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PLENARY SESSIONS: Where the UAHC Business Takes Place
Votes on policy issues, presentations, and major speeches
occur during the five plenary sessions of the General
Assembly, the highest body of the UAHC. The resolutions
adopted by the General Assembly set the agenda for the
Reform Movement and determine our direction. While only
designated congregational delegates can vote, all are
welcome at the plenums. Each session will include at least
one major speech or presentation. The opening plenum begins
at 8:15 P.M. on Wednesday with a rousing welcome to Boston.
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WORKSHOPS:
From Tachlis to Torah
More than 200 workshops cover every aspect of synagogue
life—and then some! As the choice can be overwhelming,
please review the offerings carefully and coordinate with
others from your congregational delegation. To make the
process a little less daunting, we’ve created sixteen
tracks, so if you want to concentrate on membership, worship,
synagogue finances, social justice issues, or another
area of interest, you can sign up for each workshop in
that track! Be sure to preregister your preferences—you
can always make changes, but this helps us plan room assignments.
The full list of workshops
is available online.
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VARIED
DAILY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to the Shabbat
worship experience, you’ll have a chance
to experience new worship modes at the Thursday, Friday,
and Sunday morning services and the Wednesday and Thursday
Maariv minyanim, where a variety of innovative
and varied liturgical approaches will be used. A preliminary
draft of the new CCAR prayer book will be used on Thursday
and Friday mornings, followed by feedback sessions with
the editors.
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GREAT
JEWISH ENTERTAINMENT
The Biennial is your chance to hear the best in Jewish
music. While there are too many stars to list all of them,
here are a few to whet your appetite: Roberta Peters and
Peter Yarrow in a memorial concert for Rabbi Alexander
M. Schindler; Doug Cotler; Jeff Klepper; Debbie Friedman;
Rick Recht; Peri Smilow; Safam; and more!
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PRECONVENTION
PROGRAMS
Once again, we’re offering the opportunity to explore
timely topics in depth at one of ten preconvention programs.
Please note that preregistration is required, and attendance
at all sessions is expected. The sessions are Tuesday,
December 4, 2–9:30 P.M., and Wednesday, December
5, 9 A.M.–NOON. Details can be found on the Preconvention
Programs page. The Biennial Choir also meets as
a Preconvention program, beginning Tuesday at 2 P.M.
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FIRST
EVER 20's - 30's LEADERSHIP TRACK:
STRIKING SPARKS / RAISING RUACH
New
this year: Striking Sparks and Raising Ruach is
a four-day track, Thursday to Sunday, designed for LEADERS
and active participants in 20's and 30's synagogue programs,
and for those interested in starting such programs in
their temples. Participants in Sparks and Ruach
will help create the vision--and the reality--of dynamic,
meaningful and welcoming Jewish communities and programs.
For
more information, please see the Sparks
and Ruach Website or contact Naomi Yablonka,
212.650.4230 or by E-mail, synagogueaffiliation@uahc.org.
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NETWORKING,
MAKING FRIENDS
Where else could you meet so many people who share your
interests, dreams, concerns, and love of Judaism? You’ll
find long-lost cousins and new-old friends at the Biennial.
Because we don’t want you to get lost in the crowd,
we’ve created many opportunities for you to feel
at home, including Wednesday’s receptions for first
timers and those attending alone. By Friday’s Common
Grounds Luncheons, 12:30–2:30 P.M. (note:
these require preregistration), you’ll be ready to
share your experiences in an affinity group with your
peers from across the continent. Check the program that
follows—you’ll discover lots of opportunities!
We promise: You’ll leave Boston with handfuls of
E-mail addresses and phone numbers.
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MEET
THE PROFESSIONALS, ONE-ON-ONE!
Do you have a specific issue that you’d like to discuss
with an expert? Are you in the middle of a search for
a professional? Plan on visiting the Consultation Area,
where professionals from every UAHC department and affiliate
will be available to discuss your unique needs. Stop by
early to schedule an appointment and pick up the latest
UAHC materials. And if you’re searching for a rabbi,
cantor, administrator, or educator, be sure to register
for one of the Professional
Search Luncheons
scheduled on Thursday at 12:15 P.M.
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EXHIBIT
HALL: The Place for Everything Jewish, and More!
Don’t forget to set aside time for the largest exhibit
of Judaic art in North America, where you can shop till
you drop for Kiddush cups and Havdalah sets,
a silk tallit or hand-crocheted kippah,
jewelry from Israel, art, Torah covers, and sanctuary
seating—everything you’ll need for yourself,
your family, and your congregation. This year we’re
expanding the area devoted to congregational management,
including computer software and hardware, insurance programs,
office products, and school supplies. Your UAHC Biennial
badge gives you free admission! For a preview of the exhibitors,
visit our virtual trade show beginning in September at
http://UAHCexhibit.com.
The Exhibit Hall is open daily. Come to the Gala Premiere
on Wednesday at 5:00 P.M.
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HUC-JIR
SCHOLARS-IN-RESIDENCE
Three faculty members from our very own seminary—Dr.
Michael Chernick, Dr. Tamara Eskenazi, and Dr.
Mark Washofsky—will be teaching throughout the
Biennial. Why not take advantage of this opportunity for
serious study with Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute
of Religion’s leading scholars? Plan to attend both
the D and F workshops; preregistration is required. The
themes of each scholar’s workshops are listed; each
will also teach at a Shabbat
Luncheon, which are open to all who preregister.
Dr.
Michael Chernick, HUC-JIR, New York, Deutsch Professor
of Jewish Jurisprudence and Social Justice: Talmudic
Tales of Transformation. Workshops D02, F02; Shabbat
Luncheon SL02.
Dr.
Tamara Eskenazi, HUC-JIR, Los Angeles, Professor
of Bible: Biblical Sources for Transformation and
Celebration. Workshops D01, F01; Shabbat Luncheon
SL01.
Dr.
Mark Washofsky, HUC-JIR, Cincinnati, Associate Professor
of Rabbinics: Transforming Torah, Transforming Ourselves:
Reform Responsa As a Way of Jewish Expression. Workshops
D03, F03; Shabbat Luncheon SL03.
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RUN
FOR THE RAC: Social Action in Motion
Join Rabbi David Saperstein and the Religious Action Center
staff for the "Run for the RAC" on Thursday,
December 6, from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. This year's event
offers both outdoor and indoor run/walk options. The "Run"
will be followed by breakfast and t'filah. Registration:
$36. Proceeds benefit the RAC, pre-registration is encouraged.
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ARRIVING
EARLY: BOSTON TOURS
Come early and you can take advantage of all that Boston
has offer! Preregistration is required for the following
tours:
Tuesday,
from 1 to 5 P.M., visit the John F. Kennedy Library
where the Jackie Onassis exhibit will be on display.
Wednesday, from 8:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., two
separate tours will be available: Boston
and Cambridge
(Trinity Church, Boston Public Library, Back Bay, Beacon
Hill, Harvard Square, Tory Row, MIT, and Harvard Yard)
and Jewish Boston—the country’s sixth-largest
Jewish community. Please see the registration form for
prices.
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IT’S
A COLLEGE TOWN!
Since so many Reform students attend school in the Boston
area, we’ve arranged a special program on Friday,
December 7, from 4:30 P.M. to midnight, and all day Saturday,
December 8, just for them. Full-time undergraduate
students at colleges elsewhere are also encouraged to
come. Please call Melissa Zalkin at 212.650.4078.
Parents,
please note: Students will be eating Shabbat dinner separately.
If you want to invite your college students to join you
for Shabbat
dinner, you’ll need to order guest tickets.
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