A Message from TBJ’s 150th Celebration Committee

Dear TBJ Members and Families,

Our hearts are broken over the violence in Israel last weekend.  The acts of unspeakable evil unleashed on our brothers and sisters represent the largest loss of Jewish life in one day since the Shoah.  We are in shock and know that the coming days and weeks will be a time of deep mourning and grief for our community.

In light of this tragedy, we do not believe this is the right time to hold our 150th anniversary celebration.  What we hoped would be a joyful celebration of Jewish life in Des Moines simply cannot happen under the circumstances.  Therefore, in consultation with Rabbi Schuster, we have decided to postpone the 150th Celebration scheduled for November 4. 

However, we believe coming together is more important than ever. Please plan to join us for a congregational gathering on the evening of November 4, with more details to come soon.

We will be rescheduling the 150th celebration and will announce a new date as soon as possible.  Our deepest hope is that when we do get together, we can celebrate our 150th anniversary and renewed peace in Israel.

Am Yisrael Chai,

Edye Beckerman, Judy Deutsch, Sharon Goldford, Rachele Hjelmaas, Emily Kruse, Miriam Van Heukelem and Rabbi Neal Schuster

Temple B’nai Jeshurun 150th Celebration Committee