Jewish Life - Des Moines, Iowa

Jew Bashing In The Midwest...

Welcome to the regular publication from Beth El Jacob the Orthodox Jewish Congregation of Des Moines, Iowa.  Where we try to give you a glimpse of what it's like "living Jewish in the Middle of the Midwest".

Jew Bashing...it's never too far from the surface.  It's just sitting there waiting for an opportunity to bubble up.

So, when immigration authorities descended on AgriProcessors, the nation's largest kosher processing facility, and arrested close to 400 people for a variety of immigration issues we knew it wouldn't be long before it started.

It took less than a day.

The Des Moines Register, in the reporting the story, juiced their article by making sure the public knew the plant was operated by "Hasidic Jews".  That in itself is not an issue but consider these words from the May 13 photo caption:  "Orthodox Jews...gather across from the Postville plant", "Ari Berkowitz a 15-year old Hasidic Jew, was hanging out with a handful of friends".

Not too bad...but can we now expect captions like, "Jimmy Wiggins, a Southern Baptist, is seen here playing with his friends."?  Or, "Janice Short, a United Methodist, plays cards with her friends at the senior center."?

We think not.

But, this one takes the cake.

On the Opinion Page of the Des Moines Register from Thursday we read this comment from letter writer Bud Strum of Nevada, Iowa:

"Good! They raided the animal hell hole of Iowa. Now maybe they will close the inhumane slaughterhouse in northeast Iowa. There is no excuse for allowing such slaughter in modern day, and I don't care what your religion is. Killing animals in sacrificial ways is inhumane.

I was not surprised to read that at least one Israeli had been arrested with the other illegals. There are probably more.

People who have to have their food killed in "the Kosher manner" are so far out of touch with reality that for all we know, they may still be following other Old Testament practices. That's pretty scary."

Now, that is...pretty scary.  We're just surprised that he did not end the letter with "Sieg Heil!".  Of course the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines sent a letter the Opinion Page Editor, Carol Hunter expressing their outrage over publishing a "hate letter".  "To imply that Jews who keep kosher "may still be following other (barbaric) Old Testament practices" -- rather than following the New Testament -- is bigotry, pure and simple."

They are right.  And life goes on.

Meanwhile on WHO Radio the flagship 50,000 watt Clear Channel radio station here in Des Moines we were treated to a conversation between host Jan Mickelson and his "good friend" James Lofton who is the "Editor of TheAmericanView.com" was going on about how "...President Bush does not have a prayer because he is not a Christian." and then goes into the Jew Bashing tirade about "...Children of the Devil". 

I sent a note to Mr. Lofton and Mr. Mickelson about their ideas of "replacement theology".  Mr. Mickelson said he "didn't know what replacement theology was" (it did not surprise me)...and Mr. Lofton?  Well, here is his response:

"In John 8:44, Jesus refers to those who reject His divinity as children of the devil -- as are all of those who reject Christ."

Gosh John...ya got me.

It's been an interesting week here in the Middle of the Midwest.

See you in shul!

It Was A Nice Mother's Day Event at Beth El Jacob

Welcome!  We hope you'll stay awhile and learn more about the Orthodox Shul - Beth El Jacob and what it's like being Jewish and living in Iowa.

The Beth El Jacob Sisterhood held a lunch for Mother's Day and those who came enjoyed a wonderful meal, great conversation, good music and a fantastic time.

Thanks to everybody that helped make it such a success.  If you would like to see more photos, just head to the photos page on our Website.

See you in Shul!

Israel & Kiddush Hashem

Welcome to our publication about Living Jewish in Iowa.  From Beth El Jacob the Orthodox Shul of Des Moines.

Iyar..at one time it was the only month of the Jewish calendar without a holiday.  Sixty years ago it was honored by the birthday of the State of Israel.  It is a modern day miracle that took place right in front of our eyes.

We're all familiar with the many miracles that our ancestors witnessed as they fled Egypt or wandered in the desert.  We read of those things with some wonderment.  Yet sixty years ago we witnessed the Hand of God in the creation and now the continuation of Israel.

We all know the story of how at the hour of independence the Arab countries attacked Israel.  We know this has been repeated over and over.  Yet tiny Israel prevailed.  Some of us know the story of Edward Jacobson (below right) a friend and business partner of President Truman who asked his powerful friend for only one favor..."Meet with Chaim Weizmann (L) and hear his story."  That meeting resulted in a change in Truman's world view as he said several years later, "That meeting moved me off the dime in support of Israel."

Who would have thought a Kansas City clothing store owner would have such a profound effect on history.

Coincidence?

The stories are many and the how we relate to those stories can be a sanctification of the Name of God.  If we belive.

