Today the biennial formally began. We made our way over to the convention center, checked in, and received our credentials. The first event was the formal opening of the URJ Book and Music Store. Looks like they have some great material available. As part of the opening, there was a short concert by Julie Silver, Dan Nichols, and Doug Cotler. Behind the URJ Book and Music Store a stage is set up for short performances by a variety of Jewish singers throughout the day. We caught a set by Jeff Klepper before the first learning session.
During the first 3 days of the biennial we will each have an opportunity to attend 6 learning sessions (workshops) lasting 90 minutes each. The first session I attended was called "Creating and Sustaining a Culture of Leadership In Your Congregation". I have some great ideas to share with the other leaders at the temple as well as our nominating committee. The second session I attended was called "Tot Shabbat: New Tools for Engaging Young Families and Strengthening Your Congregation's Membership". Again, lots of good ideas. A bonus of attending this session was a free copy of the URJ's new book The Tot shabbat Handbook.
The URJ is currently going through a transition in their organizational structure. Previously the URJ was divided into 14 regional offices. Those offices have now been disbanded and replaced with subject matter specialists and congregational representatives. Rabbi Golomb and I had an appointment to meet with one of the education specialists to discuss a visioning process for our religious school. I'm looking forward to the feedback from the specialist.
After a break for dinner, the first plenary session started. There were welcoming remarks from the URJ professional and lay leadership. The 2 main speeches tonight were from Avishay Braverman who is the Minister of Minority Affairs in Israel and Anita Diamant. Minister Braverman discussed a number of issues in Israel and our impact on them. He is focussed on ensuring the rights of Israeli Arabs. Anita Diamant discussed her vision for Reform Judaism. Following the speeches was a great concert by Beth Schafer and Julie Silver.
Seth
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Seth, I'm enjoying your blog. It brings back good memories from the 1981 Biennial I attended in Boston (complete with a blizzard which literally nearly blew me away). It's great that you're getting so many new ideas that we can use, as well as general inspiration. --DOI
ReplyDeleteDoi, I'm glad you enjoying the blog. This is the second biennial. The first was in 1981 in Boston :). I attended as a delegate from Temple Judea Mizpah when I was in high school and the youth group president.
ReplyDeleteon Wednesday, I went to a session called the Longevity Revolution: Baby Boomers as the New Congregational majority. It raised a lot of the same issues that we consider as part of member retention. Two women gave accounts of their very involved Jewish lives, one from a more ritual perspective, and the other from a leadership level. Commonalities surrounded a sense of obligation to help or do something, and a need for spiritual involvement. Their suggestions included offering relationships (a point that rang in common across several sessions), as well as opportunities (social and spritual). Most importantly, find out what is important to congregants, such as spiritual, social, their special milestones, or other items of interest. One idea was to sponsor a dinner for couples celebrating 25 (or more) together.
ReplyDeleteThere was an interesting thread on how men tend to be "left out", that a lot of activities are attended more by women. It's a common problem everywhere.
It was particularly interesting to meet the Men's Club President at a temple in central New Jersey. While that temple has 800 member units, we had similar experiences with each respective Men's Club.
Bob