We are thrilled to announce that the Unorthodox Podcast, the universe's leading Jewish podcast, will be doing a live show at the Convening on Sunday, December 3rd!

Hosted by Stephanie Butnick, Liel Leibovitz, and Joshua Malina, the show brings you News of the Jews, fascinating interviews with guests from diverse backgrounds, and so much more. Produced by Tablet Magazine, the podcast has a passionate audience of tens of thousands of listeners known as the J-Crew. With engaging segments and impressive guests from film icons to intellectuals and elected officials, Unorthodox is a must-listen experience.

Stephanie, Liel, and Joshua will bring their perspectives to topics of core relevance to our Movement, and engage attendees with thought-provoking discussion and hilarious banter.

Join us in unity and celebration as we gather together on Friday evening, kindling the Shabbat spirit as one community. On Saturday morning, embark on a sensory journey through different tastes of Shabbat, an exploration of how it is observed across our communities.

From engaging in a Minyan for All led by Cantor Melanie Blatt, to indulging in the harmonies of Choral Torah with Cantor Josh Ehrlich, embracing the joyful spirit of Ruach Minyan with Rabbi Yosef Goldman, or finding inner peace with Yoga for Yids guided by Hazzan Joanna Dulkin, there is something for everyone.

Connect with keynote speakers Mark Oppenheimer and Rabbi Chaya Rowen Baker, participate in a dynamic Sermon Slam, and discover opportunities for play, exploration, meditation, learning, song, and rest throughout Shabbat.

Be part of this extraordinary gathering as we strengthen our movement and deepen our connection to the beauty and richness of Shabbat. We'll keep you updated as we add new elements to the Shabbat Experience.

We are excited to offer over 60 breakout sessions on topics relevant to today’s Conservative/Masorti Jews, including synagogue security, text study, spirituality, member engagement, youth education, musical innovations, volunteer leadership, rabbinic and cantorial partnerships, and more.

From mental health to synagogue sustainability, from Jewish lifecycles to the Jewish State, from celebrating our historic past to prophesying our vibrant future, there will be opportunities to learn from today’s great thinkers and to converse with each other as we build our movement together.

Watch out for next month’s email with a full list of sessions and speakers.

"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other’s gold.” 

One of the things I always look forward to at conventions is seeing friends whom I haven’t seen in awhile. I’ve reunited with college friends, hung out with fellow USCJ volunteers, and had the chance to meet people in person whom I’ve only seen in zoom squares. 

This year, I’m excited about the opportunity to make new friends, especially since it’s the first time we’ve had a truly movement-wide convening in decades. I’m looking forward to connecting with clergy, professionals, and lay leaders from across the world and planning to make many new friends. I expect we’ll leave feeling more connected to each other and inspired about the possibilities for the Conservative/Masorti movement! 

Another highlight for me is the Shabbaton. I love the energy of hundreds of us together on Shabbat, singing and dancing (yes, I will be one of the ones dancing). It’s more ruach than one could imagine unless you’ve experienced it! 

Finally, I plan to bring an empty bag and fill it up with Chanukah gifts from our shuk of exhibitors. There’s nothing like getting in some last-minute Chanukah shopping. 

I have no doubt that between my newfound friends, a soul filled with ruach, and a suitcase of goodies, I’ll leave our convening full of light to shine into Chanukah. I hope to see you there! 

Explore historical landmarks and world class museums like the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum, the Jewish Museum of Baltimore, the National Aquarium, Fell's Point, the Lewis Museum, B&O Railroad Museum, Maryland Science Center, and the Historic Ships in Baltimore.

We've handpicked some must-see spots that will greatly enhance your Convening experience. 

Early Bird Registration for the Conservative/Masorti Shabbaton & Convening ends September 1, 2023.