Lubavitch of Iowa

Schedule of Services

2011-09-22T22:30:00.001-07:00

Click here to view the full schedule of services for Tishrei at the JRC

New counter at Maccabees Deli

2011-03-30T19:24:00.000-07:00

We have made a major change with the setup at Maccabees Deli. Come check it out!

Get a big hug from G-d

2010-05-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

Come and celebrate the holiday of Shavuot Wednesday, May 19 11 am @ JRC come hear the Ten Commandments being read, eat some yummy cheesecake. Rsvp: 515-277-1770
Sent from my smartphone

Megillah reading at the Senior Life Center of Des Moines

2010-03-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

We must never forget our Seniors
Thank you Heshy, Zalman, Tani , and Schneur Zalman
for reading the Megillah at the Senior life Center

Purim in the Shtetl

2010-03-01T21:52:00.001-08:00

Great Crowd, Great Megillah reading (Thank you R' Heshey) Great Food and Great Entertainment, what a GREAT PURIM!!!!!!!

Minyan for Alan

2009-12-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had a nice turnout for our Minyan, Alan got to say kaddish for his dear grand-mother. If anyone ever needs a minyan just give us a call: 515-277-1770

Happy Birthday Fraidy Jacosbon

2009-11-29T21:26:00.000-08:00

Mazel Tov on Fraidy Jacobson's 5th Birthday, May she give Much Nachas to her dear Parents, Grandparents and Klall Yisroel

Shluchim Conference

2009-11-21T20:26:00.001-08:00

Click here to view a nice article about the Chabad Shlichims convention which took place last week in NYC

Two pillars of light in a country of Idolatry

2009-11-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

This week marks the 1st Yahrtzeit of the 6 Jews which were brutally murdered in the Chabad House of Mumbai, India. Our sages tell us that a little bit of light can dispel darkness; by us doing Mitzvos we dispel this darkness of sadness, terror and of evil. It ultimately dispels this darkness forever with the coming of Moshiach, may he come right now!

Matisyahu at the deli

2009-10-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

We had the great privalige of hosting Matisyahu today at the deli. First we prayed with him, he was the Chazzan so we heard him recite eevry word of the prayers with his sweet voice. Then we had lunch and discussion with him. Check out these pics!

member of JRC faught in the Yom Kippur war

2009-10-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

One of our lovely members Haim Naggar spoke to the congregation about his experiences in the Yom Kippur war. He was commanded to drive tanks and army trucks on the Jordanian border up to the golan heights, and then to turn around and make a circle, in order to make the enemy think that the IDF is bringing up north much ammunition and soldiers, this actually helped them out in the war.

New Talmud Class!

2009-10-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday Morning at 9 AM Rabbi Jacobson gives a class on Talmud Tractacte Bava Kama, which deals with disputes between one man and another over damage issues. Please RSVP by Thursday. Rabbi Goldstein also gives a class on Kabbala at 8 AM every Sunday at his home 1225 66th St. Apt. 2

The advantage of the flood

2009-10-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

In this weeks Torah portion Noach we read about Noah's flood. The spiritual flood symbolizes the persons materiel1 distractions, distractions of making a living, childrens education etc. On may ask: why does G-d cause me to have such worries and distractions? I mean if G-d wants us to serve him properly why does he place these challenges in front of us? the answer: G-d wants us to appreciate Yiddishkeit, that is done when we serve him through challenges. This is the meaning of the verse in song of songs: "great waters cannot extinguish the love". the many waters of wordly worries cannot extinguish a Jews yearn and desire to become close to G-d by performing his Mitzvos. Shabbat Shalom!

Sukkos Party at the JRC

2009-10-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

Sukkos on the go!

2009-10-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

Rabbi's Ne'ila Sermon

2009-09-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

story of the Baal Shemtov: he was praying with great tense, you could feel how there was something wrong, so everyone cried out together, then in walks in a simple sheppered and cries out: "koo-koo-ree-koo" everyone looks at him and wants to tell him to get out of the shul, but.... the besht signals everyone to calm down and explains the following: there was a terrible decree on the Jewish nation r"l, but when this sinple Jew cried out koo-koo (although you might of thought that he was indeed koo-koo) this stormed the heavens and the decree was abolished. So too when a Jew walks into the deli Erev Yom Kippur and buys 2 celery sodas this is his connection to YK, we must never judge any Jew!

