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OU Biennial National Convention in Jerusalem 2008

Wednesday, November 26th - Sunday, November 30th

The next Orthodox Union Convention takes place in November 2008 from Jerusalem!
At the forefront of the coalition to keep Jerusalem united, the OU is holding the next national Convention in Jerusalem to show support for the city.
The Convention will include activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel, touring with a special focus on maintaining the Jewish identity of Jerusalem, and visits to Yeshivot and Seminaries will be arranged for families whose children will be studying in Israel the following year.

OU member synagogues may designate up to eight delegates (subject to size of congregation) to send to the Convention.
Travel and hotel costs for delegates are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules. Please check with your tax advisor for details.
We encourage and warmly welcome additional participation from shul members (although tax benefits apply solely to official delegates).

DATES & PRICES:
Convention Only Package: Wednesday evening, November 26th - Sunday morning, November 30th
$799 per person, double occupancy*
$1009 per person, single occupancy*
Pre-Convention Touring with Convention Package: Sunday evening, November 23rd - Sunday morning, November 30th
$1159 per person, double occupancy*
$1369 per person, single occupancy*

*Flights and registration not included (registration fee of $54/person or $100 maximum/family)
"EARLY BIRD SPECIAL": $100 discount for a limited time only!

Packages include lodging at the Renaissance Hotel, all weekday meals (except pre-Convention day dinners on your own), all Shabbat meals, Melave Malka, touring, and taxes.
Additional nights may be booked at the hotel before and/or after the mission at a special OU rate.

SPECIAL GUESTS:
Rabbi Yona Metzger, Rabbi Shlomo Amar, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Zev Leff, Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Mrs. Shira Smiles, Rabbi Steven Weil, and Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb

The Renaissance Hotel in Jerusalem
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/jrsrn-renaissance-jerusalem-hotel

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Frank Buchweitz: 212-613-8188
Allyson Gur-Aryeh: 212-613-8124 or

REGISTER NOW for the "EARLY BIRD SPECIAL" DISCOUNT!
For more information about registration, please contact: Miriam Ganz at 212-613-8198

Reservations held only when accompanied by payment.


The Orthodox Union National Convention 2008

TENTATIVE ITINERARY
Subject to Change

Learning opportunities include Daf Yomi, Nach Yomi, and Mishmar.

TRACK A: ‘3000 Years in 36 Hours’
Participants on "Track A" will spend their week exploring the fascinating path of Jewish history, from the earliest days of Tanach through to the miracles of the modern State of Israel. In addition to touring relevant sites - many of them for the first time even to seasoned visitors - we will enrich our trip with speakers ranging from archaeologists to experts on the Beit HaMikdash to people who experienced the War of Independence personally.
Monday, November 24, 2008: Jerusalem: The Eternal City
Highlights include:
• The newest excavations at the City of David
• A peek into the troubled world of Second Temple Jewry, in many ways so similar to our own time
• An in-depth look at the Second Temple with a presentation of a model of the Beit HaMikdash
Tuesday, November 25, 2008: Wanderings: A day in the footsteps of the Jewish people after the fall of Jerusalem
Highlights include:
• The new excavation at Tel Yavne
• The incredible site of Tzippori, home of Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi
• Bet Shearim, the necropolis of the Tannaim and Amoraim
Wednesday, November 26, 2008: In the Days of the Judges
Highlights include:
• Visits to the Mishkan site in Shilo
• “Blessings & Curses” on Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Eival
• A tour of Shmuel HaNavi’s stomping grounds
• Explore the journey needed to reach the “menucha venahala,” the final holy place in Jerusalem
Thursday, November 27, 2008: Jerusalem Day: The People, The Politics & The Paratroopers
Visiting political and non-political figures and places to further inform our thinking on our capital city.
• In the footsteps of our soldiers in ’67
• ‘Storm the city through Lion’s Gate’
• The Supreme Court building
• The Foreign Ministry
• Ammunition Hill
• The Security Fence
Friday, November 28, 2008: Yad Vashem

