FAQ
What does “B’nai Jeshurun” mean?
“B’nai Jeshurun” (pronouced “b’nay yu-SHURE-uhn”) is Hebrew for “children of righteousness,” which is a frequent Biblical description of the Jewish people. There are more than a half-dozen synagogues, of all denominations, with this name throughout America. For simplicity, just call us TBJ!
Where are you located?
You can find TBJ at 5101 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, about a mile west of the city’s westernmost border.
When is TBJ open?
Our office is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday. We are closed on Saturday (Shabbat) and Sunday.
When are Shabbat services?
Erev Shabbat services are every Friday evening at 6:00 p.m.—a warm, uplifting way to reset and recharge. Detach from the workweek and join us!
Come back on Shabbat morning to hear the weekly Torah portion at our 10:30 a.m. service, or arrive early for Torah Study at 9:30 a.m. Both services last about an hour and offer a meaningful pause in a busy world.
Make Shabbat part of your week—come pray, learn, and connect with us!
Do you have to be a member to attend events such as worship or other services?
No, all are welcome to participate in Shabbat and festival services. We do not require reservations or tickets for High Holy Day Services. You can discover the many benefits of membership here.
Do you need to know how to read Hebrew?
Not at all! To make for a more comfortable and prayerful experience, you can find English pronunciations for all Hebrew passages in the Reform prayer book we use: Mishkan T’filah (meaning “dwelling place for prayer”).
Do you live-stream your services?
Yes, we do offer a live stream option. Links and additional information can be found on our Services page.
What’s a typical service like?
Every Shabbat has its own spirit—so every Shabbat service (usually about an hour) feels unique too! Rabbi Neal Schuster typically leads us, guiding the community through our familiar flow of prayers while bringing each moment to life. Many prayers lift off the page through music, led by our talented cantorial soloist and musicians.
We invite you to join in—sing out with joy, sway along, or hum confidently even if you don’t know the words. Your voice always adds to the beauty of Shabbat!
What types of services does TBJ offer?
You’re warmly invited to join us for Shabbat and festival services, as well as the many social, cultural, and educational events that bring our TBJ community to life throughout the year. Visit our events calendar to see what’s coming up—there’s always something meaningful, fun, or inspiring on the horizon.
Families throughout Central Iowa turn to TBJ to celebrate and honor life’s most important moments. From baby namings (Brit Milah/Brit Bat) and B’nai Mitzvah to weddings and memorial services, we are here to support you with care, tradition, and community every step of the way. You can learn more about Life Cycle Events here.
Do you offer tours?
Yes, we do! To set up a tour, please call our office at 515-274-4679 or email office@tbjdsm.org.