Well before Rosh Hashana for the year beginning in 5786, I contacted Rabbi Neal Schuster regarding…read moreattending services at Temple B'nai Jeshurun. Due to a sometimes complicated schedule (even in retirement), I was in Ames visiting my 97 year-old Dad starting on September 22 (Erev Rosh Hashanah) and then on to Iowa City later in the week. My email to Rabbi Neal was this: How does it work at Temple B'nai Jeshurun in terms of "reservations", tickets, and/or donation? I've always felt welcome outside my home shul and look forward to an opportunity to be part of yours.
I received a very nice response and one that my Rabbi (Evon Yakar) might have stated: We would be delighted to have you join us for anything at any time. We don't do reservations, tickets, blood samples or biometric readings - you can just come. We do, of course, have stepped-up security (always for the High Holy Days, and, lately, for Shabbat as well), but we do not use a ticket system. If you decide to join us for any of the services, if you let me know and maybe send a simple photo of yourself, then whomever is at the door will know who you are when you arrive - not a requirement, but couldn't hurt. And, if you do end up coming, please come say hello and introduce yourself to me. If you'd like to get connected for any meals, or if there's anything you need while you're here, please let me know and I'll see what we can do.
After sending in my photo, I arrived in Ames and decided to "split the baby" - Erev Rosh Hashana at the Ames Jewish Congregation and the following day service at Temple B'nai Jeshurun. I had a great time at both congregations.
My first impression was the very nice woodsy neighborhood here, and my second was the gorgeous sanctuary, featuring stained glass and an attractive dome. Kind of felt like "High Reform". The service was nicely accented by a classical vocal and instrument ensemble, followed by being blown out of the water by an "Oh F**king Wow" Shofar service. I had an extra spring in my step after the service finally wrapped up.
I was also touched during services by the sight of a father and his daughter, whose head was often quietly resting under one edge of her Dad's Tallit. Then came Rabbi Neal's well considered drash (sermon) that occasionally had the spark of a tent revival. I was left with one of his quotes: In a world covered with lies, you can either be on the boat, or you could be in the water, borrowing from Noah imagery.
A nice Kiddush lunch was served and I had the privilege and opportunity to chat with the Rabbi, the President of the Congregation (who laid out the shuls current challenges very well near the end of the service), and several members. It was a tight group, while being very friendly, welcoming, and engaging. As I finally headed home, I was left with the feeling that I could easily join this shul if I lived within the greater Des Moines Area.
