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Starting this week and going through the weekend, over 5,000 Reform Jews are gathering in Boston for our movement’s Biennial convention. The importance of this gathering to Reform Judaism cannot be understated: with challenges of authenticity coming from certain segments of Israel, with declining rates of affiliation affecting not only Reform but all denominations of Judaism in our country, with our institutions balancing a grand mission with meager resources, the conversations will be surely be spirited.

While the Biennial will address the challenges impacting our movement, the convention program also features many of the highlights of contemporary Reform Judaism: innovative worship with the emphasis on music and engaging speakers, including Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the President of the Union for Reform Judaism (who will also be speaking at Temple Sinai as we launch our 50th year of celebration on January 19), Krista Tippett from NPR’s On Being, author Anita Diamant, and James Beard Award-winning executive chef Michael Solomonov, to name just a few. The convention will also bring together lay leaders, Jewish professionals, and thousands of people who are either proud Reform Jews or who are just plain curious about what would happen when we all get together. (As I recall the adage “2 Jews, 3 opinions,” I wonder how many opinions will be expressed when 5,000 Jews get together!)

Temple Sinai is sending a proud delegation comprised of lay-leaders, congregants, clergy and staff. Surely they will return to Atlanta energized with new ideas to try at Sinai and new initiatives that will inspire all facets of Sinai life. We are grateful that they are serving as our emissaries and look forward to the inspired conversations that will take place moving forward.

For those of us who were not able to attend in person we can still view certain programs digitally. Click the following link for a livestream schedule: http://www.cvent.com/events/urj-biennial-2017/custom-126-787082dfce8940c9a72f2246c5208ab9.aspx.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

Brad