Sage Advice For a New Biennial Attendee

By Ellen Alexander
On the way to work this morning, I called Grammy.  Grammy is a wonderful woman who, right after I married my husband – her Shawn!, adopted me as one of her very own grandchildren.  She is a gem, and I love her dearly. We talked a bit and then I shared, “Grammy, I wanted to let you know I will be at the URJ Biennial Convention in Washington, DC, one week from today.”

“That is wonderful, Dearie! I have to been to 15 or so myself.  When you go, you listen, learn and meet new people; and, you bring something of interest back to your synagogue, your camp and most importantly your family,” she said glowingly.  I could hear in her voice how excited she is for me!  

I know next week is going to be a whirlwind.  I hope my feet are as ready as my heart.  I am thrilled to be a part of the largest Biennial in the URJ’s history. I will have the pleasure of working with my colleagues from across the URJ – many who are now friends, and many more who I have never met.  I am also prepared for the special Jewish moments that I can experience only at the Biennial; celebrating Shabbat with thousands of people is going to be something else.I am proud to be attending as part of the strong staff delegation from Jacobs Camp.  J.C. and Gary have major Convention portfolios, and are going to be very busy. Sandy, who so ably runs the camp office, was asked to help in the Biennial office, and she is very excited. And, while I will have an assortment of convention responsibilities, my primary mission is to meet and connect with as many Jacobs Camp friends and supporters as possible – our alumni from across the country who will be in attendance, and the many folks from the Deep South who will be attending as representatives of their congregations. 

I also hope I will be able to connect our alumni and supporters with each other – and, hopefully, with some of our alumni and friends who live in the DC Metro Area!  In an effort to try to get everyone to one place at the same time (a tall order), we are hosting an alumni gathering on Saturday afternoon, December 17^th.

 Please join us for:
3 ADs & J.C. in D.C.
D.C.-Area Alumni and Alumni Biennial Attendees
Saturday, December 17^th, from 4:30-6:00 PM
 
Gaylord Hotel National Harbor
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD
Come see Anna Blumenfeld, Scott Price, Gary Brandt AND Jonathan “J.C.” Cohen!
Beer and Appetizers provided

I will do my best to have every HSJ alumni at this informal, fun gathering.  There are about 45 attending, so call your friends and tell them you want to see them.  The Gaylord National Harbor has a million cool family friendly things to do prior to the gathering.  I do hope to see you there!After the Biennial is over, I hope to report back to Grammy about the many smiling faces I encountered, the beautiful songs I heard and the ruach that will carry me until Biennial 2013.