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.
COME WORSHIP AT AGUDAS ACHIM!
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.
We kindly encourage in-person attendance when you’re able; being together deepens the sense of joy and belonging that makes our services special. If you need transportation, please contact our office—we’re glad to help. For those who cannot attend, our livestream offers a meaningful way to join from home.
Newcomers are especially welcome. If you’re unfamiliar with Jewish services, we’re happy to pair you with someone who can sit with you, help navigate the prayerbook, and answer questions—no one has to pray alone unless they prefer it.
Our services naturally spark conversation and connection—and the oneg afterward is a chance to share food, meet new people, and deepen relationships. To sign up to host an oneg, click here.
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
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?
Erev Rosh haShanah Sermon 2020
There’s a joke floating around the Internet, which I cannot take credit for but I am happy to share: ‘The question no job applicants in 2015 ever got right was, ‘so, where do you see yourself in five years?’’
Rosh haShanah Day 1 Sermon
I don’t know if I can speak on behalf of anyone else, but I have felt the silent emptiness stretch like a wasteland across my soul.
The Rosh HaShanah Torah Readings Should Stimulate Teshuvah
The Isaac-Ishmael-Hagar story is in chapter 21 and the Akeda is in chapter 22. Rosh Hashanah offers the opportunity to study them together.
Live from the Bimah: Behind the Scenes
This Rosh Hashanah we decided to go live from the Bimah. For the first time we could immerse the congregation in the High Holiday atmosphere with streaming services directly from our Sanctuary.
When Your Rabbi is a Catholic Tenor: Lessons of Teshuva Through Music
As often as politely possible, I hide from this piece. I find as many excuses as I can to say “no thanks” to the Rabbi’s kind and humbling yearly request to sing it – not enough prep time, too much else going on, someone else can do it better (this last one is always true), etc. This year, however, I said yes.
Hillel’s Rules and COVID-19
These are the true golden rules from Hillel. When I studied them in high school, they seemed to apply to almost anything. As I grew older less so. However, it is now in this time of a pandemic that I find them most useful.
A Lullaby for the High Holidays
This High holiday season may be hard, but we will not be alone.