TRACK B: ‘Because it is an Exceedingly Good Land: Adventures all over Israel’
Participants on "Track B" will tour different regions of the country, gaining a new understanding of the historic roots in Tanach and history, as well as meeting the people and learning what new delights Eretz Yisrael has to offer today. Discover parts of the country you never see on the usual tour!
Monday, November 24, 2008: Northern Negev
Highlights include:
• A visit to Sderot & the Hesder Yeshiva
• ‘Honey and Heroism’ in Kibbutz Yad Mordechai
• The historic and natural wonders of the Besor Park
Tuesday, November 25, 2008: Northern Coast: A day in the footsteps of the Jewish people after the fall of Jerusalem
Highlights include:
• Diving for the “techelet snail” at the Dor beach
• A visit to the illegal immigration detention center in Atlit
• Meeting the kids and staff at the Yemin Orde youth village, a center for “kibbutz galuyot” in the Carmel Mountains
• A cultural encounter in the Druse village of Daliyat al Carmel
Wednesday, November 26, 2008: Tel Aviv and the Center
Highlights include:
• Tours of the early neighborhoods of Tel Aviv, celebrating its centennial in 2009
• A visit to the Yemenite community of Rosh HaAyin
• The deaf and blind theater and restaurant complex in Jaffa
• Shopping and Hi Tech in Herzliya
Thursday, November 27, 2008: Jerusalem Day: The People, The Politics & The Paratroopers
Visiting political and non-political figures and places to further inform our thinking on our capital city.
• In the footsteps of our soldiers in ’67
• ‘Storm the city through Lion’s Gate’
• The Supreme Court building
• The Foreign Ministry
• Ammunition Hill
• The Security Fence
Friday, November 28, 2008: Jerusalem Walking Tour



Register online!

Pricing


"Early Bird Special" available for a Limited Time Only!

DATES & PRICES:

Convention Only Package: Wednesday evening, November 26th - Sunday morning, November 30th
$799 per person, double occupancy*
$1009 per person, single occupancy*

Pre-Convention Touring and Programming with Convention Package: Sunday evening, November 23rd - Sunday morning, November 30th
$1159 per person, double occupancy*
$1369 per person, single occupancy*

*Flights and registration not included (registration fee of $54/person or $100 maximum/family)

"EARLY BIRD SPECIAL": $100 discount per person for a Limited Time Only!

Packages include lodging at the Jerusalem Renaissance Hotel, all weekday meals (except pre-Convention day dinners on your own), all Shabbat meals, Melave Malka, touring, and taxes.

Additional nights may be booked at the hotel before and/or after the mission at a special OU rate.

Reservations held only when accompanied by payment.

Featured Guests


FEATURED GUESTS:

Rabbi Yona Metzger - Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel

Rabbi Shlomo Amar - Rishon leZion of Israel

Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau - Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, Former Chief Rabbi of Medinat Yisrael

Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks - Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth

Rabbi Zev Leff - Rav of Matityahu, noted Rosh Yeshiva, lecturer, and author

Rabbi Hershel Schachter - noted Rosh Yeshiva, lecturer, and author

Mrs. Shira Smiles - lecturer, teacher, and curriculum developer

Shlomo Katz - musician, Israeli recording star

Rabbi Steven Weil - currently Rabbi of Beth Jacob Congregation, Beverly Hills, California; OU Executive Vice President-designate

Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb - OU Executive Vice President

Contact


FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONVENTION, PLEASE CONTACT:
- Frank Buchweitz, 212-613-8188
- Allyson Gur-Aryeh, 212-613-8124 or

TO REGISTER NOW FOR THE "EARLY BIRD SPECIAL" (for a Limited Time Only!), PLEASE CONTACT:
Miriam Ganz at 212-613-8198 or self-register online using our "Register Now!" link

Reservations held only when accompanied by payment.


FOR CELL PHONE RENTALS IN ISRAEL PROVIDED BY TALK N SAVE, PLEASE VISIT:
http://www.talknsave.net/groups/oum.asp

If you live in the U.S. and wish to receive your cell phone before your departure to Israel, that option is available for a fee of $12 for ground delivery or $25 for UPS overnight. You must bring the cell phone back to the U.S. with you after the trip to return it to the American Talk n Save office.
For those who pick up their cell phones in Israel, you must return them in Israel. A return envelope is provided for easy mailing. A $5 deduction will be taken from your security deposit for postage. There is also an option to return the phones at the Giv'at Sha'ul office of Talk n Save (a short ride from the Jerusalem Bus Station) to save the $5 fee.