Attending a Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Biennial is always a unique experience and the 69th Biennial in San Diego in December was no exception. What a thrill it was to take part in a Shabbat worship service with 5,000 fellow Reform Jews from all over North America and from countries around the world. At the worship service, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union, called for a greater personal and communal Shabbat observance and charged the attendees to return home to create state coalitions for universal health care and to open dialogue with their Muslim neighbors. We particularly enjoyed reconnecting with former Beth El clergy and former Beth El students who are now themselves members of the clergy.
We participated in relevant, informative workshops, visited the Resource Mall which highlighted the many URJ departments and strolled through the Exhibit Hall filled with vendors of Judaic art and jewelry, synagogue décor and every other Jewish commodity imaginable. We also were treated to a dynamic speech by Michael J. Fox as he accepted the Maurice N. Eisendrath Bearer of Light Award as well as the appearance of Debbie Friedman accepting the inaugural Alexander M. Schindler Award for service to World Jewry.
Visit the Union website (urj.org) for Biennial videos and highlights. Mark your calendar for the next Union Biennial in Toronto November 4–8, 2009 and closer to home, the next URJ Northeast Lakes Regional Biennial in Grand Rapids November 13-16, 2008.

We guarantee that you, too, will return inspired, transformed, energized, excited and engaged with your Judaism and our Union.