New Year wishes

2009-09-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

On behalf of Lubavitch of Iowa we would like to wish all Jewish people a most happy, sweet and prospers new year!

We are now on Twitter!

2009-09-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

Check out the right collumn of this webpage and you will see all latest updates from Twitter including: Candle lighting times on Friday, and Erev Yom Tov, upcmoing events etc. or just click here

Round table discussion

2009-09-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why we don't blow the Shofar on Shabbos? why do we dip apples in honey? isn't sugar good enough? such questions and other similar questions can be answered and discussed, come on over to the JRC (943 Cummins Parkway) for a round table discussion on Thursday, September 10 8:00 PM. Panelists: Rabbi's Levi Goldstein and Yossi Jacobson. Light refreshments will be served.

Class about High Holidays part 2

2009-09-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Come and explore the true meaning of Repentance, Prayer and Charity. Friday, September 25 at Maccabees Deli 12:00 PM Lunch 'n learn with Rabbi Levi Goldstein

Israeli products

2009-08-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

We now carry at Maccabees Kosher Deli a full line of new delicious products from the holy land of Israel. They include: 'Jump' juice drinks, roasted chick peas and corn snacks, ready to eat canned canned vegetables.

Lubavitch of Iowa reaches Mexico!

2009-08-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

Remember our good friend Steve Emerman? he is now living in Utah, he recently traveled to Mexico for his work. He met a guy on top of a Volcano mountain who told him his mother was Jewish. Steve put Tefillin on with him!!. Steve tells me the following: "This is why you need to have tefillin with you at all times". "I guess I was representing the Rebbe on that volcano".

Class about high holidays

2009-08-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

Come and explore the deeper meanings and insights of the upcoming high holidays. Why do we blow the Shofar? Do I really need to eat honey cake? What's this Tashlich thing all about? This Sunday August, 30 at 12:00 pm at Maccabees Deli.

Chabad of Davenport

2009-08-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Chabad of Davenport

The Rabbi and Ofir

2009-08-20T06:52:00.001-07:00

Rabbi Jacobson putting on Teffillin with our dear friend Ofir Carmi at the JRC today, we had a Minyan in honor of Rosh Chodesh Elul, marking the beginning of the preporation of the high holidays.

Great weekly class

2009-08-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

Click here to visit a most amazing website of a weekly class given by the renowned Rabbi Yossi Jacobson. It is FREE and inspiring. You can also download the curriculum of the class and even more, you can watch it as a live video! The class takes place weekly on Monday evening at 7:30 PM (CST). The class is then uploaded to the site as a mp3 file which you can then download onto your player.

Yahrtzeit of a special man

2009-08-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Schneerson was the Rabbi of a small town in russia named Yakatrineslav. he was arrested in 1939 by the KGB since he was comiting a "crime" of spreading Judaism, he was then exiled to Alma Ata, where he passed away at a young age. click here for more info. His Yahrtzeit took place on Monday, August 10

Class Tomorrow

2009-08-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

Has the recession affected you? come and hear how the Torah can help you cope with the current financial meltdown. Rabbi Levi Goldstein will be giving a class on this topic tomorrow Sunday, August 9 12:00 PM at Maccabees Kosher Deli 1150 Polk Blvd.

Teffillin in Odebolt

2009-08-04T10:17:00.000-07:00

Rabbi Levi Goldstein program director of Lubavitch of Iowa travels our lovely state. Today he met a Jew at a quick stop in Odebolt, IA this Jew was here for buisness he is an affiliate of Chabad of Omaha.

Mazal Tov!

2009-07-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

We would like to wish Mazal Tov to the Jacobson family upon the birth of a baby boy: Gavriel Noach, he is named after the Shliach in Mumbai India Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg which was brutally murdered in Nov 2008. May he grow up to be a CHAYAL and Shalich of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Minyan @ JRC

2009-07-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

All are welcome to join us for Minyans over the weekend, and during the week for special occasions (Yahrtzeit, Birthday. etc.) Please let us know if you need a Minyan.

