FLAGSHIP GATHERINGS
Every two years, Reform Movement leaders and activists come together at North American gatherings that inspire, connect, and educate Jews of all ages. This year, these gatherings broke attendance records, demonstrating a deep desire for communal engagement and worship.
NFTY Convention
In 2017, NFTY Convention brought 1,400 teens, young adults, and congregational leaders to Chicago. From innovative workshops to inspiring keynote presentations and to social service projects around Chicagoland, this convention once again set the tone for a year of positive youth activism and engagement. Highlights included the launch of NFTY’s racial justice campaign, along with continued work on gun violence prevention, refugee rights, and LBGTQ inclusivity.
Consultation on Conscience
Every two years, the URJ social justice community comes together at the Consultation on Conscience in Washington, D.C. With more than 800 attendees, the 2017 event was the largest in history and twice the size of past Consultations. Attendees were joined by leaders, activists, and elected officials from across the U.S.
Photo credit: Ralph Alswang for the Religious Action Center
2017 Biennial
The 2017 Biennial, a sold-out event with 6,000 people in attendance, was our largest Biennial ever. Throughout the five-day event, congregational, community, and teen leaders came together to learn from the best on topics ranging from worship to social justice. With more than 160 learning sessions offering participants new skills and perspectives, as well as a network of peers to inspire and motivate each other, participants left Boston well equipped to lead change efforts in their home communities.
"This was my first Biennial and it was well worth it! As a congregational leader, I am often consumed by local issues and concerns. For me, the Biennial placed those issues in the context of a greater movement that can collectively overcome our challenges and amplify our impact as a force for good."
— Rob Raich
President, Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, NY
