By Rabbi Phyllis Sommer

I write this in my cab home from OHare airport at 1am Chicago time. The weather sure is different here! But so is the feeling of being back in the real world. It's a little like leaving camp - going from being surrounded by Jews and wearing a nametag to being a little (okay a lot) more anonymous. I was sad to have to leave early but glad I was able to hear Eric Yoffie's sermon this morning. What a remarkable man he is. I feel so blessed and safe with him as our fearless leader. I look forward to rereading his sermon when it is posted online and sharing it with my congregation. The Biennial was great - buzzing with energy and life and friends who are like family. May blessings follow each and every one of us as we travel in safety back to our homes. Signing off for now but please continue to visit me at my regular blogs: imabima.blogspot.com and rabbiphyllis.blogspot.com. Shavua tov and see you in Toronto!

By Rabbi Phyllis Sommer

1. Drama is good. A little sparkle and flash goes a long way toward creating excitement! The Voice of God that speaks at the Oscars has joined us here at the Biennial as well. (you know, "now presenting...the President of the Academy the Union for Reform Judaism!)
2. There are so many Jews from so many places with similar experiences.
3. Even in California, you need a coat at night!
4. There is a desire amongst the participants (and hopefully translating into the rest of the Jewish community?) for creative and interesting worship and learning experiences.

Reverend Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, in Lake Forest, California took part in a dialogue this evening with Rabbi Laura Geller of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple, Los Angeles moderator by Ron Wolfson, co-founder of Synagogue 3000. This discussion is a must hear for anyone looking to learn how to create and sustain a meaningful community of faith in today’s world. Click on the play button to listen to the entire conversation.

Rabbi Lynn Lansberg, senior advisor on disabilities for the Reform Movement is working hard to make sure we always keep in mind those in our community who are disabled. Click on the play button below to hear a brief conversation with the rabbi.

Rabbi Daniel Freelander addressed the Biennial last night. He took the opportunity to look back at the past few years as well as outlining a vision for the future of the Reform Movement.

What makes our movement healthy? Why are we growing? What feeds and nourishes us?

We grow because of the commitment and innovation that our 900 congregations and their leaders do every day to create a meaningful Judaism for our 320,000 families.

We grow because of the inspired and dedicated leadership of thousands of Temple Presidents, Rabbis, Executive Directors, Board members, Educators, Cantors and committee leaders who resonate to what really matters: the personal Jewish engagement of congregational members in meaningful Jewish experiences.

We grow because of the unique partnership between our synagogue leaders and our congregational Union that allows us to support one another, to share our challenges and successes and to learn from one another.

This Biennial is our opportunity to stand at the top of the mountain of Jewish life, and to survey what we’ve cultivated. We reflect on the journey, and consider what lies ahead.

By Rabbi Phyllis Sommer

I giggled when I got to the airport this morning and found approximately half of the Jewish community of Chicago on my flight. Okay, just kidding...there were only about 10 people going to the Biennial. But it felt like a lot!

There is something wonderful and powerful about being in the airport (O'Hare) in a huge city (Chicago) and feeling like you know everyone.

In a sense, that is also what the Biennial is like for me. There are literally thousands of people here and yet I feel like I can't walk two feet without giving someone a hug! It's so wonderful to see so many Jews all in one place, to know that we all speak the same language (both literally and figuratively) and that we are all here together to celebrate our Jewish lives and our Jewish community.

Social Action is at the core of Reform Judaism and the Biennial is the perfect place to put our values into action. Rabbi Marla Feldman, director of the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism explains that there are many opportunities to pursue justice, such as the Adopt-a-Soldier and Nothing But Nets campaigns, during the 69th Biennial in San Diego. Click on the play button below to learn more.