This is a small but very active congregation. Shabbat services are held every Saturday, but once a…read moremonth the rabbi conducts a topical discussion instead. The Hebrew school provides a lot of individualized attention. The students are well prepared for conducting class services and participating in their bar and bat mitzvah services. Congregants are encouraged to participate as well.

I do not recommend this synagogue. While the people are nice, the rabbi is not and is very rude,…read moreunprofessional, and a bully. He does not prepare his sermons. He tried to ruin at least 4 people, including two rabbis (one was the topic of his "sermon."). He ungraciously told people about a congregant's infertility without their permission or presence. He may be racist because he has referred to domination over Arabs and still associates with the racist synagogue where he originally got rabbinic training. He also referred to a transgender person to their face with an identity they did not choose. He ignores when other people talk to him, told people a person with a good job who was moving would have a hard time finding another job. Said d-mn Orthodox over and over which was an inappropriate response to a cherem he apparently was angry over. Made an orgasm joke to another woman who was getting married. Insulted me and publicly ignored my son who was selected to be part of the service by ignoring other congregant's requests. Doesn't not help other community efforts because it is "secular," and mocked poor people. Very inappropriate place and the rabbi shuns people he doesn't like and doesn't seem to have many friends for a reason. I am friends with other rabbis and Jewish friends, but this rabbi lacks empathy and is very antisocial. Avoid going here please. Most rabbis are kind and giving.

My husband and I walked in 2 days before the High Holidays, having just moved to the area and were…read morewelcomed like family. Very friendly and open congregation. A smaller congregation means the ability to get to know one another better! The current student rabbi from Cincinnati is marvelous and insightful. Check out the website at www.anshaiemeth.org

The synagogue and its service is incredibly genuine, warm and sincere. The rabbi and the canter are…read moreno frills and it's so refreshing.

The Unitarian Universalist Society and the University of Iowa Hillel are where I had my religious…read moreawakening after a somewhat unremarkable "Christian" upbringing as I was growing up in Northwest Iowa. I still fondly remember my chats and learnings with a very approachable Rabbi Jeff Portman (including the Santa picture!) and the the Hillel fellowship that I so enjoyed. Although, I decided not to convert to Judaism at the point, my time here layed the framework for what was to come.