Photo Credit: Jewish Press

For the children it’s a message we are relaying; for the adults it’s a plea of urgency to learn more about our history and what it means to be Jewish.

Aside from being the rabbi of Beth El Jacob Synagogue, I also work with dozens of college students who attend college in Iowa. They are always surprised when I tell them to continuously ask questions rather than simply accept a custom, mitzvah or tradition. This strengthens my own belief that we should all, young and old alike, proactively seek opportunities to learn more and challenge our own knowledge of Judaism.

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Knowledge is power.

It is important to note that in order to represent the Jewish people, one must first know what the Jewish people represent. That only happens when we strive to learn more and then pass that knowledge on to future generations.

Renaissance mathematician and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus eloquently wrote, “To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” This axiom is very well suited for the Seder table.

Realizing that we wish we knew more is half the goal. Realization gives us the ability to take the next step in furthering our education, be it reading more or going to classes at the local synagogue. It is simply about taking advantage of the knowledgeable resources that are readily available to us.

When we find ourselves sitting around the Seder table this year wondering, “What are the testimonies, statutes, and laws; what are we really celebrating?” I will say Mazal tov! You are on the path to becoming more educated about our beautiful heritage and history and, b’ezrat Hashem, will take the opportunity to pass this priceless knowledge on to others.

* * * * * * * * * *

Beth El Jacob Synagogue, the only Orthodox synagogue in Des Moines was founded in 1885. With a rich heritage and legacy, it continues to thrive, seeing an over fifty percent growth since 2011 with a concentration of young families. Beth El Jacob will be celebrating a Hachnassat Sefer Torah for the first time in 100 years in May. Des Moines offers full-time Jewish education up until kindergarten age and an after school program up until 12th grade. It also boasts a fine deli with an array of kosher food. With a strong economy and low cost of living, Des Moines continues to be a sought-after city to live in.

 

State Capital: Des Moines
State Nickname: The Hawkeye State
State Motto: Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain
State Flower: Wild Rose
State Bird: Eastern Goldfinch
First Shul: Temple Emanuel of Davenport was formed as B’Nai Israel Congregation on October 21, 1861. B’nai Israel Congregation in Keokuk, Iowa was the state’s first permanent Jewish house of worship in Iowa and founded in 1877.

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Rabbi Bolel has been serving as the rabbi of Beth El Jacob Synagogue in Des Moines-Iowa for four years. In addition to serving as Community Rabbi, he is the founder of JSOC (Jewish Students On Campus), an outreach program on multiple university campuses in Iowa, heads the Chevra Kaddisha and is the only pulpit “Ironman” triathlete rabbi in the world. Rabbi Bolel is married to Devorah and has two boys.