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, we’re glad to help! Please contact our office. 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
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.
Coping with Coronavirus in a Multi-Generational Household
Note: jLab is for blog posts about creative, fun, or interesting Jewish or congregation-related topics. To submit a post, you must be a member of our congregation, and the topic must be Jew-ish, related to our congregation or the wider Jewish community. If you have something to share, please submit it here. Of Task Force […]
New Friday Evening Shabbat Service Time
We have decided to begin Friday evening Shabbat services a bit earlier, with a schmooze beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the service beginning at 7:00.
Statement of the President on COVID-19
The Board has made the very difficult decision to temporarily close the synagogue to physical presence. Agudas Achim wants to be proactive in protecting our community and doing our part to minimize the spread of this disease.
Statement from the Rabbi on COVID-19
As you have read in President Sue Weinberg’s congregational letter, we are switching our congregational life from in-person services and activities to online activities in accordance with an evidence-based policy of social distancing.