Cool new SMS feature

2009-07-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce about our cool new feature. Send a text message from your PDA or Cell phone and receive the latest promotions and deals at Maccabees Kosher Deli instantly! Here is how it works: send the following message: TXTABC DELI (make sure there is a space between the 2 words) to: 368638, wait about 1 minute and you will receive a message. Take a look at the above picture for a sample of the message.

New website for the Deli!

2009-07-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

We just launched a brand new website for our one and only Maccbees Kosher Deli. click here for the URL

Break of the Fast at JRC

2009-07-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight we all gathered at the JRC for a Minyan Where Eli from Israel said Kaddish for his dear father which worked in the IDF air force, he was a kind man which did favors for many people. We then had a delicious break of fast after services.

Shabbos with Matisyahu

2009-07-04T20:38:00.001-07:00

Here is a pose of the congregants of JRC with Matisyahu. He came to Des Moines to perform at the 80/35 festival. We had an amazing Shabbos with him.

May I pray on your behalf

2009-06-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, the third of Tammuz, June 25, marks the Fifteenth Yahrtzeit of
our beloved Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of blessed
memory (for more info visit: www.therebbe.org).

The *yartzait* of a dedicated, loving Jewish leader is an auspicious day and
a *time* when prayers are answered.

The resting place of a tzadik, is a special *place* where prayers are heard
and answered.

As in the years past, I will be visiting the Rebbe's resting place in New
York--together with tens of thousands of people--on this auspicious day; to
pray for our needs and rededicate ourselves to the Rebbe's lifelong legacy
of making this world a better, holier, more loving world.

I WOULD LIKE TO PRAY ON YOUR BEHALF AS WELL

If you would like me to do so, please SEND ME YOUR NAME AND MOTHER'S
NAME (preferably in Hebrew) and any special request you have (material or
spiritual) so that I can include you in my prayers.
May all our prayers be answered speedily, and may the world reach its
spiritual fulfillment with the coming of Moshiach now!

Rabbi Levi Goldstein
515-557-0531

Very inspiring and moving video

2009-06-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

This is a video of a true story which gives you a glimpse of after life. If you would like to discuss this further please feel free to Call Rabbi Yossi Jacobson at: 515-277-1778 or just stop by at the Deli

New Live webcast!

2009-06-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce a new live webcast class which will take place weekly on Sunday 7:30 PM click here for the class

Video of CGI Iowa City

2009-06-08T18:03:00.001-07:00

Day camp in Iowa City Iowa

2009-06-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

here are some pictures of the Chabad day camp run by Rabbi and Mrs. Blesofsky in Iowa City. About 10 children attended. They prayed, sang painted, and even went on a trip!

New Program!

2009-05-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

Lubavitch of Iowa proudly presents:
Friday night Live!
Have you thought of participating in an enjoyable and easy Shabbat experience? Well here it is! Beginning in June we are excited to launch our new Friday Night Live, where you will experience a combination of a joyful, meaningful and upbeat Kabbalat Shabbat Service followed by a Shabbat Dinner.
The melodious tunes of the traditional but contemporary Kabbalat Shabbat combined with the tastes of the delicacies of Shabbat will leave you energized, uplifted and ready to take on a new week. No prior knowledge, affiliation, or membership is necessary. No charge but donations to our center are welcome.
Our 1st Friday Night Live will take place on Friday, June 5th at 7:00pm at the Judaic Resource Center 943 Cummins Parkway Des Moines, IA. To RSVP or for further information please contact our office at 515-277-1770 or email us at jrcspark@msn.com. For more info or to find out about our many programs and services please visit our website www.jrciowa.blogspot.com

download the latest issue of the spark

2009-05-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

Click here to download the PDF file

Video lecture on Shavuos

2009-05-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Rabbi Butman: Shavous from COLlive.com on Vimeo.

Shavuos

2009-05-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

All are invited to a Shavuos celebration on Friday, May 29 11:00 AM. The Ten commandments will be read from the Torah, a light delicious dairy meal will follow. Suggested donation: $5 per person. Please RSVP: 277-1770 visit: virtualshavuot.org for more info.

