See for yourself why faces light up with the mere mention of the Biennial. Come discover new resources for you and your congregation, engage in meaningful worship, hear the latest Jewish music, and celebrate Reform Judaism on a scale possible only once every two years—with 5,000+ people!
The Union for Reform Judaism’s 69th convention in San Diego will be anything but conventional. A wealth of speakers, entertainers, and scholars will teach, challenge, inspire, and entertain you in ways you’ll never forget.
Awards
The Maurice N. Eisendrath Bearer of Light Award, named in memory of Rabbi Maurice N. Eisendrath (president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations from 1943 to 1973), is the highest honor bestowed by the Reform Movement. This year’s award winners include singer and songwriter Debbie Friedman, whose influence on Jewish liturgy and music is a blessing to us today and will be so for generations to come.
In addition, we will be presenting the first Alexander M. Schindler Award, honoring the memory of Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler (president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations from 1973 to 1996).
Events
Every Biennial convention is filled with special moments and events. Here are a couple to anticipate:
The Union’s decision-making body, the General Assembly, will conduct plenary sessions during which votes will be cast on important policy issues that will help set the Union’s social action agenda. Be part of the count.
The Beit Midrash, a modern version of ancient Jewish academies, will offer an intensely personal and inspirational environment in which participants can learn Jewish texts, engage with Jewish tradition, and experience how study and prayer are portals to encountering the Divine Presence.
Workshops
One hundred sixty workshops will help strengthen your knowledge and practice of Judaism at home and in the synagogue: How can we “Breathe New Life into Our Own Torah Study”? How do we “Move Away from B’nai Mitzvah Spectacles”? How do we “Turn Early Childhood Families into Temple Members”? And much more.
Scholars
Exceptional scholars from the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion will lead us in study. Learn on site with Dr. Rachel Adler, one of the first theologians to integrate feminist perspectives into the interpretation of Jewish texts; and Rabbi Samuel K. Joseph, an expert on how Jewish schools and synagogues can achieve excellence.
Reform Resource Mall
Biennials always offer an abundance of learning, networking, and social opportunities. You’ll find the Reform Resource Mall an ideal place to pick up practical literature from each of the Union’s departments, chat with staff members, and swap ideas with other attendees.
Women of Reform Judaism
At its 46th Assembly, held in tandem with the Union’s General Assembly, the Women of Reform Judaism will proudly unveil The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, a landmark work highlighting women’s contributions to our people’s life and tradition. WRJ workshops—a wealth of information on membership, marketing, programming, social action, and personal and spiritual growth—will be offered in a new, accessible format. In the spirit of the convention theme, “Women of Torah,” 700 women will gather during plenary sessions to learn from renowned leaders and scholars, discuss policy and resolutions, and honor the work of Sisterhoods throughout North America. Worship, celebrate, and immerse yourself in Sisterhood.
Entertainment & Recreation
You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to shop in the Biennial exhibition hall, hear evening concerts performed by some of the most talented Jewish musicians in the world, take local tours, and enjoy sightseeing in sunny San Diego.
Whether it’s your first Biennial or your tenth, whether you’re meeting old friends or making new ones, San Diego is the place to be. So let your spirit sail to new heights and meet us at the warm edge of the Pacific. Save the dates—December 12–16—and learn more by visiting the Biennial website or calling the Biennial hotline, 212-650-4271.
