Welcome to Tifereth Israel Synagogue
MISSION STATEMENT
We are a progressive egalitarian congregation, adhering to the
principles of Conservative Judaism and Emet Ve'emunah.
We honor Halacha, observe the laws of Kashrut,
the traditions of Shabbat, and use Siddur Sim Shalom and
Chumash Etz Hayim for prayer and meditation.
OUR SYNAGOGUE
Tifereth Israel Synagogue is located at 924 Polk Boulevard,
Des Moines, Iowa. The synagogue is flanked by the Waveland Tennis
Courts and Golf Course, the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center a nursing and retirement center, and the Boulevard Children's
Center a child care facility for two- to five-year-olds.
The synagogue campus includes the administrative offices of the
Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines and the Board of Jewish
Education and Culture.
Click Here for Map and Directions
HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Tifereth Israel is a Conservative congregation and a member
of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The synagogue
was founded in 1901 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. Marks. During
its first years, congregants gathered in a rented hall at 7th
and Grand where services and educational programs were conducted.
In 1906 a cornerstone was laid at 3rd and Crocker, then the center
of Des Moines Jewish life.
In its early years, Tifereth Israel assisted in establishing
the Coordinated Des Moines Talmud Torah, the Jewish Community
Center and local Zionist organizations. By l928, the synagogue
had outgrown its center-city quarters. The cornerstone at the
present Polk Boulevard location was laid on December 1, 1929.
The facilities at Tifereth Israel were dramatically expanded in
the late 1940s and early l950s. Additions included the Bookey
Chapel, the Youth Center, a Religious School building, and the
Clubhouse Auditorium. In 1979, construction of the social hall was completed.
FACILITIES
The majestic sanctuary was built in the Byzantine style and seats about 750 people. Weekday services are held in the 120-seat Bookey Chapel. The synagogue building also houses the Pidgeon Gift Shop, Brody Youth Lounge and Caspe Library. The social hall includes a partitioned dining hall for music, dinner, theatrical productions and a variety of other activities. Art by Juan Miro, Mauricio Lasansky, Andy Warhol and Marc Chagal grace the sky-lit atrium providing a delightful melange of colors and provoking portraits. Administrative offices and the Rabbi's study overlook a landscaped outdoor atrium used for the Sukkah and informal receptions. The office staff is the communications hub of Tifereth's membership and is always accessible.
YAD - Young Adult Division
Tifereth is continually attracting young adults, young married couples and families with young children. Progressive programming options illustrate that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to spirituality. Opportunities for Jews and their non-Jewish partners are included in the diverse options.
MEMBERSHIP DUES
The members of Tifereth Israel Synagogue support the congregation's staff,
programs and facilities through an annual dues program. Dues are
assessed on May 1 and can be paid annually or on a monthly basis.
A fair share formula is available to guide members. Tifereth is proud of its long-standing tradition of generosity
and broad support among its members.
