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
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.
High Holidays 5781 Bulletin
Find information on our High Holiday services inside.
The Heritage of the Sword
He gripped his little brother’s hand, his stomach churning with fear and embarrassment, his fingers slick with his own sweat. He didn’t dare look at him; the lids of his eyes weighed down by shame and grief, for he knew what was yet to come.
Storm-tossed
The stars in the sky shone brightly and clearly and I could point out Orion and the Big Dipper to my children on our evening walk. The neighborhood was cast in darkness and we picked our way past downed trees and broken branches by the light of the stars and our flashlights.
