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.
What’s Happening at Agudas Achim
Our Monthly Bulletins and Rabbi’s Sermons
Rabbi Hugenholtz’s Recorded Yom Kippur Sermons
Find videos of Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz’s Yom Kippur sermons here.
Yom Kippur Shacharit Sermon 5784
I sat across from the rabbi across the table; he was in his mid-sixties or so, with thick-rimmed glasses and a short, scratchy beard.
Erev Yom Kippur Sermon 5784
I sat nervously in his office, among his many books, facing his cluttered, working desk.
Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz’s Recorded Rosh HaShanah Sermons
Videos of Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz’s Rosh HaShanah sermons
Erev Rosh HaShanah Sermon 5784
I invite you to cast back your mind to your first conscious memory of being in synagogue.
Rosh haShanah Shacharit Sermon 5784
In June, I attended a rabbinic conference – my first one in four years!
Everybody’s Judaism
Are we willing to be vulnerable? To crack ourselves open a little? Are we prepared to challenge ourselves and grow? To be discomfited for the sake of insight; to be pushed for the sake of change?
Elul Sermon #2
There are few sights more moving than walking into a full synagogue on Kol Nidrey and seeing everyone wearing their tallitot, anticipating our holiest day of the year.
High Holidays 5784 Bulletin
Read about our High Holidays offerings and events.
Elul Sermon #1
We bring ourselves into this preparatory month of Elul, at the threshold of the holy Season of the Yamim Nora’im, the Days of Awe.