Pictures from Lag B'omer celebration

2009-05-14T10:34:00.001-07:00

Next class

2009-05-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Save the date for: Sunday, June 7 12 pm at Maccabees Deli topic: Torah and civil law.

Lag B'omer

2009-05-07T19:39:00.000-07:00

You are invited to a Lag B'omer Celebration BBQ. Admission: $3 Marshmallow roasting, Kumzitz, Activities for Kids, lots of fun.

back from New York

2009-05-06T14:31:00.001-07:00

Hey there its Rabbi Goldstein here. I would like to let you all know that I had you all in mind while praying at the resting place of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, known as the Ohel (loosely translated as tent, referring to the mausoleum surrounding the Rebbe's grave) speaking of the Ohel we are planing on a weekend trip to the Ohel. It will include a tour of Crown Heights, 770 which is the Lubavitch world headquarters, and will conclude with a visit to the Ohel. Please let us know if you are interested.

Request of blessing

2009-04-30T13:40:00.001-07:00

Rabbi Goldstein will be visiting the Rebbe's resting place in Queens, NY tomorrow Friday, April 31 if you need a blessing for health, wealth, happiness, or anything else send me an email or text message with your Hebrew name and mothers Hebrew name before Friday 10 AM Email: lyg770@gmail.com text to: 515-557-0531 I will be glad to mention your name to the Rebbe. This is a traditional Jewish custom to request a blessing from the Moses of our generation to beseech and pray to G-d on our behalf.

Project Elijah

2009-04-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

I was privalidged to take part in the packaging of 10,000 packages for Project Elijah which will feed 40,000 people (each bags contains 4 portions) it was sponsored by Jake and Gail Jacobs in honor of Shirah's Bas Mitzvah. Mazal Tov Shira!

Candle lighting

2009-04-24T07:47:00.001-07:00

Candle lighting time for Des Moines: 7:47 pm Shabbat ends: 8:48 pm
Torah Portion: Sazria-Metzora
Pirkei Avot: Chapter 2

Shabbat Shalom!

New! Spark Magazines now Downloadable!!

2009-04-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce that our Jewish Spark magazines are now available to download. Just click on this link to Download the December 2007 issue: http://www.mediafire.com/?5l42cymgnlj

Instant Bar Mitzvah

2009-04-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

A young couple with their daughter were here in Des Moines visiting their son @ DMU, they were driving around town when they asked each other: "were should we go for lunch?" when suddenly "Roger" happened to be right next to them delivering some food to a customer with Rabbi Jacobson's van, they saw the deli's maganant on the van, they quickly jot down the address, they show up at the Deli have a good kosher lunch, then the son gets his instant Bar Mitzvah by donning Teffillin with Rabbi Jacoboson!

Lunch 'n Learn

2009-04-19T15:43:00.001-07:00

You are invited to a lunch 'n learn on Sunday, May 10 12:00 PM at Maccabees Deli. Click on photo for more info.

New weekly publication

2009-04-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce about a new weekly publication: "A though for the week" a 2 page newsletter which contains: a short story, essay, joke, insight on Moshiach, announcements, candle lighting time. If you wish to sponsor a newsletter in honor/memory of a loved one please send a paypal donation of $36 to: lyg770@gmail.com or send a check to: Lubavitch of Iowa 943 Cummins Parkway. Des Moines, IA 50311. If you would like to receive this newsletter FREE of charge, send us an email (address listed above).

Passover in Des Moines

2009-04-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

long time no post. We had a wonderfull Passover here in Des Moines. For the first Seder we had a Seder for the Elderly Jews at Valley West Apts. about 12 Jews attended. While at the JRC about 30 people attended.We had an inspiring Moshiach Feast. about 25 people attended. Each guest has a chance to give over a personal redemption experience. We drank the 4 cups (yes this is round 2) ate Matzah and sang inspiring songs. This year in Jerusalem!!!

Video Lecture on this weeks Torah portion

2009-02-02T13:45:00.001-08:00

Weekly Program: Beshalach from COLlive.com on Vimeo.

