Our day began at 7am with our Ayelet breakfast and discussion on the next “potential” High Holy Day prayerbook. A very interesting discussion took place. After that program we had our convention service which not only was the shortest one in recent history but more importantly was filled with a great sense of spirit, of Kavanah. The energy in the room with colleagues praying and engaged in worship was as close to the energy of Shabbat services at camp!  It was very cool!

Then our Torah Lishmah sessions, focusing on various subjects that have at the core of their learning some element of text study.   After my session, I was part of a regional meeting with URJ leadership that was informative and thoughtful. The goal of our session was to give us an update of our region (Northern California) and to exchange some thoughts and ideas.   The afternoon session titled “The Challenges of Intermarriage for the Reform Rabbi” was divided into a couple key components. A well put together presentation from the Task Force and small discussion groups. It is always a wonderful experience to build new relationships and to have times to share with colleagues. Then it was time for dinner! This evening I had a wonderful dinner at “Scala’s Bistro” with members of my ordination class (it is our custom to have a “class dinner” at all conventions) we attend. Then we had a wonderful treat. An evening with Peter Sagal, host of NPR’s “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me.”  He was terrific, highly entertaining and hilarious! After that conference highlight we experienced a special evening service commemorating the twentieth year of the inclusion of Openly Gay and Lesbian Rabbis. It was a beautiful service and I especially appreciated the personal stories that were woven into the actual liturgy. Then of course we had a reception on the top of the hotel looking out to see the beautiful late night sky line. Well time for some sleep and then off to our all day look at San Francisco innovations of Jewish life program.