Lubavitch of Iowa

There are no trumpets sounded when they arrive in their new home city; no red carpets unrolled in their honor. They have few friends, no relatives, no familiar culture, atmosphere or environment. Many commodities, such as kosher meat, dairy products and other basics, may have to be flown in, but here are certain staples, vitally essential to their mission, which they bring with them by the truckload: Friendliness, affection for all Jews, compassion, tolerance, self-sacrifice, utter devotion and selfless dedication.

Armed with these, they immediately begin their work of outreach-explaining, shedding light, dispelling myths, countering stereotypes. “What does it mean to be a Jew?” “Rabbi, how can I observe the Shabbat-when my store has its best sales on Saturday?” “How are Mitzvot relevant today, in this community?” The Shluchim of Chabad Lubavitch don’t insist; they suggest. They don’t take over, they give over. They do not criticize; they encourages. They do not “preach down” at people; they act as genuine equals, a friend. And the revolution begins. It takes place without anyone realizing it. A few years fly by, and, “out of nowhere,” it is a familiar and accepted sight to see families with Sukkot, observing Shabbat, eating kosher, etc. …

Rabbi Yossi and Chanie Jacobson arrived in Des Moines Iowa as Lubavitch Shluchim (Emissary’s of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi. M. M. Schneerson ) in September of 1992 with their 4 month old son Leibel.

They established the Judaic Resource Center of Iowa and Publish, The Jewish Spark Magazine, which is sent out throughout the State of Iowa together with a beautiful Statewide Community Art Calendar.

מתוך JewishIowa.com