Caspe Terrace Event

Connection. Education. Compassion.

Gan Shalom Preschool Student

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 Students

Beit Sefer Shalom

Beit Sefer Shalom offers high-quality Jewish education for Pre-K through high school. Explore our curriculum, schedule and teen programs.

Jewish Historical Society Members

Iowa Jewish Historical Society

The IJHS is an award-winning institution that celebrates Iowa's Jewish heritage through education and preservation.

Woman Talking to kids

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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Your gift enriches and improves the quality of Jewish life in Des Moines, in Israel, and around the world. Give today!

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New on the Blog

  • Celebrate Tu BiShevat!

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...

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  • Finding My Des Moines Jewish Community

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...

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  • Welcome to our New Jewish Federation Executive Director, Jarad Bernstein

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...

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