A word on the Torah Portion

2009-01-30T09:51:00.000-08:00

G-d tells Moses COME to Pharaoh, Shuoldent it say GO to Pharaoh? Answer: Moses was afraid to approach Pharaoh because he was very mighty, since he has a very high and holy source in the worlds above, so G-d told Moses COME; Come with me, let's go together to Pharaoh, there is no need to be afraid. We can learn a lesson from this: whenever we are faced with life's challenges, at times we might get overwhelmed and think that it is impossible to overcome the challenge, G-d tells us COME with me, there is no need to get overwhelmed, G-d is always there to help us.
Shabbat Shalom!

inspiring song

2009-01-21T17:21:00.001-08:00

We encourage all to stop by at the deli to put on Teffillin in honor of our brothers and sisters in the holy land of Israel. Women, please kindle a candle 18 minutes before sunset every Friday afternoon. Get your FREE Shabbat candle kit at www.fridaylight.org

Weekly class - Shmos

2009-01-10T21:31:00.001-08:00

Rebbe Foresaw Beirut Bombing from COLlive.com on Vimeo.

30 minute lecture on this weeks Torah portion

2009-01-04T11:32:00.001-08:00

from COLlive.com on Vimeo.
This is a weekly online cast by Rabbi Shmuel Butman of NYC

Coffee and Kabballah

2009-01-04T11:28:00.000-08:00

Start off your week with a cup of freshly brewed coffee as we learn Kabbalastic insights on the weekly Torah portion. Weekly at the home of Rabbi Levi Goldstein 1225 66th St. Apt. 2 Des Moines, IA 8:15 - 8:45 AM

Mumbai

2008-12-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

Mumbai - Outrage. Anger. Pain. Tears.
No words.
What can we even say?
How can we fathom a two-year-old who won't see Ima again ad ki yavo Shilo?
How can we comprehend two ehrliche mashgichim catching a simple maariv on business who will never come home?
And how can we even begin to understand the loss of the kedoshim, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg, who lost their own lives after a holy career of giving of their own lives? And before 30?
Ribbono shel Olam…
Today, we are all Toldos Avrahom Yitzchok Chasidim. Today, we are all Jews. Today, we are all Chabad. No distinctions. Just Jews.
Perhaps an even bigger tragedy is that it took this tragedy to bring us together.
We might not know what to say. But now we know what to do. Stick together.
Because there was a little house, in a corner of the world most of us never heard of, where Ahavas Yisroel (Love for a fellow Jew) lived.
Now, that Ahavas Yisroel lives on. In our houses. In our hearts. It must. The victims would have it no other way.
What to do? Carry on.
Because if we become afraid, they won. If we are crushed, they won. If we remain depressed, they won. If we let this destroy our lives, they won.
If we do the opposite, we win. And they lose.
So let's win. Let's continue. Let's march forward. Let's continue doing everything we always did.
But let's do more than that. Let's give more tzedakah. Let's learn more Torah. Women and girls Light Shabbat Candles. Call someone you haven't spoken to for a while. Let's be more tolerant, less dismissive, of each other.
Let's fight darkness with light.
We did it for the past two days. We can, we must, continue.
Above all, let us not be afraid. Let us hold our heads high. Let us walk the streets victorious. We are Jews. We are one. We are proud. And they can never destroy us.
They have death. We have life. They await the Gates of Hell. We embrace the gifts of Heaven.
They have Al Qaeda. We have "al tira" (DON'T FEAR).
Forward! March!
Good Shabbos
Rabbi Yossi and Chanie Jacobson

Nice NPR interview with Chabad of Wyoming

2008-11-10T16:20:00.000-08:00

Rabbi Zalman Mendelson - Chabad Shliach to the state of Wyoming
Copy and paste this link into a new window
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94685396

Video on the Parsha

2008-11-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

Rabbi Butman: Vayeiro 5769 from COLlive.com on Vimeo.

