Jewish Des Moines
History of the Des Moines Jewish Community
The Jewish community has been woven into the fabric of Des Moines since the city’s earliest days. From pioneering merchants to waves of new immigrants, Jewish Iowans have helped shape the culture, commerce, and character of the region for more than 175 years.
Early Pioneers (1840s–1870s)
William Krause (Arrived 1846)
Recognized as the first Jewish settler in Des Moines, William Krause opened the city’s first store in 1848. His civic leadership helped lay important foundations for the growing community—including establishing the first public school and advocating for moving the state capital to Des Moines.
The Younker Brothers (1856)
The Younker family opened their first department store in Keokuk before relocating to Des Moines, where Younkers became an iconic retail institution for generations.
Temple B’nai Jeshurun (Founded 1873)
The city’s first Jewish congregation began as an Orthodox community and later became Iowa’s first Reform synagogue. Temple B’nai Jeshurun remains a cornerstone of Jewish life in Des Moines.
Growth and Immigration (1880s–1920s)
A Rapidly Expanding Community
Between 1905 and 1912, the Jewish population surged from about 500 to roughly 5,500 as immigrants sought new opportunity in the Midwest.
Changing Demographics
While early settlers were primarily German Jews, the early 20th century brought a major wave of Yiddish‑speaking immigrants from Russia and Eastern Europe.
The Galveston Plan
This nationwide resettlement effort encouraged Jewish immigrants to move away from crowded East Coast cities and instead establish new lives in Midwestern communities like Des Moines—significantly contributing to local growth.
Building Community Institutions (1900s–Present)
Jewish Social Services (Established 1914)
Leaders such as Celia Weinstock organized efforts to provide food, clothing, and support to new immigrants, helping families find stability and opportunity.
Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines
Formed to coordinate charitable, cultural, and social services, the Federation continues to be a central force in strengthening Jewish life in the region.
Refuge, Resilience, and Preservation
During and after World War II, Des Moines welcomed Jewish refugees, including individuals saved by Oskar Schindler. Their stories are now preserved by the Iowa Jewish Historical Society, ensuring that their legacy endures.
The Modern Community
Today, the Jewish community in Greater Des Moines remains active, welcoming, and diverse. Several congregations—Reform, Conservative, and Chabad—serve the area alongside the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines and numerous cultural, educational, and social organizations.
Approximately 3,000 Jewish residents live in the Des Moines area, making it the central hub of Jewish life in Iowa. Statewide, Iowa is home to an estimated 5,450 to 6,385 Jewish residents, with the majority connected to the Greater Des Moines community.
Despite changes over time, the contributions of Jewish Iowans continue to influence the city’s civic life, education, arts, and culture—forming a lasting and vital part of Des Moines’ history.
Sources and additional reading about the Jews of Des Moines:
Bell, Karen, et al. The Annals of Iowa Volume 53. Iowa City, State Historical Society Of Iowa, 1994.
Friedricks, William B. Saved by Schindler. Ice Cube Press, 1 Oct. 2022.
Garson, Arnold. “The Things You Never Knew about Jewish Iowa.” Bleeding Heartland, 9 Feb. 2025, www.bleedingheartland.com/2025/02/09/the-things-you-never-knew-about-jewish-iowa. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Glazer, Simon. The Jews in Iowa. Koch Brothers Printing, 1904.
Jones, Douglas W. “A Brief History of Judaism in Iowa.” Little Village, 17 Apr. 2019, littlevillagemag.com/a-brief-history-of-judaism-in-iowa/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Rosenthal, Frank. The Jews of Des Moines. Jewish Welfare Federation, 1957.
Wolfe, Jack Seymour. A Century with Iowa Jewry. Iowa Printing and Supply Company, 1941.