Contact: Kate Bigam
kbigam@rac.org | 202-387-2800

Largest gathering of Jews in North America returns to Canada after 30 years; Speakers include Tony Blair, King Abdullah II of Jordan & Dr. Ruth

Toronto bloggers are invited to participate in five exhilarating days and nights this November, when more than 3,500 Reform Jews will gather to set the course for the future of the largest, most dynamic Jewish Movement. The Union for Reform Judaism’s 70th Biennial Convention hits the Metro Toronto Convention Centre November 4th – 8th, and Toronto bloggers are invited to attend and cover the convention’s many presentations, learning sessions and musical acts. Visit biennial.urj.org for details.

WHAT:   The Union for Reform Judaism’s 70th Biennial Convention

WHO:     More than 3,500 Reform Jews from across North America

WHERE:  Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1J3, Canada

WHEN:   Wednesday, November 4th, from 2 p.m., until Sunday, November 8th at 10:30 a.m.

RSVP:     Bloggers & new media should contact Kate Bigam at 202-387-2800 or kbigam@rac.org

Highlights of the Biennial will include plenary and learning sessions with: the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister. King Abdullah II of Jordan, who will deliver special remarks via video; the Hon. Irwin Cotler, international human rights champion; Anita Diamant, author of The Red Tent; Avishay Braverman, Israeli Minister of Minority Affairs; Avivah Zornberg, renowned Israeli biblical scholar and teacher; Michael Oren, Israeli Ambassador to the United States; Dr. Eboo Patel, President of the Interfaith Youth Corps and a member of President Obama’s Faith-based Advisory Council; and noted psychosexual therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer.

Learning sessions throughout the duration of the Biennial will feature experts covering a range of specialized topics, including Middle East peace, health care, social media, sustainability and the environment, disability rights, LGBT equality and more. For a list of sessions, visit biennial.urj.org/program/workshops/.

The Women of Reform Judaism’s 47th Assembly will run concurrently with the Biennial, and the Symposium on Jewish Identity will take place immediately prior.

The Biennial is also an opportunity to experience the finest entertainment the Jewish

community has to offer, in all genres from rock to folk. The most popular Jewish musicians in the world, including Debbie Friedman, Dan Nichols, Josh Nelson and Craig Taubman, will perform, along with up-and-coming Jewish musicians. A full listing of performers is available at biennial.urj.org/speakers/entertainment.