Your help is needed

2008-11-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

A Baby boy was born to Rabbi and Mrs. Blesofsky Directors of Chabad-Lubavitch of Iowa City, IA the baby has some heart issues, he will be undergoing surgery next week Wednesday, Nov. 12 Please have him in mind in your prayers for a speedy and complete recovery (תינוק הכהן בן חיה). Also funds are very much needed. Please send all Tax deductible checks payable to: Judaic Resource Center 943 Cummins parkway Des Moines, IA 50312 You can also pay with your Credit Card via PayPal to: lyg770@gmail.com.

President Obama and the parsha

2008-11-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

This weeks Torah portions speeks about the commandment from G-d to Abraham: Go for yourself from your birthplace. This fits very well with our preseidents theme: Change. G-d is commanding us Change! if you did 1 Mitzvah do 2. If you wore Teffillin once a week wear it twice a week. Etc. Every single person has an obligation to change his attitude, thoughts, speech and actions for the better. Shabbat Shalom!

Torah thoughts on Noach

2008-10-31T10:53:00.000-07:00

1. One is to see to it that every Jew in his town/city is connected with Yiddishkeit, unlike Noah which built his ark not inquiring on the situation of his people.

2. Just as Noah did not pay attention to the fact that he (and his immediate family) were the only righteous ones of his generation, he served G-d with Love and fear.

3. in Hebrew the word for ark is Taivah which also translates to Word; one must enter in and engage himself with the words of Torah and Prayer.

Shabbat Shalom!

Videos of Sukkot

2008-10-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Schedule for the last days of Sukkot

2008-10-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 17 6:15 PM Mincha
Friday, October 17 7:15 PM Kabbalat Shabbat
Saturday, October 18 10:00 AM Shacharit Followed by a kiddush
Saturday, October 18 6:15 PM Mincha
Saturday, October 18 7:15 PM Maariv

SHMINI ATZERES
Monday, October 20 6:15 PM Mincha
Monday, October 20 7:15 Maariv
Tuesday, October 21 10:00 AM Shacharit (special prayer for rain)
Tuesday, October 21 11:45 AM Yizkor
Tuesday, October 21 6:15 PM Mincha
Tuesday, October 21 7:15 PM Maariv
Tuesday, October 21 7:30 PM Hakafot with dancing and meal.
Wednesday, October 22 10:30 AM Shacharit (Special prayer for completion of Torah)
Wednesday, October 22 6:15 PM Mincha
Wednesday, October 22 7:15 PM Maariv

Happy Isru Chag

2008-10-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today is called Isru Chag. It is the day after Simchat Torah, today we must introduce the spiritual energy from the holidays into our day-to-day life.

Slide show of Mivtzah Lulav

2008-10-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

Drake, World food Prize, Jewish Seniors

Simchat Torah Bash at the JRC

2008-10-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

This is an once a year event which you don't want to miss... trust me

Teffillin at the Kotel in Des Moines!

2008-05-01T19:55:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Hillel at Drake hosted a celebration of 60 years of Israel Rabbi Goldstein put on Teffilin with 6 Jews at the wall!!

Feast of Moshiach

2008-04-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

The last day of Pesach is totally enveloped by the aura of Moshiach and redemption.

Ever since the saintly Baal Shem Tov instituted this mystical tradition several hundred years ago, Jews around the world gather during the final moments of the Pesach festival to celebrate and affirm their unwavering faith in the promise of a perfect world, the era of REDEMPTION.
Traditionally, this occasion is celebrated with “another” four cups of wine, Matzah - “the food of faith”, soul stirring songs of faith & yearning and inspirational stories & insights.

Join together with our brethren from all four corners of the universe in an expression of faith, which will itself hasten our crossing over the threshold of life as we know it, into the reality of Moshiach.

Sunday, April 27 7:15 PM at the JRC of Iowa 943 Cummins Parkway.
Call: 277-1770 or email: jrcspark@msn.com for more info

Report from Shabbat Dinner @ Drake

2008-04-07T20:14:00.001-07:00

15 Drake students showed up to the Shabbat Dinner arranged by Lubavitch of Iowa, Sponsored by Drake Hillel. Rabbi Mendel Hecht from Chicago was the scholar in residence, the students asked questions about Judaism. Shabbat morning 2 students walked along with Rabbi's Hecht and Goldstein to the JRC where there was a beautiful Minyan.

