MONTHLY MESSAGES

As you all know, the safety and security of our members is always paramount here at Temple B’nai Jeshurun. Immediately following the horrific attack on October 7^th by Hamas on Israel, I was in contact with officials in the FBI and Des Moines Police. Des Moines PD have been increasing their patrols in our area, and the FBI has been in contact about any potential threats.

Thankfully, here in Iowa, there has not been a significant increase in threats against the Jewish community, but we know as this conflict continues that may change, and therefore, we must continue to be vigilant.  Throughout the month of October, we have had an off-duty police officer at all our services, and we will continue to do so until our Temple leadership feels it is prudent to discontinue this practice. 

Last year, every member of our congregation was sent an access card that will allow you access to the building during normal service times and business hours. If you have not yet activated your access card or you have lost it, please contact the Temple office when you are ready to activate your card.

Lastly, on November 19^th from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM we will be offering CPR certification and AED training in the Loeb Conference room. Please contact me at director@tbjdsm.org if you are interested. We want our members to be prepared for any potential emergency at the Temple and to know how they can help save a life.

Again, all our staff is committed to the safety and security of our Temple members and the greater Jewish community in Des Moines. I want to thank our partners in the FBI, the Des Moines Police Department, and most importantly the members of our congregation who have committed themselves to creating a safe and secure space at the Temple. Whether it is participating in the various training opportunities we have offered or being a good neighbor and walking by the Temple from time to time to make sure everything is okay; your commitment is greatly appreciated. 

David Muenchrath

Executive Director   

Welcome to fall! Personally, this is my favorite time of year and not just because my birthday is in October. I love the gorgeous colors, wearing sweaters, and all the fall holidays both Jewish and secular. Our most recent holidays were unique due to the demise of our sanctuary’s air conditioner necessitating we move high holiday services to Caspe Terrace. While it was not the ideal situation, it went as smoothly as it could have. Thanks need to be expressed to all those who made it possible:

• Jarad Bernstein and the Federation staff for opening the building to us and providing what we needed;
• Rabbi Neal and Ira Lacher for leading our meaningful services;
• Tara Starr, Bruce Brown, Chuck Kuba, Sam Miller and the other musicians for creating beautiful music;
• Wendy Beckerman, David Muenchrath, Charles Stanton and Erin Plank for facilitating all the logistics making our move to Caspe Terrace possible;
• And finally, to our congregants who attended in person or via streaming, for creating a prayerful community.

We are grateful and appreciative for everything.

As you know, due to the atrocities committed in Israel on October 7 and the resulting ongoing conflict, we have decided to postpone the Temple’s 150^th celebration that was scheduled for November 4. This anniversary deserves a joyful celebration with our community, which is not possible now. However, we have chosen a new date of February 24 and will send out more information as it gets closer. It is our deepest hope that we can both celebrate our anniversary and renewed peace in Israel at the same time.

While our celebration event on February 24 is a gathering of our community, it is also a fundraiser with the goal of obtaining contributions for our endowment. As I mentioned in my Rosh Hashanah remarks, the future of TBJ is up to us. Our commitment to the congregation is what will ensure our next 150 years and beyond. All the Temple does Jewishly and socially and educationally can only happen with financial support from our congregants. Again, repeating what I said on Rosh Hashanah, I ask all of you to make TBJ your philanthropic priority this year in honor of our 150^th anniversary. End of year statements are coming out soon. Please be as generous as possible when you send them back.

Best wishes from my family to all of you for a fulfilling Thanksgiving, a miraculous Hanukkah, and an exciting New Year!

Emily Kruse