Sons of Jacob Synagogue, Waterloo, IA

01/14/2026

Help Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi.

Here is a link where you can make a donation to help rebuild Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi after the devastating fire.

https://www.bethisraelms.org/rebuilding

If you prefer to mail a check, you can write to:
Beth Israel Congregation
PO Box 13249
Jackson, MS 39236-3249

Sam Bernstine & Noah Levine from the Jewish Community Legacy Project wrote today:

"We were devastated to hear the news of the arson at Mississippi's largest synagogue - Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson. It was a hateful act of anti-Semitism, and for this community, the second time its building has been under attack. What you may not be aware of is that Beth Israel is part of our Greater Mississippi Congregational Cohort that connects small Jewish communities in Mississippi and surrounding states. The building is also home to the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL), a non-profit with which we have a close relationship.

At this time, as in so many other important moments in our history, it is imperative that we, as Jews, take care of one another. You can stay updated on the community's rebuilding efforts and make a donation to help them at this difficult time at this link....Thank you for showing your support for our friends in Mississippi. Together, we stand with K'lal Yisrael (all the people of Israel)."

12/15/2025

10/11/2023

A big thank you to KWWL for reaching out to our community. And also thank you to Ira for meeting with the reporter and speaking for us.

In the aftermath of the attacks in Israel, the message from the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Waterloo is simple. "We stand in solidarity, and our hearts go out to the people who have lost their lives."

WATERLOO, Iowa (KWWL) -- In the aftermath of the attacks in Israel, the message from the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Waterloo is simple.

10/09/2023

A message from our Rabbi:

Dear SOJ family and friends,

On this final day of the festival season, and almost exactly fifty years since the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War, the sukkah of peace has been torn from the State of Israel. Hamas’ coordinated terrorist assault on southern Israel has resulted in over 300 Israelis murdered, over 1500 injured and an untold number kidnapped. Horrific as the news coming out of Israel, our sorrow is compounded knowing that the extent of the anguish is not yet fully known. Terrible as these last two days have been, we know that painful days still lie ahead. Our thoughts, prayers and concern are with our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Tradition instructs us to circle the sanctuary seven times during Simchat Torah to bring about God’s saving presence. In Israel’s hour of need, I call on you to consider seven things you can do at this time:

Stay informed: Now is the time to stay engaged with the unfolding events in Israel. Find a trustworthy news site to keep abreast of the news.
Be an advocate: Write an email, send a text, or make a phone call to your elected representatives. In your community, classroom, or social media platform – let the world know that you stand with Israel.
Show Up: In the days ahead in many cities there will be rallies and demonstrations of support on behalf of Israel. Show up. Let Israelis know that they are not alone in their hour of need.
Give: The Iowa Jewish Federations (our closest is in Des Moines) have already established an Israel Emergency Fund to allocate resources to an array of relief agencies. Your support is both substantively and symbolically critical. Please give at the level you are able.
Put politics aside: Our community is constituted by a membership with a range of political views both in America and Israel. Now is the time to set our differences aside and stand united in support of Israel’s safety and security.
Reach out: Many of us have family and friends in Israel (or friends with family in Israel). While we cannot remove someone’s pain, the act of letting someone know that they are not alone is an important gesture. Send a text or email letting them know they are in our hearts.
Pray: Prayer is how we give expression to our hopes for our world and tilt God’s will towards making those hopes a reality. The shattered soul of Israel needs our prayers now more than ever. At home, in the synagogue, wherever you are – now is the time to pray.
These are seven things you can do right now. In the days ahead, I am sure the list will grow.
Israel is family to us all. In crisis - family steps up. May we all step up to the call up of this dark hour.

B'Shalom,

Rabbi Rebecca

10/09/2023

Our synagogue stands in solidarity with the people of Israel. Here is information from the Jewish Federations of North America on how all of us can help:

Jewish Federations stand in solidarity with Israel.
https://www.jewishfederations.org/fedworld/jewish-federations-stand-in-solidarity-with-israel-449893

Donation Information: Jewish Federations of North America (select Des Moines when asked to indicate your community).
https://form.jotform.com/232792945496978

We will also post Rabbi Rebecca Kushner's inspiring words to guide us during these troubled times. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for any reason.

SOJ Board of Directors

Once again, on a holy day of the Jewish calendar, the people of Israel have come under attack. Once again, the brave military forces of the State of Israel are responding and will defend our beloved Jewish state. And once again the Jewish communities of North America stand in total and complete soli...

10/08/2023

We stand with Israel.

On the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on the people of Israel. In moments like this, are there. We’re working with our partners on the ground to provide emergency assistance – and we need your help: jfeds.org/israelfund2023

10/05/2023

Waterloo, Iowa like so many other small cities saw an influx of Jewish people in the late 19th Century. The large Jewish population built a synagogue and became active in the larger community; however, in recent years, the Jewish population started to shrink substantially – the younger generation not moving back home after college – and those who remain are aging. Add on to this, geographic isolation from other Jewish communities and people, and the situation seems grim. The committed community members wanted to keep their beloved congregation, Sons of Jacob, viable for as long as possible, but they were not sure what to do or how to make it work.

That’s when JCLP stepped in with ideas, guidance, support and connections. Click here to read the rest of their story. http://createsend.com/t/t-D9076DCC2842370E2540EF23F30FEDED

05/16/2023

Did you know May is Jewish American Heritage Month?

New channel alert https://youtube.com/ - Jews have lived in the United States since 1654 — before the states were even united — when twenty-thr...