Another video

2008-03-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

Video clip of Purim in Hawaii

2008-03-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

What a success!!

MP3 Download

2008-03-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

Below is a link of a class given by Rabbi Shmuel Butman on this weeks Torah Portion tzav
copy and paste link into a new window, push ENTER on keypad, and then follow instructions.
http://download220.mediafire.com/wugj9ojnyvsg/mplwmgnp7kz/Tzav+Butman.mp3

Reminder

2008-03-14T13:30:00.001-07:00

This Sunday March 16 1:00 PM at Maccabees Deli will take place a Class on Torahs perspective on the Iranian threat call 557-0531 for more info

Video of Dynamic class about Pesach

2008-03-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

This class is given by Rabbi Yossi Jacobson renowned speaker and lecturer. (cousin of the Yossi Jacobson of Des Moines)

Response to the Terror incident in Jerusalem PLEASE READ!!!

2008-03-08T22:59:00.001-08:00

I had lots of thoughts to write about this week. After all, it's the first
day of Adar II - the month of joy, the month of Purim, of celebration and
redemption.

There's so much to talk about and analyze - Why we should be happy, what
true joy means, how we celebrate.

But then came news of the attack in Jerusalem earlier tonight. Details may
be sketchy still, but this we know. Eight teenagers were murdered. Barely
teenagers, children aged 15 and 16. Murdered, shot to death at close range
in cold blood.

They must have been in a gang, right? They must have somehow been involved
in a violent lifestyle. They must have been the oppressors of poor
indigenous peoples.

These were children in a Yeshiva. A Yeshiva I know. A Yeshiva that some of
our alumni, USC graduates, have studied in.

And these children were studying in the library, by one report. Or sitting
in the dining hall, engaged in celebration of the new month of Adar.

And someone hated them enough, someone hated us enough, to walk in to that
room. To pull out a rifle and a hand gun. To spray the room with bullets.
And then to walk over to where individuals dove for cover, and one by one
shoot people in the head.

He didn't hate them. They had never done anything to him personally. They
were engaged in the most innocent and holy of activities. But he hated what
they represented. He hated me and you. And he tried to kill me and you. And
in doing so, he succeeded in killing eight of our little brothers.

I know I may be sounding morbid. I can't help it. The more you think about
something like this, the more emotions overtake you. The less rational you
are able to be.

And as always, we search for guidance. How to react? Do we cancel the
celebrations of Adar and Purim, choosing to express ourselves through
mourning and grief/ Do we cry out for vengeance? Do we just give up in
despair?

I'm not going to look up the exact details of the incident I am about to
share with you. Because I am not in a speechwriting mood tonight. Because
the point I'd like to share is the concept, not the specifics.

In the fledgling town of Kefar Chabad, a little bit over 50 years ago, there
was a school founded for poor children of immigrants. One day, in the midst
of the daily prayers, terrorists assaulted the defenseless school, and
brutally killed five of the students praying - along with their teacher who
attempted to shield them with his own body, his own life.

The entire country was in shock. But the residents of the town, people who
had just recently fled the horrors of Nazi and Stalinist persecution, were
completely paralyzed. How could this happen here, in the Holy Land, in the
Jewish homeland?

As Chassidim, they turned to the Lubavitcher Rebbe for guidance. Several
days of silence ensued. And then the Rebbe responded with a telegram,
containing but three simple words. "Behemshech Habinyan Tinacheimu." By your
continued building you will be consoled.

Now I did look it up. And you can read the article from Yediot Acharonot -
an Israeli daily - here http://www.chabadnews.us/gallery/Page_0006/0006.htm

Judaism believe in tears. We believe in crying and expressing our grief,
when tragedy strikes home. And how can it not strike home tonight?

But we do not believe in paralysis. We do not believe in despair. We believe
that grief is assuaged - and actualized and given meaning - by continued
growth. By commemoration. By building.

So should we cancel our celebration of Adar and Purim? No. On the contrary!
We celebrate life. We celebrate the lives of the children who were lost. We
grieve for them, and yet we celebrate. Hazorim b'dimah .. we sow in tears
and reap in joy. We celebrate with tears, and cry with the joy that we will
find meaning. We will make the lives of those students meaningful. We will
continue to tap in to the very faith, the very celebration, the very joy
that the enemy attempts to extinguish.

