What do 5,000 Jews Have in Common?

I shouldn't go away for five days - I have too much to do.  I have work, home, & Temple things to get done.  This is what I was thinking as I was getting ready to fly to San Diego last week for the URJ Biennial. 

Boy was I mistaken!  My time at the Union of Reform Judaism Biennial was worth every minute away from my responsibilities in Vermont.  Mary Markle, Ginny Greenblott, my wife Paula, & I flew across the country together to share ideas and learn from other congregations.  I truly enjoyed spending time with these three women and getting to know Ginny and Mary better.

We heard from other congregations about their successes, their challenges, & their goals.  We learned that we are doing some things really well and got ideas from others for the areas that we want to try.  It was helpful to get perspective that we are way ahead on some areas and that there are ways to grow in the places we want to grow.  We worshipped in small groups and with 5,000 other.  The music, D’var Torah, and praying was a unique experience.

One exciting program is the URJ "Communities of Practice" that "Reimagine" areas of Temples.  These communities are facilitated by an URJ person and consist of representative from 15-25 congregations across the country.  Over 12 the last 12 months, these communities explored ways to improve the B'Nai Mitzvah education, Financial Support, & Membership for their Temple communities.  The participating congregations are changing the way they think about these areas.  We will benefit from these "Communities of Practice" as we learn from them and work to improve each of these areas.

The music, the presentations, recognition of achievements was very uplifting.  Did you know that WRJ (Women of Reform Judaism) is celebrating its 100th anniversary?  President Rabbi Rick Jacobs and Prime Minister Netanyahu had a conversation during one of our sessions.

So, what is next?  At the Friday January 17th service, Mary, Paula, Ginny, & I will be sharing the exciting things we learned.   I hope that you will come.  We are providing Oneg after the service.  The next Biennial is early November 2015 in Orlando.  It is our hope that many from our congregation will attend to share the excitement and bring back ideas and action for our Temple.