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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 are cautiously moving forward with in-person events.  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.
 

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.

 

 

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

For the Love of Jeff: A Reflection on Mister Rogers’ Most Memorable Young Guest

For the Love of Jeff: A Reflection on Mister Rogers’ Most Memorable Young Guest jemerman November 30, 2021

Ten Minutes of Torah
Erlanger family
At 10, Jeff Erlanger appeared on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” in his wheelchair. I recently asked Jeff’s parents about how they raised such a competent and loving son.

Reflections on the Significance of December 7 on American Jewry

Reflections on the Significance of December 7 on American Jewry jemerman November 29, 2021

Holocaust
Major Philip Rudin shortly before the United States entered WWII
December 7 marks the 80th anniversary of the surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu. The attack led to America's formal entry into World War II. What ensued would have a profound impact on Jews everywhere, including the American Jewish community.

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard

For Some of Us the Holidays Are Just…Hard jemerman November 18, 2021

Death and Mourning
star of david starry lights
As we head into the holiday season, I am acutely aware of how much different this year is going to be than previous ones. I will be celebrating without my mom for the first time. My mother died in January 2021, and I'm still dealing with the unexpected waves of grief that wash over me, sometimes out of nowhere. As I head into this first winter holiday season without her, I'm not quite sure I know what to expect, other than everything is going to be very different.

Reimagining Hanukkah Gift-Giving

Reimagining Hanukkah Gift-Giving jemerman November 18, 2021

Jewish Values
Dasee Berkowitz family Hanukkah menorahs
There are a lot of creative ways to make Hanukkah meaningful when we pause to ask ourselves a few good questions before automatically going into shopping mode.