1824, petitioned the congregation leaders to change the Sephardic service and become "reform".  That was a scant 14 years after the First Reform Jewish congregation ws started in Germany in 1810. 

But, something was odd.  The man wore a kippah, spoke lovingly about Torah and Mitzvot and...then told the group he had converted years ago.  That he once was a Pentecostal Christian Preacher.

What else?

The people left and left me with David Bozarth.  The former pastor.  We talked, for nearly an hour about G-d, faith, reform, and Orthodox.  He told me he was studying with Rabbi Ari Sytner for his Orthodox conversion because, "I just need to be there and be true to my faith."  And, he talked about all the beauty of the Mitzvot and his dedication to "do more".

And I saw the desire in his eyes.  And, I thought about Des Moines...about Jews who think they understand but are unwilling to go deeper.  And, I thanked G-d for this moment.  ""Show me the way." I have prayed more than once...

G-d puts us in some interesting places and among some interesting people.  Why did He choose today that I should visit a place I had wanted to see for years?  Perhaps simply to remind me, in the most dramatic way, of the beauty of following the commandments He has set before us.  David, I wish you well on your journey.  And, thank you...for giving me sight...for the long road.

See you in Shul!

 

 

 

Hanging With Rabbi Ari Sytner in Charleston

On the road to Charleston, South Carolina and my first stop in the city was to head to Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue where Rabbi Ari Sytner hangs his tallis.  When I planned this business trip I knew that Rabbi Sytner had been the former leader of Beth El Jacob but we had never met.  He left for Charleston before we moved to Des Moines.

At thirty-one Rabbi Sytner looks...25!  When he was in Des Moines ten years ago I'm sure folks wondered why the Bar Mitzvah boy was leading services each day.  But...don't let his boyish looks fool you.  This guy is not only sharp and learned...he also has the energy to stay on track.

We talked about the folks back in Des Moines and he asked about every one he had worked with and asked me to wish them well. He told me about the big victories and the little wins.  About how young men and young women had come and been placed on the path to observance.  We had a great discussion...and it was wonderful

And Jay aka "Huggy Bear" (pictured with rabbi Sytner) has got to be one of the most friendly guys in the world.  What a hoot...and because he lost the Levi honors this morning to a visitor from Des Moines he was trying to take it in good stride.

Thanks for the opportunity to meet, visit and get to know some of the Jews of Charleston.  But...what about this humidity?

See you in shul!! 

 

Life...It's What You Make It

This past week I had a discussion with a person who was angry about her faith...or lack of it.

She was going on about how, "Things have changed, it is no longer like I remember when we once were active in our shul.  So many people have died or moved away and I just do not feel the same about coming to shul.  It's just not friendly."

And, she is partly right.  Things have changed and over the past five years, I've spent more time at the cemetery than near a huppah.  In a way , there has been more than the death of individuals.  There has been the systematic murder of...faith.  What is worse, if you never had it, it's tough to get it back.

The person I was talking with was, in my opinion, coming face to face with a lack of faith in her life.  In the five years that I have been an active member of Beth El Jacob I've seen her in shul perhaps five or six times.  And, then only briefly.  Her children quit coming years ago and her grandchildren, as far as I know, exist mostly as secular Jews.  And, that failure to connect is partly our failure.

Somewhere along the way we failed at the mission of helping her embrace faith over the social context of life.  If you read what she said and consider the lack of participation in spiritual and religious events it's clear what she is mourning.

We have failed at defining faith as a part of life and not just something to "wear" on the holidays or when in need of comfort during tragedy.  And, I fear this has been a life-long issue.  And, sadly...she is not alone.

We see this in other Houses of Worship where people fail to connect with life and faith.  Where folks think "belonging" is enough.  Where the effort is spent not at honoring G-d but in honoring the social aspect of community.  Can the two co-exist?  I think so...but there first needs to be the realization that our job on this earth isn't to plan the next Majong Party but to praise, honor and worship G-d for all the things He has created for us. 

Life is what we make it.  My prayer is that this woman come to realize that true happiness and friendship is in the understanding that we must first serve the mission we have been called to do.  Part of my duty is to work on her...and others.  It couldn't hurt.

