Every two years, the Union for Reform Judaism brings together temple members from around the country for a weekend of workshops, worship and fellowship that’s best described as Jewish camp for adults. This year that event – the North American Biennial – will take place in our very own Washington community: at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
We are expecting 5,000 Reform Jews to come together in December for workshops on synagogue life and Jewish education, learning sessions on Torah and text, a giant Judaica expo, musical entertainment, and the most moving Shabbat you’ll ever experience. The last time the Biennial was held in Washington was in 1961, so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of us.
Sha’are Shalom Congregation is honored to be a host congregation for this year’s Biennial, and that means you can participate in this rewarding event in one of two ways: by registering to attend the entire weekend, or by volunteering to help out for a three-hour shift and then staying for the day at no cost.
I hope you will join me in becoming a Biennial Volunteer and help showcase Washington’s vibrant Jewish community, while also taking this unique opportunity to enrich your own Jewish experience by meeting other Reform Jews from around the country.
To learn more, please visit the Biennial website at www.urj.org/biennial, and if you’re interested in more information about volunteering, please contact me at grammy1946@comcast.net or by phone Home 301-567-6760 or cell 301-437-5045..
I hope to see you at the Biennial!
Jackie Schoch
Sha’are Shalom Congregation liaison to the Biennial Local Arrangements Committee