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    AJC is a community that honors our Jewish traditions, applies our Jewish faith to today’s life, and works towards the continuation of the Jewish people.

    AJC commemorates all life cycle events, celebration of Shabbat and holidays as well as offering social functions to enhance holiday observance. Religious school is provided for pre-school through confirmation and adult education programs are sponsored.

     

     

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    The Ames Jewish Congregation serves people who wish to identify with and participate in the practice of Judaism through religious observance, education, and community involvement. Although affiliated with the Reform movement, the congregation tries to meet the needs of all Jews in the Ames area. The congregation is served by a part time ordained rabbi, a cantorial soloist, and many volunteers.

     

     

Welcome to the Ames Jewish Congregation
AJC is a community that honors our Jewish traditions, applies our Jewish faith to today’s life, and works toward continuation of the Jewish people.
We warmly welcome anyone and everyone who would like to join us at one or more of our services.
Given the ongoing pandemic and out of an abundance of caution and concern for the health and safety of our community, we have decided that most of the services will be held via Zoom.  Please check back closer to an event for updates about in-person vs. Zoom events.  If you need a Zoom link to attend any of these services, please contact us at least 24 hours before the service at ajciowa@gmail.com.


Sunday, Sept. 26, 11:00 a.m.: Sukkot celebration on the deck.
Adults and children are invited.  Please wear a mask.

The sukkah has been set up on the deck, along with a table and some chairs.  We invite you to come and have lunch, dinner, or a snack in the sukkah. There is no sign-up; if more than one group comes at the same time, they can work out a COVID arrangement.  Bring something to decorate the sukkah.  The addition of some shrub or tree branches to the top of the sukkah that would be great.

 

Upcoming Events

  1. 26 Sep

    Sukkot event

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  2. 03 Oct

    Simchat Torah event

    11:00 am - 12:00 pm
  3. 15 Oct

    Rabbi weekend

    ALL DAY EVENT
  4. 12 Nov

    Rabbi weekend

    ALL DAY EVENT

 

 

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

The More Torah, The More Life

The More Torah, The More Life jstern September 23, 2021

Torah Study
sally preisand
When I became rabbi of Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls, NJ, I quickly discovered that some people in our community thought we were a church. Mail was addressed to “Monmouth Reformed Temple,” and letters were addressed “Dear Pastor.”

Creation, Chaos, and Children

Creation, Chaos, and Children jstern September 17, 2021

Torah Study
hands open to receiving
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was unformed and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters. God said: “Let there be light.” And there was light.

Sukkot Breads in Fall Colors

Sukkot Breads in Fall Colors jstern September 13, 2021

Sukkot
RJ_feature-pumpkinchallah
Decorate your Sukkot table with Ethiopian, North African, and Sephardi breads full of fall colors and tantalizing spice mixes and broaden our palates to the customs of worldwide Jewish communities. Laden with seasonal honey, pumpkin, or orange, they don’t need braiding, and they make perfect gifts.

7 Jewish Endeavors to Make 5782 a Sweet New Year

7 Jewish Endeavors to Make 5782 a Sweet New Year jstern September 13, 2021

Rosh HaShanah
It’s a long-standing custom for Jews to wish one another a “sweet new year” on Rosh Hashanah; to hope that this coming year will be one filled with joy, fulfillment, and an abundance of blessings. However, Judaism isn’t a path focused simply on wishing for good things; if our goal is to make each year “sweeter” than the last, we must work to make it happen.