The Union for Reform Judaism Biennial is that once-every-two-year time when we totally immerse ourselves in our Judaism. Away from the everyday, we take time to explore synagogue life and gather new ideas, study with scholars and celebrate with friends, learn from the pros and each other, and sing and schmooze. Together, we will answer God’s challenge as we explore new horizons in Reform Judaism. Whether you’re a first-timer or a Biennial regular, you’ll find new opportunities for personal and synagogue growth at the URJ Biennials.

Upcoming Program

Union for Reform Judaism Great Lakes Council & Women for Reform Judaism Midwest District Present:

Regional Biennial Convention: "Etz Chaim Hi - Exploring Our Tree of Life"

November 6 - 9, 2008
Pfister Hotel
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Appreciating our environment, enriching our Jewish identity, enhancing our congregations and connecting with new and old friends - these combine to form our tree. Guests include URJ President Rabbi Eric Yoffie, RAC Associate Director Mark Pelavin, URJ Director of Outreach and Membership Kathy Kahn, WRJ Vice President Sharon Benoff and Associate Professor of Bible at HUC-JIR Dr. Andrea Weiss.

The weekend is for leaders and anyone interested in pursuing a special study, worship and community experience. For more information, contact the URJ office at 847-239-6990 or visit the URJ - Great Lakes Council.

Past Programs

Joint Union for Reform Judaism (URJ)/Midwest Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (MFTS)/Midwest Federation of Temple Brotherhoods (MFTB) and Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) Present:

Great Lakes Council Regional Biennial

November 2 - 5, 2006
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Participants enjoyed an enriching, stimulating and spiritual weekend. The Regional Biennial offered an opportunity to meet with new and old friends, study with esteemed scholars, worship with clergy throughout the region, be entertained by some of the Reform Movement’s most exciting artists and to share experiences with congregants and leaders from our area.

Every two years a Regional Biennial Convention takes place. At this latest convention, the URJ Great Lakes Council, MFTS-WRJ District 18, Brotherhood, and Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute joined together at the beautiful, historic Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee.

Some of the speakers were: Robert Heller, Chairman, Board of Trustees, URJ; Rabbi Uri Regev, Executive Director, World Union for Progressive Judaism; Rabbi Elliot Kleinman, Director of Program, URJ; Shelley Lindauer, Executive Director, WRJ; and Aaron Bloom, President, North American Federation of Temple Brotherhoods.

In addition, Temple Jeremiah members played an active role in this year's convention. Stephen and Barbara Miller from Temple Jeremiah's spoke at the Biennial on Temple Jeremiah's program to aid the Waukegan School District. Congregant Susan Ardell talked about the many Outreach initiatives undertaken by Temple Jeremiah. Ilene Abrahams and Lori Goldstein from Temple Jeremiah's Sisterhood were on hand for the Midwest Federation of Temple Sisterhoods portion of the convention.

Union for Reform Judaism and Women of Reform Judaism Assembly Present:

Biennial Convention

November 16 - November 20, 2005
Houston, Texas

To do what’s just and right: a powerful command that echoes through many aspects of our lives. How do we care for the poor, the aging and the needy in our midst? What personnel policies are appropriate for our synagogue staff? How do we introduce the concepts of mitzvah and tzedakah to our children? And how does our Judaism inform our daily lives, whether at home, at work, or in our interactions with our neighbors and friends? God’s challenge to us was the theme of the 68th General Assembly of the Union for Reform Judaism, a time when we will, together, try to answer God’s call.

Some 5,000 Reform Jews gathered to answer God’s challenge. Together, we experienced how Judaism informs our daily lives, at home, at work and in our interactions with our neighbors and friends.