So, perhaps it is no small wonder that this week's Parsha has these words:

"You shall not desecrate My Holy Name, rather I should be sanctified among the Children of Israel.  I am God Who makes you holy." (Lev. 22:32)

That we are here, in this time and place, to lift up sixty years of a Jewish homeland is no small miracle.  What we do to insure the stability and security of Israel might just be tied to our ability to sanctify the Name of God.  Makes sense to us and it's all pretty simple if you have a mind to make it happen.

It's the Mitzvot...

See you in shul!

Israel At 60 - Photos from Des Moines

Welcome to our publication about living Jewish in Des Moines, Iowa from the Orthodox Shul, Beth El Jacob.

It was a very windy morning at Caspe Terrace just west of Des Moines and those attending enjoyed the bright sunshine, conversation and pledges of support for Israel at Sixty.

We've uploaded several photos from the event to our Beth El Jacob Website.  Have a look, enjoy and

Happy Birthday Israel!

See you in shul!

Israel At 60 - Des Moines, Iowa

Beth El Jacob the Orthodox Congregation of Des Moines, Iowa.  Welcome to our published record of being Jewish in Des Moines.

It was a windy morning as friends of Israel gathered at Caspe Terrace just west of the city.  Here Des Moines Jewish Federation president, Neil Salowitz raises the American and Israeli flags.

The event, coordinated by the Jewish Federation starts the beginning of celebrations here in Des Moines marking the 60th anniversary of the Jewish State.  Attendees watched a historical film about the founding of modern Israel narrated by former Israeli Ambassador Abba Eben. 

The windy, crisp morning also found Congressman Leonard Boswell among those of us celebrating Israel.  Congressman Boswell made clear his strong support of Israel as, "...the only democratic government in the region and a strong ally of the United States."  He also went on to tell the gathering of his personal feelings toward Israel:  "On my trips to Israel I am always moved by the dedication and faith of the people there.  As long as I am a Member of Congress I pledge my support not because it is a nice thing but the right thing."

Senator Charles Grassley issued video greetings where he made it clear that he will continue to support Israel and talked about his own faith and how that helps guide his support for the democracy so vital to so many.  "I pledge to you my continued support for the Jewish State of Israel."

A proclamation from Governor Culver was read by Dean Lerner the head of the Iowa Department of Inspections and appeals.  The governor was out of the country on a trade mission.  Senator Tom Harkin also sent greetings read by staffer Christine Vender Weerdt.  Also sending greetings was Congressman Tom Latham.

A special thank you to Congressman Boswell for his thoughtful words and his attendance.  Clearly the congressman is a strong supporter and a friend of Israel.

In addition we thank Mark Finkelstein of the Jewish Community Relations Commission (pictured here with Congressman Boswell) for his work in making this kick-off event such a success.

It's great to be Jewish in Iowa...

See you in shul!

Now Where?

Beth El Jacob - The Orthodox Jewish Congregation of Des Moines, Iowa.  Welcome....

Pesach is over.  Now where do we go?

For the past eight days we've celebrated the remarkable journey out of Egypt.  We're commanded to remember Passover and when we celebrate the Seder, actually put ourselves in that place in that time.

But...now what?

We've made the big journey out.  We've watched the sea split and consume our foes.  We've seen miracle after miracle.  Will we make a change in our lives or will we just muddle along?  Wandering....

It is, I think, no accident that the Torah Portion right after Pesach this year is Kedoshim.  (Lev. 16:1 - 20:27)

"You shall be holy, for holy am I, Hashem, your God."  Pretty tall order huh?

The most amazing thing about all of this is we already have the road map in the Torah.  Reading, learning and acting is all available at Beth El Jacob at any time anybody wants to take advantage of the classes.  One on one...or in a group.  We'll make it happen...

We do that so you won't have to stumble along as you make your way through life.

See you in Shul!

There Is A Reason

Beth El Jacob - The Orthodox Congregation of Des Moines publishes our thoughts on Torah, Holidays and Life being Jewish in Des Moines, Iowa.  Thanks for reading.

Several things come to mind this Shabbat that should cause us all to pause and wonder, "Why?"

Pesach begins tomorrow night right after Shabbat.  This fact has allowed many of us to ask more questions than usual.  For example:

• "What can we prepare for the Erv Shabbat Meal?"
• "What dishes and pots and pans can we use?"
• What do we do for the Seder if we can't cook because of Shabbat?"
• "Shabbat, Challah, Matzah?"  Oy!!

Four questions...among so many that were fielded this week at Beth El Jacob.

Because Shabbat and Pesach don't collide too often there were many of us looking up laws in a variety of books.  Many consulted spiritual leaders here and in other places.  Why?

The reason might be found in the fact that this has been a great teaching opportunity.  It's not part of the normal routine and so we asked and the rabbis answered.

For many of us this solidified rabbinical respect.  In other words, better that we should ask than to be in error.  As Jews, we have more than our share of opportunity to do the wrong thing.  There is so much to know and so many ways to blunder.