See you in shul!

 

 

Beth El Jacob in New York City!

Beth El Jacob, the Orthodox Congregation of Des Moines and Iowa gets to take part in the Orthodox Union Job Fair that takes place in New York City.  My...Beth El Jacob in the "Big Apple", "Gotham" or as they once said in the Pace Pin-cate television ad, "Newww York City?" 

Yep, Iowa heads East.  Why?

We're going to encourage Orthodox Families to make a journey of a lifetime.  To pack up, leave the big city and come to a "better city".  Des Moines is an amazing place that is large enough to matter but small enough to actually feel like "home". 

Here, in Des Moines, we've got affordable housing, no more than a 20 minute commute and an Orthodox Congregation that has the ability to embrace your family and help it grow...really grow in friendship and faith.  That's the Des Moines Difference.

And, Sunday we're at the Orthodox Union Job Fair...talking to folks just like you.

Rabbi Aaron Schwarzbaum will be doing the PR work.  He has several things to give you that will introduce you to not only Des Moines but also Beth El Jacob.  But, along with the DVD's and the brochures and the really cool BEJ magnets (yep...honest!) please LISTEN to what he has to say.

Aaron has been where you are.  He is from New Jersey, he has lived in the city.  He spent time in Miami and six years ago made the trip to Des Moines.  He and his family made a decision to build a truly Orthodox Shul here in the Middle of the Midwest...and it's great.

We welcome folks from whatever religious background they may have.  We help our families learn, live and be social.  We help with finding you jobs, with a cash payment of $5,000 to help you buy your home, within walking distance of the shul...and priced between $165,000 to $185,000.  And, that's a very nice home here in Iowa.

So come on by...learn a little and consider Des Moines.  We need you...and if you stop to think about all the benefits...you could really use us.

See you in Shul!

Dislike & Hate on the Radio Today

The events that took place yesterday in Washington, DC mirror so much of what is so wrong in our culture and our daily lives.  People don't just "dislike" other people they often, to their very core...hate.  And, when a person lives a life of hate and when they act out because of that hate...we get things like the murder of a security guard at the United States Holocaust Museum. 

If you missed the LIVE show, here is the recorded show.  Just click this link and you're there!

Today, I have the unique opportunity to visit about this and some other "religious" matters as I "pinch hit" for the Reform Rabbi of Des Moines, David Kaufman.  David has a weekly radio show called, "The Whole Megillah" where he talks about faith, values and Israel from 2:00PM until 4:00PM Central Time.

Several weeks ago he asked if I would "fill in" for him.  It just so happens that today is that day.

And, so we'll talk about hate and dislike.  They are very different.  And, let's be blunt.  I don't much "like" the worship style of my friend David.  I don't understand the Reform talking points and so...I have to be honest and let you know I dislike the style of "Reform".  But...do I hate David?  Nope.  Our job, as Jews, is to love people, to love Jews not to hate them.  The Torah is clear on this message.  Over and over we are told that G-d demands we welcome the stranger and the Jew.

Our in studio guest will be Frankie Meeink a former "skinhead" and member of the Aryan Brotherhood.  He'll be in to talk about hate, what it did to him, how it effected his family and friends.  And..because he was recently at the US Holocaust Museum how this impacts him.  Join us?   Today at 2PM Central www.MacsWorldLive.com

But, the Torah is also clear about what is right and what is wrong.  Evil, we are told, we must distroy.  But, what...is evil?  We'll talk about that and other "Jewish Things" today at 2:00PM Central.

If you would like to catch the show head to www.MacsWorldLive.com where you can hear...and see...what we're talking about.  The Whole Megillah is part of Des Moines Local...Live.  Join us?

See you in Shul! (And on the air...today.)

 

 

Jobs? What's Hot In Des Moines

This coming Sunday, June 14, Beth El Jacob will take part in the upcoming Job Fair for Small Communities sponsored by the Orthodox Union.  The fair will take place in New York City and Rabbi Schwarzbaum will be there to visit with potential families seeking a fresh start.

