B’rit Milah
At Agudas Achim, we celebrate the arrival of every child with ceremonies that honor both tradition and the uniqueness of each family. For newborns, this may include a B’rit Milah, Simchat Bat, or covenant ceremony for babies of all genders—each a joyful moment of welcoming a new life into the Jewish covenant and bestowing a Hebrew name. Rabbi Hugenholtz can help you shape the ceremony that feels right for your family, connect you with a mohel or physician when needed, and guide you through the ritual with warmth and care.
B-Mitzvah
Becoming B-Mitzvah is an exciting step—a special moment for your child to enter into Jewish adulthood and claim their place in our ancient and ever-renewing community. Our B-Mitzvah students usually take part in our Sunday School program, but we’re always delighted to welcome new families and help them find their footing. The B-Mitzvah handbook for families can be found under the ‘Religious School’ tab.
Conversion to Judaism
Choosing Judaism is a meaningful and joyful journey, and we’re honored to walk with you as you explore becoming part of the Jewish people. Our community welcomes seekers with warmth, openness, and curiosity, meeting you gently and respectfully wherever you are on your path. Rabbi Hugenholtz is always happy to meet with prospective converts to talk through the process, answer questions, and help you explore next steps. You can find more detailed information about conversion elsewhere on our website.
Wedding
Planning a wedding? Rabbi Hugenholtz is here to help you shape a ceremony that feels joyful, personal, and true to your values. She’ll walk you through the service, talk through options, and help you craft something that really reflects who you are as a couple. Weddings can be held at the synagogue or wherever your celebration takes you. The Rabbi is authorized to perform interfaith ceremonies. Please schedule an appointment with her for further guidance.
Funeral
In times of loss, Rabbi Hugenholtz will gently guide you through planning a funeral and can officiate the service with care and compassion. She’ll also help you understand Jewish mourning practices that might bring comfort and meaning. Agudas Achim’s Chevra Kadisha (burial society) supports families with the practical and ritual needs of the moment, and our funeral committee prepares the Meal of Condolence and assists with other arrangements. Our cemetery is located on Linder Road in Iowa City.
Yahrzeit
Even after the first year of mourning, our loved ones remain part of our lives. Jewish tradition offers meaningful moments to honor their memory, especially the yahrzeit—the Hebrew-calendar anniversary of a death.
Many choose to attend the Shabbat or holy day service closest to the date, and you are always welcome to share your loved one’s name so we can remember them together. If you prefer a weekday morning minyan, Rabbi Hugenholtz can help arrange one.
We encourage you to share your yahrzeit dates with us. We include these names in our monthly bulletin and our Yom Kippur Yizkor booklet, and you’ll receive a reminder each year as the date approaches. Yahrzeit candles are also available in our Gift Shop for marking the day at home.