Connection. Education. Compassion.
Gan Shalom Preschool
Build your child's foundation for learning—academically and spiritually. Families of all faiths are welcome at Gan Shalom.
Beit Sefer Shalom
Beit Sefer Shalom offers high-quality Jewish education for Pre-K through high school. Explore our curriculum, schedule and teen programs.
Iowa Jewish Historical Society
The IJHS is an award-winning institution that celebrates Iowa's Jewish heritage through education and preservation.
Jewish Family Services
We help our neighbors through outreach, family programs, senior adult services and financial assistance.
Our Mission
At the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, our mission is to enrich Jewish living through connection, education, and compassion. Get to know us and the programs we offer in Central Iowa.
See Upcoming Events
We welcome you to join us for a wide range of local events! Use our calendar to find social, spiritual and educational gatherings.
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New on the Blog
This Sunday evening and Monday (February 5-6, 2023) is the festival of Tu BiShevat. Named after its Hebrew date (the 15th of Shevat), the day served as way to help farmers count time regarding certain agricultural laws. It is one of the four “New Years Days” on the Hebrew calendar. In medieval times, it was...
Benjamin Brodkey
February 3, 2023
When I think back to my early days at the Federation, I would have never imagined my role would go beyond a college student Hebrew school teacher. Boy was I wrong. Now, I leave a legacy as the editor of The Jewish Press, Judaic specialist for Gan Shalom Preschool and Beit Sefer Shalom, Engman Camp...
Giovanna Zavell
December 17, 2021
We have the pleasure of sharing with you the exciting news that the Federation Board of Governors has voted to approve Jarad Bernstein as the next Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines! Jarad will begin his tenure on May 15. The search committee executed a national search, yet found the person...
Benjamin Brodkey
May 15, 2023