We figured we should do a little research and look into the Des Moines Job Market ahead of our trip east.  Last week I called Susan Ramsey of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and asked her, "So, what's hot in the job market for folks thinking about coming here to live."  I found her answer to be interesting:

She told me that even in light of the recent announcement of job cuts at Principal Financial there are still employers seeking qualified people in several insurance companies, "You would be surprised at the number of companies here in Des Moines that are looking for people.  Along with insurance we are fielding requests for jobs infinance, medical (there are two new hospitals being built in West Des Moines), education and law."

In addition Governor Culver recently signed into law a bill worth over $700 million for road and bridge construction projects.  So, it would seem some skilled trades and construction jobs will be in the pipeline.

The bottom line is that the unemployment rate in Des Moines is at 4.9% even with some recent layoff notices.  That beats the heck out of 7.7% in New York City or 11.3% in Newark or the 22% in Detroit. 

You can Do More in Des Moines...and...while we're on that.  Check out this video from the Des Moines Partnership.  Very nice.

See you in shul!

 

 

Saying Goodbye to Jacob

Friends and family gathered today at Beth El Jacob to say goodbye to Jacob Waizman.  Jacob, pictured here with Paula his wife of 63 years, passed away just before Shabbat.  He had been ill for several weeks.

The reason we're telling the world about this is that Jacob (and Paula) are Holocaust Survivors and have been part of our shul for over 50 years.  Last year we honored them with the Beth El Jacob Award of Merit.

Today was a moving tribute to a man who helped so many put a face on the Holocaust.  He traveled all over the state of Iowa sharing his story.  In, churches, schools, civic groups...all wanting to hear from this honest, caring man.  Wanting to listen, learn and be respectful.

In his last days at the Jewish Senior Life Center he asked Rabbi Schwarzbaum to make copies of several newspaper articles about his experiences.  "I want people to know and to remember."  He would say.  It wasn't that he wanted strangers to remember him.  He wanted the world to remember the Holocaust and the brutal way in which humanity can act.

In a remarkable twist Mark Schlenker, Honorary Consul of Germany who is an attorney from Indianola, Iowa also spoke today, in shul, about Jacob.  Mark who often travels to Germany and helps Holocaust Survivors here in the Midwest told of Jacob's commitment and honesty.  And how his life and story had impacted him and his work.  Another amazing chapter, that few realized, in the life of Jacob Waizman.

We'll miss his voice...it was his who started Adon Olam each Shabbat.  We'll miss his laugh and his love of people.  But, Jacob gave us something to remember.  A dedication to honor G-d daily...in spite of what the world sends us. 

See you in shul!

 

 

 

Beth El Jacob Board Extends Schwarzbaum Contract

This past Wednesday evening, prior to Marriv, the Beth El Jacob Board of Trustees extended the employment contract of Rabbi Aaron Schwarzbaum giving him an additional five years to serve the Orthodox Community.  The existing contract was set to expire in August of 2011.  The new agreement now extends to 2016.

"I'm thrilled," said Rabbi Schwarzbaum who, with his wife and seven children moved to Des Moines five years ago from Miami to take a kollel position.    "This means the world to us as we continue to build the community.  It means stability and promise to the families who have expressed the desire to move to Des Moines from New York and Maryland.  It means that we've got the green light to continue our dream of building a solid orthodox presence in Iowa."

The Board had recently authorized a grant of $5,000 payable to any Jewish family moving to Des Moines and establishing membership at Beth El Jacob.  The money is to be used as a down-payment on a home and should the family stay active members of the congregation for three years there is no "payback".  It becomes a gift. Two families have already visited Des Moines and are making plans to come this summer.  A third family will travel to Des Moines in June to see what the city and community has to offer.

Rabbi Schwarzbaum and his son Mayeer also are active in Torah Life & Living an anti cult and missionary group Aaron Schwarzbaum founded twenty years ago in Miami.  Rabbi Schwarzbaum travels, lectures and works with families, nationwide, in the attempt to bring people back to Judaism. He became the rabbi of the 90 family member congregation in 2005.

