Nagel Photography
Nagel Photography

Kosher and Jewish Life in Des Moines

TJT’s guide for kosher and Jewish travelers in Des Moines. Information about kosher restaurants, cafes, shops, bakeries or delis, kosher near me location based (GPS) search, & Jewish points of interest, such as shuls, mikvahs, kosher and observant friendly hotels and Jewish community centers in Des Moines, Iowa.

About Des Moines

Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa. It is also the county seat of Polk County. A small portion of the city extends into Warren County. The city's population was 103,433 as of the 2010 census. Des Moines has a climate with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The City of Des Moines is a cultural center for Iowa and home to several art and history museums and performing arts groups. Des Moines plays host to a growing number of nationally acclaimed cultural events, including the annual Des Moines Arts Festival in June, Metro Arts Jazz in July, Iowa State Fair in August, and the World Food & Music Festival in September. Places to visit in Des Moines are The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Blank Park Zoo, and The East Village which is a neighborhood full of places to eat, boutiques and art galleries.

Jewish History, POI & Kosher Establishments in Des Moines

The first known Jewish settler was Alexander Levi, a native of France who arrived from New Orleans in 1833. Des Moines remains the largest center of Jewish life in Iowa. There is a population of around 6,000 Jewish people in the whole of Iowa. Des Moines boasts four synagogues these are all situated in West Des Moines in Ingersoll Park and Waveland Park, of these two are Orthodox one Conservative and one Reform. There is one kosher restaurant in Des Moines, Maccabees a glatt deli, this is situated near the synagogues next to Waveland Park golf course.

Weather In Des Moines

30 Mar

Shabbat Candlelighting Times for Loading...

Please note:

Shabbat times on this page are based on the common Candle lighting formulas - in most locations it is 18 minutes before sunset. If you have any comments or questions regarding Shabbat Times on this page, please contact us

What Is *JOFY?

JOFY, or "Jewish Observant Friendly" Establishments are lodging establishments offering special services for Jewish Observant guests such as Shabbat meals, accommodation on lower floors and regular keys for the rooms. It can also be a NON KOSHER establishment located in walking distance from the local Shul, community or kosher restaurants area.

Please note - *JOFY does NOT mean that KOSHER food is served on the premises!