And we will show that it cannot be extinguished. Because it is eternal and
infinite.

Judaism teaches that meaning is found in the combined actions of the many
individuals. I encourage you to make a difference. Don't just read the news
reports and feel a moment of anger, or sadness, or grief, or despair.
Translate that emotion into action - into continued building. Do a Mitzvah
in memory of the deceased, in the merit of the wounded. Change your life in
some small but meaningful way. And that change, that action, will bring the
only possible consolation - the consolation of overcoming negativity,
terror, and destruction. The consolation of continued building, of making
the world a better place.

May we speedily merit the time when we see the fulfillment of the prophecy
"and G-d will wipe away the tears from upon every face," the time of true
consolation and celebration when "the spirit of evil will be banished from
the land" and we shall celebrate a truly changed and better world - with the
coming of Moshiach now!

Short video on Kabbalah

2008-02-27T22:48:00.000-08:00

Click on link below to watch a short cool video on Kabballah
http://www.chabad.org/multimedia/kabbala_toons/default_cdo/aid/647876/jewish/Episode-XXVII.htm

Preview of next lunch 'n learn

2008-02-27T22:31:00.000-08:00

The topic of the next lunch 'n learn will be: Global warming and Torah. What the Torah has to say about how everything in the world has a purpose, thus going green is a Torah idea.

Don't forget to join us for the Lunch 'n learn on Sunday March, 16 1:00 PM Topic: Torahs perspective on the current threats. If you want to be reminded via SMS (text message) send an email to: lyg770@gmail.com

Final decision

2008-02-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

Based on the results of the vote for the Lunch 'n Learns at the deli, we have come to a decision to keep them to once a month. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Daily Dose of Torah

2008-02-27T22:28:00.000-08:00

Many Children

Until recently, it was always considered the greatest of blessings to have many children.

Wealth is not a mansion filled with silver and gold. Wealth is children and grandchildren growing up on the right path.

click play to view a dinamic class on this weeks Torah Portion Ki Tisa

2008-02-23T21:18:00.001-08:00

Funny video on this weeks portion

2008-02-19T19:59:00.000-08:00

This is a new series of Ask Moses TV

Purim in Hawaii Celebration

2008-02-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

You are invited to join us for a grand Purim celebration which will take place Thursday, March 20 7:30 PM at the Quality Inn - Downtown Des Moines, second floor ballroom. Hawaiian Style food will be served. Live Music. Dancing. Fun for the entire family. Megillah Reading.

MP3 Download

2008-02-12T14:29:00.001-08:00

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?eodmosmlwhj
Click on this link to download a class given by Rabbi YY Jacobson (Cousin of Rabbi Jacobson)

Music Festival

2008-02-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

Come and and enjoy some Klezmaer and Chassidic music from the Famous Andy Statman. He is a Baal Teshuvah of Chabad. Contact abe Goldstien for more info

Spark Magazine

2008-02-11T06:53:00.001-08:00

We are in need of articles and adds for the next issue of the Jewish spark Magazine. If you've got one please e-mail it to: jrcspark@msn.com The deadline is March 10.

Lunch 'n Learn Rescheduled

2008-02-10T20:10:00.001-08:00

We will discuss the Jewish outlook at oncoming threats. The Jewish idea of "think good and it will become good" There will be a slide-show presentation. It will be pushed off to Sunday March 16 1:00 PM

Story with the Shpoler Zeide

2008-02-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

http://www.mediafire.com/?8ojmthuacde
Click on this link to download an Audio file of a Jewish story.

Pictures of the Drake Shabbaton Dec. 2007

2008-02-10T14:11:00.001-08:00

Chanukah on Ice Video

2008-02-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

Part 1

Chanukah on ice!

2007-12-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

For the first time ever, Lubavitch of Iowa hosted a beautiful Chanukah event at the Metro Ice skating Rink in Urbandale, Iowa. In the picture you can see Leibel Jacobson lighting the Menorah carved out of ice.