What is the Biennial?
The Union for Reform Judaism Biennial is a gathering of Reform Jews from all over North America that includes learning, prayer, the sharing of ideas, and making decisions about the policies of the Reform Movement. Held in a different city every other year, the Biennial is the place for Reform Jews to be inspired by prayer, entertainment, and guest speakers; talk about issues; learn about curriculum, tikkun olam programming, and Israel; vote on resolutions; meet up with old friends; and make new connections.
Who attends the Biennial?
The Biennial is for everyone -- lay leaders and professionals from Reform congregations all over North America, youth, college students, congregants, future and new leaders, clergy, scholars, affiliates, vendors, entertainers, musicians -- everything and everyone Jewish you can imagine comes to the Biennial. It's the largest Jewish gathering in North America, and brings together nearly 5000 people from more than 500 congregations and 14 countries. The Biennial is open to every member of a Union congregation in good standing, but we urge you particularly to encourage the officers and members of your Board, your professional staff, and your committee chairs to attend.
Who can register?
In order for its members to attend the Biennial, a congregation must have paid all dues through its fiscal year preceding that in which the General Assembly plenary at the Biennial is held; must have submitted a current membership list; and must have provided all financial information required in the Union’s Bylaws. If you have questions about your congregation's eligibility status, please call your regional office or Carole Goldberg in the New York office at 212.650.4170.
How do I register?
We will be accepting registrations both on-line at and on paper, either by mail or fax. When we receive information about registrants, we will first make sure they are indeed members of a Union congregation (we do this by checking each name against the membership list that your congregation has provided), and we will then ascertain that the congregation is in good standing with regard to its dues and reporting requirements. If the answer is yes to both of these criteria, the registrants will be entered into the database as attendees. Once you’ve paid the registration fee in full, we will send you information about housing. Remember, the Early Bird deadline is October 19th, 2007.
How do I make hotel reservations?
Please note that as of this time the Union's housing agency is no longer able to assist in securing hotel rooms and the special Union hotel room rental rates are no longer available for new reservations. At this time you will need to contact one of the many hotels located near the convention center directly to make your reservations.
Is financial assistance available?
The Small Congregations Resource Fund (SCRF) provides limited grants to support the participation of adult members of congregations with 250 or fewer members at the North American Biennial. A maximum of two grants will be awarded to a congregation. Applicants will be notified of their grant award after registering and prior to attending the Biennial. Grant checks will be mailed to recipients approximately 3-4 weeks after the Biennial. Guidelines and a grant application can be downloaded from the SCRF website. For additional information, you may contact Rabbi Victor Appell at 212.650.4144.
What should I expect to learn?
The Biennial offers many learning opportunities for everyone. This is the time to learn about what the Reform Jewish community is doing around the world. In addition to attending workshops that interest you, the Reform Resource Mall is a great place to pick up literature from each of the departments of the Union and talk to those who work in these departments. Hopefully, you will not only learn, but you will share your knowledge with others and make learning an interactive experience.
What is there to do?
There are activities and events planned for every day of the Biennial, and even the days before it. Workshops, Shabbat services, art, entertainment, shopping, resource development, meetings, affinity group luncheons, tours of the area, and tikkun olam projects are some of the available opportunities and events.
What should I bring?
Feel free to bring resources and materials from your congregation to share with others. Your newsletter, projects, etc. Also bring lots of questions and an appetite for learning.
What should I wear?
Any biennial veteran will recommend a nice comfortable pair of shoes. There’s a lot to do, and you will probably do a lot of walking. It is also a good idea to have a sweater or light jacket in case you get cold while in your hotel or around the convention center.
Is the Biennial handicapped accessible?
YES! The convention center is handicap accessible. Everything that you will do at any point in time at the convention center will conveniently take place on one level of the center, making it easy to travel between workshops, exhibit hall, consultation areas, etc.
What if I want to stay in San Diego past the Biennial?
You are welcome to stay in San Diego beyond the Biennial and explore all the sites and sounds of California’s second largest city. Please visit local San Diego websites for great ideas or speak with your hotel's concierge. Discounted convention hotel rates are available for three days before and three days after the convention based on availability at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina and the Manchester Hyatt Hotel.
How can I have a guest?
Immediate family members are welcome for Shabbat programs and must be registered as a guest. Register your guests when you register yourself. For security reasons, only registered attendees or registered guests will be allowed into convention events.
