Date and Place:

Wednesday, November 4
through Sunday, November 8, 2009
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The official Biennial program begins at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4^th and concludes at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 8^th , but there are preconvention programs that you’ll want to consider, including a Symposium on Jewish Identity and Development.

Learn more about Biennial

Travel Information

We have reserved and arranged for discounts for many of your travel need. We’ve reserved plenty of rooms at Toronto hotels located in close proximity to the convention center. The headquarter hotel for the Union is the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The Toronto International Airport is a large airport that is serviced by most major carriers. The Union has arranged for discounts on Continental Airlines flights for Biennial attendees.

When Crossing the Border there are a few things to keep in mind:

• International travelers will need to have a valid passport in order to enter and exit Canada. Please check your passport to make sure that it does not expire prior to the Biennial.
• When in Canada you will need to use the Canadian dollar, while Canadian dollar bills are called dollars, the one dollar coin is known locally as the "loonie." This should not be confused with the two dollar coin, which is called a "toonie."
• Children 15 years of age and under are now required to show proof of citizenship (a certified copy of their birth certificate is acceptable).

Learn more about traveling to Biennial

Let's Talk Toronto

Toronto is a city built with and for the limitless imaginations of the people who come here to live and those who come to visit. It's a centre of rare openness, energy and style - an intimate metropolis showcasing world-class dining, shopping, creativity, architecture and entertainment.

Tours

Get to know your fellow Biennial attendees while taking a tour of local sights. We will host tours on Tuesday and Wednesday.

It IS Easy Being Green

Toronto is a great city to be in if you are committed to having a 'green' convention with minimal impact on the environment. As was the case in San Diego, the Union is making strides to ensure that the Biennial is as environmentally neutral as possible.

Learn more about Toronto

Creative Financing

We are aware that this is a tough time to budget money for travel, but Biennial is much more than just a trip...it is a chance to invest in your Jewish self.

• Look at alternative means of transportation- A number of congregations are looking into renting vans for members to use to drive up to Biennial rather than flying. Make it a road trip! (Visit the Travel Page for advice about parking)
• Expenses incurred by synagogue leaders who attend Biennial as designated delegates of their congregations can be claimed as tax deductible charitable contributions.
• The Small Congregations Resource Fund (SCRF) has a limited number of grant subsidies available for small congregations (those with 250 households or fewer) who would like to send delegates to the URJ North American Biennial in Toronto, Ontario, November 4–8, 2009.

Learn other creative ways to finance your trip to Biennial

Spread the Word

Help spread the word about the Union's upcoming Biennial! There are many different ways to get the word out. With your help we can ensure that the 2009 Biennial is transformative and moving. Join us on some social networks to help spread the news!

Learn about the social networks we use