Here's what I know: The URJ Biennial is to Reform Jews what Disney World is to children. The same happy and welcoming faces, easy directions and signage, retail shops, entertainment, but get this -- no lines! It's really, really awesome, and I'm sad that you're not here with me. I could sure use some Disney Magic: I wish I could be in 8 places at once.
Here's what I'm talking about: While I was attending a Learning Session on "Tot Shabbat: New Tools for Engaging Young Families and Strengthening Your Congregation's Membership", I wasn't able to sit in on "Addressing Extreme Poverty: Best Practices for Global Engagement" (Social Action) or "Baby Boomers as the New Congregational Majority" (Membership & Programming) or "The Impact of Day Schools on the Reform Movement" (Education) or "Overseeing the Financial Health of Your Congregation" (Business & Finance) or "Living Moments in Time: Creating a Meaningful Synagogue Museum" (Beautification) or "Synagogue-Federation Relations" (Community Collaboration) or "Managing Conflict in Congregational Life" (Leadership & Management) or "Revitalizing High Holiday Worship" (Worship & Music) or "Rewriting the Israel Story: New Paradigms for Israel Engagement" (Israel Committee) or "Different Faces at Our Table: Welcoming the New Jewish Family" (Inclusion and Identity). Okay, back to what I did take home from today:
-a memorable conclusion to the PDRJ conference, that I know will be followed by ongoing networking and support with this terrific association of Program Directors around the country
-Biennial Greetings from H.E. Miriam Ziv, Ambassador of Israel to Canada
-a late-afternoon prayer service, entirely musical, led by eight Canadian Cantors (We are in Canada, eh?)
-materials for Roger Cone on Brotherhood (I'm returning to the Exhibit Hall tomorrow to see what I can grab for everyone else!)
-Anita Diamant (The Red Tent, The New Jewish Wedding, Living a Jewish Life) speaking on "A New Vision for Reform Judaism"
Looking ahead to tomorrow, I think I'll pass on the "Yoga Shalom" morning, and instead grab a coffee and a good seat for the Morning Addresses by Michael Oren, Israeli Amabassador to the U.S. and Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Also, I'll be sure to introduce myself to Tina Wasserman in advance of her January Culinary Scholars-in-Residence Weekend at Temple.
And then, it's off to "The Forgotten Congregants: Singles, Divorced, and the Challenge of Keeping them Involved and Cared For". But I sure would love some Disney magic to allow me also to see "Green Advocacy: Going Beyond Greening Your Actions" or "How to Create a Youth Culture in Your Synagogue" or "A Ramp Is Not Enough: Broadening Programming and Accessibility" or "When Intermarriage Touches Your Life" or "Launching a Capital and Endowment Campaign" or "Cancer, Chronic Illness, and Mental Illness: Caring Community for Patient and Family". Hey, it's a clear night in Toronto -- "When I wish upon a star ... "
Here's what I'm talking about: While I was attending a Learning Session on "Tot Shabbat: New Tools for Engaging Young Families and Strengthening Your Congregation's Membership", I wasn't able to sit in on "Addressing Extreme Poverty: Best Practices for Global Engagement" (Social Action) or "Baby Boomers as the New Congregational Majority" (Membership & Programming) or "The Impact of Day Schools on the Reform Movement" (Education) or "Overseeing the Financial Health of Your Congregation" (Business & Finance) or "Living Moments in Time: Creating a Meaningful Synagogue Museum" (Beautification) or "Synagogue-Federation Relations" (Community Collaboration) or "Managing Conflict in Congregational Life" (Leadership & Management) or "Revitalizing High Holiday Worship" (Worship & Music) or "Rewriting the Israel Story: New Paradigms for Israel Engagement" (Israel Committee) or "Different Faces at Our Table: Welcoming the New Jewish Family" (Inclusion and Identity). Okay, back to what I did take home from today:
-a memorable conclusion to the PDRJ conference, that I know will be followed by ongoing networking and support with this terrific association of Program Directors around the country
-Biennial Greetings from H.E. Miriam Ziv, Ambassador of Israel to Canada
-a late-afternoon prayer service, entirely musical, led by eight Canadian Cantors (We are in Canada, eh?)
-materials for Roger Cone on Brotherhood (I'm returning to the Exhibit Hall tomorrow to see what I can grab for everyone else!)
-Anita Diamant (The Red Tent, The New Jewish Wedding, Living a Jewish Life) speaking on "A New Vision for Reform Judaism"
Looking ahead to tomorrow, I think I'll pass on the "Yoga Shalom" morning, and instead grab a coffee and a good seat for the Morning Addresses by Michael Oren, Israeli Amabassador to the U.S. and Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Also, I'll be sure to introduce myself to Tina Wasserman in advance of her January Culinary Scholars-in-Residence Weekend at Temple.
And then, it's off to "The Forgotten Congregants: Singles, Divorced, and the Challenge of Keeping them Involved and Cared For". But I sure would love some Disney magic to allow me also to see "Green Advocacy: Going Beyond Greening Your Actions" or "How to Create a Youth Culture in Your Synagogue" or "A Ramp Is Not Enough: Broadening Programming and Accessibility" or "When Intermarriage Touches Your Life" or "Launching a Capital and Endowment Campaign" or "Cancer, Chronic Illness, and Mental Illness: Caring Community for Patient and Family". Hey, it's a clear night in Toronto -- "When I wish upon a star ... "
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having an exciting time. Some of the programs you listed have piqued my curiosity. Decisions, decisions...
Beverly