The Orthodox Union’s Biennial National Convention
What does it take to keep 1,000 people happy and attentive over a long Thanksgiving weekend? Plenty of creativity, drive, a touch of inspiration and the sweat of OU lay leadership and staff members devoted to making the convention a success. Judging from the enthusiastic responses of participants, this year’s convention delivered just the right combination of stimulating symposia, ruach and recreation. Look through the lens of photographer, Ed Bernstein, and see for yourself!
Highlights of the OU Convention at a Glance
Theme: Acheinu Kol Beit Yisrael
Special Guests Speakers from Israel
The Honorable Eliyahu Ben Elissar
Israeli Ambassador to the United States
Rishon L’Tzion Eliyahu Bakshi Doron
Sephardic Chief Rabbi
Rabbi Simcha Hakohen Kook
Chief Rabbi, Rehovot
Rabbi Nachman Kahana
Rabbi, Young Israel of the Old City, Jerusalem
Dr. Yaakov Neeman
Senior Partner, Herzog, Fox & Neeman
Outstanding sessions on current Orthodox concerns ranged from the nuclear family, our schools, our shuls, political impact, Eretz Yisrael, inreach and outreach.
Packed lecture rooms greeted virtually all of our 50 speakers. Some of the featured guest speakers were:
Rabbi Meir Goldvicht, Dr. William Helmreich, Malcolm Hoenlein, Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm, Rabbi Dr. Bernard Lander, The Honorable Joseph Lieberman, The Honorable Nita Lowey, Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Dr. Marvin Schick, The Honorable Christopher Shays, The Honorable Sheldon Silver, Rabbi Dr. Moshe D. Tendler, Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski, and Rabbi Mordechai Willig.
Shabbat programming featured nine concurrent shiurim on a wide variety of thought-provoking and inspiring topics…
The gala Banquet on Motzei Shabbat was preceded by a wine-tasting reception featuring Carmel wines and was followed by a concert and ruach provided by Michael Elias and the Neshoma Orchestra…
Our conventioneers enjoyed browsing, shopping and delightful gifts. Many thanks to participating exhibitors, advertisers and sponsors: Achim Hadad, Ahava Skin Care Products, Bank Mizrachi, Sam Philipe, Kibbutz Lavi, Tower of David Museum, Eldan Rent-a-Car, Ketubah Ketubah, Fried Artist Studio, Ben Dor Fine Art, Artist Shuki Friedman, Shoah Foundation, Tower Air, ESY Computer Services, Inc., Carmel Wine, Manischewitz Wine, Kedem Wine.