Hi - my name is Barbara Shuman and I live in Pittsburgh. PA, where I am a member of Temple Sinai. I am also a member of the Union's National Board, a past president of the Pennsylvania Council (one of Union's 14 Regions) and from 1988 - 2005 I was the coordinator of the Kallah program. I am now a member of the Joint Commission on Worship, Music and Religious Living and for the past 9 years have coordinated the Jewish Meditation Kallah (sponsored by Lev Shalom, in association with the Union). In Pittsburgh, I am a VP of the Agency for Jewish Learning and co-chair of its Adult Learning committee.

I consider myself a serious Jew, and a lifelong learner. I am currently studying mussar and chasidic texts with several chevruta (study partners), and learning how to knit so I can make a sweater for my 3 month old granddaughter!

I recently completed the two-year Morei Derekh training program, under the auspices of Yedidya Center for Jewish Spiritual Direction Spiritual Direction is a relationship in which one dedicates a regular period of time to the exploration of the divine presence in one’s life. Spiritual companions (or “directors”) support individuals as they seek to deepen their relationship with the holy. It is a blessing to accompany others on their spiritual journey and, by paying attention, to become more aware of God in every moment.

I attended my first UAHC Biennial convention in 1981 (that was the year of the great blizzard, when they served hundreds of meals in the halls of the convention because no one could leave the hotel!). That makes this my 14th Biennial! I have to admit I am looking forward to going this year with greater anticipation than 26 years ago, when I had no idea what lay in store for me. (I'm also sure that it won't be snowing in San Diego!) I am most excited about praying with 5000 people from Mishkan T'filah, our movement's new prayerbook. I am also looking forward to the meditation services which are among the options for weekday services, and to studying with HUC-JIR faculty Rachel Adler and Bill Cutter. I am already trying to store up extra hours of sleep in anticipation of those fabulous late night entertainment and song sessions. And it will be thrilling to be there to celebrate as Debbie Friedman is honored as the inaugural recipient of the Alex Schindler Distinguished Service Award, and to rejoice with the Women of Reform Judaism as the new Women's Torah Commentary is released.

I am really looking forward to being one of many sets of eyes and ears for the first ever Biennial Blog and to sharing my impressions. The biennial can be overwhelming - there is too much for any one person to see, hear and do and it will be fascinating to read about what catches the attention of other bloggers.

The biennial program that I am most excited about is the Thursday afternoon forum on "Mysticism and Spirituality". At last, this subject is "out" of the Reform Jewish closet. I have long embraced this area of our tradition and I am thrilled that the biennial is shining a spotlight on it.