Good stuff going on in Des Moines, Iowa...come join us!

See you in shul!!

 

Learning In The Cemetery

Last week several of us gathered at Glendale to lay to rest a women none of us had ever met.  She had lived for years in Chicago and when she died at the age of 103 the decision was to bury her next to her husband here in Des Moines.

The small group sitting in the tent, protected from the light rain, included a couple of family friends from Des Moines and two "great-nieces".  One from Florida and the other from Illinois.   As we started to shovel dirt on top of the casket, a member of Beth El Jacob walked over to me, put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Ya know, that is somebody's little girl."

 It was one of the most touching statements I'd heard in a very long time. Each time I have told this story, and that has been several times now, I've wept.  It was a profound statement about our connection.

The Torah Portion this past week was Emor (Leviticus 21:1 - 24:23).  In the opening verses we are told about death and from it we gather for whom we must sit Shiva.  The woman who had died and her long deceased husband never had children and so there was no one to sit Shiva.  The two relatives were confused as to why they were not required.  And, so, Rabbi Aaron visited with them for quite some time about the Torah Portion.  They were hungry to learn.  Like many of us they have questions about the "here" and the "hereafter". 

They stood as Jewish Women soaking up every word the rabbi said.  Things they had never been told or things they had forgotten.  True, they are Jewish but they were clearly "Bagel & Lox Jews" who had never taken or never had the opportunity to dig deep into the Torah...to learn.

And, they learned.  They learned as relatives, but not relatives mentioned in the Parsha, they were not required to say Kaddish.  They learned about the soul and what it means to be observant and how each mitzvah counts and how, sometimes, death can bring new life.  In the end they promised to keep in touch and thanked Rabbi Schwarzbaum over and over, "My, your congregation must be so grateful to have you and your knowledge.  You have been so kind and helpful and so full of compassion for our situation."

"Somebody's Little Girl" had been able to reach out from the wet earth and into the hearts of more than one person this past Thursday.

You never know where or when you can learn a valuable life lesson..

See you in Shul!

 

Jewish Federation President Calls for Shabbat Observance!

In the latest issue of the Des Moines Jewish Press, a publication by the Des Moines Jewish Federation, Neil Salowitz, president of the organization, calls on the Jews of Des Moines to observe Shabbat.  In addition Neil goes on to list ideas of how to "break into" observance by doing something. Even if it is only picking a Friday evening and making Kiddish.  It's a start!

We, at Beth El Jacob, are thrilled. (Photo of Neil (r) with Consulate General of Israel, Orli Gil, at Beth El Jacob.)

We've had our "issues" with the Federation from what is kosher to what is not and celebration dates and a host of other things but this...this we can celebrate!

Here is just part of the text from the Neil Salowitz article:

"I was out of town (the weekend Beth El Jacob held the Shabbos Challenge) and unable to attend, but I understand from people who took part that it was a wonderful and enriching experience.  It got me wondering what would happen if everyone in the community took the time to celebrate Shabbat as it was intended to be celebrated."

We're with you Neil!  And Neil Salowitz went on to write:

"I am convinced that if you celebrate - truly celebrate- Shabbat, and allow yourself to be enveloped in its healing power, you will be happier, healthier, wiser and sexier, OK, maybe not sexier, but an evening spent with someone you love, free from the distractions of your normal routine can lead to good things."

Remember, this is the president of the Jewish Federation of Des Moines...and he goes on, after listing what Jews should and should not do on Shabbat (all Torah true) with this final call at the end of his piece: 

"You owe it to yourself (and to G-d) to recharge once in awhile.  You owe it to yourself to celebrate Shabbat."

Neil...profound.  For a community that has largely ignored Shabbat for generations for you to stand up and call the entire Des Moines Community to realize the power of keeping G-d's commandment...to keep Shabbat Holy....amazing and thank you.

You could pay no finer a complement to what we've been trying to do for several years.  Blessings...my friend.  Blessings.  And we too call on all Jews to respect and yes, celebrate, Shabbat...this coming week.  And...everybody is welcome at Beth El Jacob.

See you in Shul...