The [2006] conference was wonderful. The friendliness of the hotel staff, the many significant discussions with various people, the exciting subject matter of the various tracks, the great dinners, the various talks, panel discussions, meeting new people, renewing friendships ... all of this contributed to a wonderful experience for me and the conviction that we have locked in with the right crowd.

The conference schedule builds on the educational track format introduced at our 2006 conference, which received rave reviews. The UMJC has always included many well-known and gifted teachers, and we have a special role within the Messianic Jewish community of providing outstanding educational resources. This has now become a feature of our annual conferences.  

For 2007, we offer high quality tracks on education, (including "Good ideas you can use: Tzedaka projects for kids of all ages," "Best practices in teaching," and more), outreach, Scripture study on Tikkun Olam, and Israel. A fifth track, "Principles of synagogue growth and development," taught by veteran Messianic Jewish leaders Rich Nichol and Howard Silverman, will include an optional second half for those who take the class toward UMJC licensure. And, as always, we will have a full, exciting program for youth. Whether you lead a congregation, are brand-new to Messianic Judaism, or fall somewhere in between, the educational experience at this conference will equip you to be part of restoring the world for Messiah.

Keynote speakers include Gavriel Gefen from Jerusalem, who has an international outreach to indigenous tribes, Rabbi Jason Sobel, Dr. Jeffrey Feinberg, and UMJC President Rabbi Jamie Cowen. Thursday night features a musical program, including a walk through Messianic musical history with pioneer Rabbi Stuart Dauermann, Echad from New Haven, CT, Alicia Smith from Chicago, and more.

This conference is hosted by four Chicago area UMJC congregations, who are eager to welcome participants from around the world with the finest in hospitality. The congregations are developing a hands-on project in which conference participants will help meet a need within the local community and learn about Tikkun Olam first hand.

And finally, the venue is fabulous-for children and youth as well as adults! The Lincolnshire Marriott is the only 4-Diamond resort in Illinois. Just 25 minutes from O'Hare International Airport, set on 190 wooded acres of Chicago's North Shore, it features an 18-hole championship golf course and racquet club, indoor and outdoor pools, hiking and bicycle trails, and an award-winning live musical theater. Of course, you won't have much time for all that with the outstanding conference offerings, but you can always stay an extra day or two.

We've asked you to save the date-July 25-28. Now you can see why you need be there!

Susan Feldman, Conference Committee Chair