So, it was also an admission.  It was the admission that there is no one that has all the knowledge.  It was an admission that we, as individuals, are not so haughty to pretend we "know everything".  This week gave many of us a dose of humility that is so critical for growth.

Finally, think of the irony that on this Pesach of Shabbat Hagadol (the Great Sabbath) that we read from Acharei Mot (Lev. 16:1 - 18:30).  The portion begins with the death of Nadab and Abihu, two sons of Aaron.  Here we also learn about Yom Kippur, the twin goats (one destined to die), the prohibition of eating blood, forbidden relationships, homosexuality and perversions of all types.

And, then the Torah Portion ends by telling us to distance ourselves from this contamination.  For if we do not, we will receive the same fate of those who went before us...we will be cut off from our people.

Tough love.

There is a great lesson here.  Even the most liberal of Jew, on at least on day of Pesach, takes care to stay away from Chometz.  It's a treasured tradition even for those who scoff at the other commandments.  So, the question might be:  If we follow that commandment and change our lives, our homes, our eating habits...even for just one meal...maybe we should pay attention to what this Torah Portion tells us as well?

Nothing happens by chance...this is a Great Shabbat!

See you in shul!

Another Funeral - Another Fallen Hero

On Friday morning hundreds of people will gather at Beth El Jacob to mourn the death of Major Stuart Adam Wolfer who died when a rocket struck the Green Zone of Baghdad.

Major Wolfer was not from Des Moines but his wife is a native.  The family made the decision to bury this son, husband, father and friend here at Glendale.

I was not fortunate enough to know Major Wolfer or any of the family members.  But, our collective heart goes out to them all.  They, along with thousands of other families, now find themselves changed forever.

I don't know how many other Jewish men and women attached to the armed service have died during this long war but it is ironic that this death and burial will touch a state not known for a large Jewish population.   Tomorrow we will come face to face with the reality of this war as so many others have already done.

Tomorrow Kaddish will take on a whole new reality...

See you in shul.

Memphis - 2008 - God Puts Us In Strange Places...

I'm writing this from an Internet Cafe in Memphis just a few blocks from the site where Dr. Martin Luther King was murdered 40 years ago tomorrow.

I have struggled with this post for some time.  Actually since I arrived in Memphis on Wednesday morning. 

I'm here on business and when I checked into the Peabody Hotel for a convention of farm manufacturers it was hard not to notice others in our midst.

The 2008 National Convention of the National Action Network headed by Rev. Al Sharpton is going on at the same time.

Yesterday I visited with Rev. Sharpton, Rev. Jessie Jackson, Martin Luther King III and Roland Martin from CNN.   It was an amazing experience to stand or sit and have a discussion.  However, all of these names will invoke a response by those of you reading this post. 

And...that's part of the problem.

This week's Torah Portion speaks to gossip and about the punishments for the same.

When I was telling some folks about my encounters from yesterday I could sense the dislike and the wonderment so many felt that I would actually have a conversation with "those people".   Was their reaction based on fact or fiction.  Stories or attitudes?  I can tell you it was visceral.

This is NOT a political blog but a reflection on being Jewish in Des Moines (and in this case...other places).  But it was very difficult for me an Orthodox Jew to discuss Israel, Jews, Blacks and our current standing without being labeled and without seeing how far apart we still are 40 years following the murder at the Lorraine Motel.

I thought back to what Senator Obama said just two weeks ago.  The discussion about race has not been held with honest open hearts and minds.  I experienced that in Memphis this week.  I just wanted you to know...and perhaps react.

See you in Shul!

The Trouble With Islam Today - Des Moines

The Jewish Community Relations Commission presented the Annual Teachers Institute on Israel this week here in Des Moines.  The featured speaker was Irshad Manji an outspoken critic of the "hijacking of Islam" by radical Muslims.

In a word...the event was wonderful.

At least 250 educators and teachers came together to hear Irshad discuss intolerance at nearly every level.  Intolerance of religion, women, teachers, multi-cultural learning...

It was a full evening and we're glad we attended.

Irshad remains a devoted Muslim but, as she says on the back-cover of her book, "Islam is on very thin ice with me.  We Muslims are conspiring against ourselves.  We're in crisis and we're dragging the rest of the world with us.  If ever there was a moment for an Islamic reformation, it's now."

Powerful words...and a great evening.

Sitting at our table we enjoyed the company of Mary Lynne and Charles.  Mary Lynnne is with the Des Moines Public Schools and Charles (her nephew) is a teaching student at Simpson College just south of Des Moines in Indianola.

Also at our table was Lydia and Nicole.  Both are students at Simpson.  One involved in sports administration and the other science.

Rounding out our table was Jessica and Catrina both teaching students at Simpson.  Catrina...the only non-Iowan from our table comes from Kansas City.  Welcome.

It really was an interesting evening and we were grateful to represent Beth El Jacob and the Des Moines Jewish Community.

See you in Shul...