We are thrilled that Toronto, Canada's "Creative City", will be our home for the 2009 Biennial Convention.

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.

Toronto's skyline includes the CN Tower, one of the Modern Wonders of the World; miles of waterfront, boardwalks and trails; and distinct neighbourhoods with inspiring surprises - from artisans' exhibits to cool cafés - around every corner.

Shoppers delight in the trendy Queen Street West, Yorkville's designer boutiques, the famous Toronto Eaton Centre and the PATH, which features more than 1,200 shops in over 16 miles of underground concourses.

The city has over 7,000 restaurants reflecting global tastes, cultures and ingredients, all served with a dash of Torontonian innovation.

From spirited musicals to avant-garde works, there is enough live theatre here to rival New York and London.

Beyond the city limits are fabulous regional attractions surrounded by a breathtaking countryside. Experience the wonder of Niagara Falls, a renowned wine region, outstanding theatres, galleries and many outdoor adventures - all within a short drive.

Toronto engages your imagination with an experience unlike any the world over.

You will not lack for things to do during your free moments during the Convention. Or, perhaps you will be tempted to come early and stay late to soak up the local culture. If so, our headquarter hotels will extend our preferential group rates for the duration of your visit.

Consider attending the Stratford Shakespeare Festival to see A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Forum or Cyrano De Bergerac.  See this flier for more details about a package that includes transportation from the Royal York hotel.

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

All tours will depart by bus from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Registrants must pick up their credentials in order to get their tour tickets. Tours can be selected when you register for Biennial.

Tuesday Tours:

• Toronto city tour with a visit to the Ontario legislature and Casa Loma, 1-5pm (Fee $55)
• Niagara Falls full day tour with a stop to purchase lunch, 8:30am-5pm (Fee $65)
• Dead Sea Scrolls at the Royal Ontario Museum 1-5pm, (Fee $36)

Wednesday Tours:

• Toronto city tour with admission to CN Tower, 9am-1pm, (Fee $55)
• Jewish Tour of Toronto, including a stop at Holy Blossom Temple, 8:30am-12:30pm, (Fee $39)

Visit the Biennial Site's Green Pages for More Information

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.

For example:

• While we've been using recycled paper for all Union printing for some time, this year we're also working hard to reduce the amount of paper used in the program, department materials and other resources.
• The majority of Biennial printing is being done in Toronto to avoid fuel consumption during shipping.
• Arrangements have been made to donate excess food prepared for the Biennial to local food banks. Not only does this help the hungry in Toronto, but it will reduce the amount of waste sent to local landfills.

Toronto has embraced environmental sensitivity and conservation through cutting edge programs throughout the metro area.

For example:

• The City of Toronto has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations by 40% since 1990.
• Toronto's innovative Green Bin initiative will now be phased in city-wide to more than 4,500 apartment buildings, condominiums and co-ops receiving City collection services. The Green Bin Program diverts waste from landfill by keeping organic material out of garbage and turning it into compost.
• On April 1, 2004, the City of Toronto passed a bylaw banning the use of pesticides on all public and private property except in certain situations. The law applies to everyone, including homeowners, renters, lawn care companies, golf courses and property managers.

2009 Biennial will also be a great place to learn about what you can do for the environment. Be sure to look for learning sessions about Judaism, the environment and environmentalism.

You Can Do Your Part, Too

Though the following suggestions might seem small, every bit of effort adds up.

• Pack light—Your plane will burn less fuel getting you to Biennial if it is carrying less baggage weight.
• Share a cab- If you recognize other Biennial participants on your flight arrange to share a cab to cut down on fuel used and exhaust produced.
• Be aware of electricity—Make sure to turn all of the lights out and adjust the thermostat when you leave your hotel room.
• Start at home—Switch your standard light bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) which use 75% less energy.

Remember to unplug appliances and home electronics before you leave for Biennial. Appliances and electronics continue to draw a small current even when they are turned off as long as they are still plugged into an outlet. Even better, plug all electronics and non-essential appliances into power strips and switch them off whenever you leave the house.

Visit the Biennial Site's Green Pages for More Information