Welcome to
Agudas Achim Congregation
Coralville, Iowa
Agudas Achim is a home where you belong.
Whether you were born Jewish, became Jewish, are exploring Judaism, or are part of an interfaith family, there’s a place for you here.
You’ll meet lifelong Iowans and newcomers, Jews-by-choice and folks who grew up in shul, multiracial families, singles, LGBTQ+ Jews, elders, and children. You’ll also find space for your own perspectives—on Israel, Zionism, and Jewish life in the Diaspora—no matter where you stand.
Wherever you are on your Jewish journey, we welcome you with open arms, open hearts, and open minds.
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At Agudas Achim, worship is more than prayer—it’s a shared experience of community, music, learning, and connection.
To reflect the richness of Jewish tradition in our community, we alternate between Reform and Conservative services.
Reform services offer more English, guitar, and song, in an open, accessible atmosphere.
Conservative services draw on the depth of Hebrew liturgy and traditional prayer, while remaining warm and inclusive.
SUPPORT A COMMUNITY THAT MATTERS
We offer a welcoming home for Jewish connection, celebration, and learning. Your gift keeps this vital community strong, and ensures that Jewish life continues to flourish in the Iowa City/Coralville area. Thank you for your support!
What’s Happening at Agudas Achim
Our Monthly Bulletins and Rabbi’s Sermons
The Dark Night of the Soul
Darkness is an overarching theme of Jacob’s life.
December 2020 Bulletin
Read about what’s going on in our congregation and community.
D’var by Frank Salomon for Chayei Sara
According to the source-critical approach, Chayei Sara contains three segments.
In the Breach and to the Brink
In many ways, the story of Abraham in Parashat Vayera, is the detail – what the Rabbis called the ‘p’rat’ – of the Noach story.
Let There Not Be Strife Among Us
Can we be like Abram? Can we center ourselves on our morality and center each other’s humanity? Can we hold difference and create space? Can we recognize grievance and pain, diversity and blessing? Can we leverage wealth and power not for prestige and conquest but for compassion and the common good?
Power and Virtue: the Davidic Calling and Promise
Not so long ago, before the Jewish High Holidays, my five-year-old daughter – the middle child – insightfully asked me whether God ever makes mistakes.
Neilah Sermonette
‘Did they’, she wondered out loud, ‘consider the gardens they planted, their last garden?’
Yom Kippur Day Sermon
Be still, my soul, the Psalmist sings. Isn’t that soothing? Isn’t that what the current moment cries out for?
Kol Nidrey Sermon
The human family. All of us. Remember that idea?
