HuJews Conclave
Conclave is an annual international teen and college conference sponsored by the Society for Humanistic Judaism. A most anticipated event, conclave brings together teens who are in grades 8 through 12 and college students from across the United States and Canada for a weekend of fun, insight and discovery. Conclave enables young Humanistic Jews to connect with peers from across North America, discover more about Humanism and become more connected to their religion. Although the locations and themes change each year, each Conclave includes discussions, workshops, sightseeing, a community service activity, Humanistic Shabbat and Havdala services and much more. Workshop topics vary from a movie discussion, to role-playing activities or conversations about identity or Humanistic Judaism self-defense.
Download registration materials here.
Conclave 2009: April 17-19, 2009, Michigan
2009 Conclave Schedule
Theme: Environmental Ethics
Friday April 17, 2009
3:30 Conclave begins at the Birmingham Temple
6:00 Shabbat and Dinner
9:00 Night Hike
10:00-1:00 Free Time
Saturday April 18, 2009
9:30-12:15 Workshops
12:15-2:00 Lunch and Free Time
2:00-5:00 Outdoor Initiatives
6:00-8:00 Dinner and Havdala
8:00-9:30 Community Service
9:30-11:00 Talent Show
11:00-1:00 Free Time
Sunday April 19, 2009
10:30-12:30 Holocaust Memorial Center
12:30-2:00 Lunch and Goodbyes
4:00 Schedule flights AFTER this time.
Note: Schedule is subject to change.
Stories and testimony from past participants
“I was a little nervous for my first conclave because I didn’t know how many of my friends would come or what exactly to expect. But I went, and I had a RIDICULOUS amount of fun. My friends were there, plus I made a bunch of new ones. I can’t wait until the next one!” Carly, Highland Park, IL
“I met new people and got closer to the friends I came with. This year will be my fifth conclave. I wouldn’t stop going if you paid me.” Zak, Washington DC
“I was sort of pushed into my first conclave by a multitude of different sources - my parents, teachers, friends and was tentative about going my first time. But I had an AMAZING time. For the first time, I was able to meet other Humanistic Jews my own age and we had a great experience. It is because of conclave that we were able to start a youth group at mytemple and keep that momentum going.” Callie, Buffalo Grove, IL
"Of course traveling around the U.S. and Canada is fun and getting to see new places is always a perk, but the real reason I come back every year is for the relationships that are made. To be with other HUJEWS when it felt like you were the only one out there is a huge deal, and I love it time and time again.” Nina, Somerville, MA
“I really liked getting to know everyone and having deep conversations late into the night. Connecting with people you’ve just met was really cool, and the outdoor team building activities were fun, too.” Catie, Ann Arbor, MI
“The best part of the conclave for me was seeing Aley enjoy it so much. Aley is new to the movement, and this was her first conclave so she didn’t know very many of the kids there. She’s really outgoing, though, so she met people quickly. She must have liked it a lot because when I came home, Aley was the first person to email me. All she could talk about was how much she enjoyed the weekend, andhow sad she was that it ended. Conclave does that to people. It makes them crazy about being part of Humanistic Judaism.” Jody, Bloomfield Hills, MI
“I loved conclave and met so many friends that I will keep forever. The talent show, although lame at some points, was such a good experience that used the whole group and made us all that much closer. The fact that I’m on the board is nice to know; it means the kids are not discriminatory towards new kids. I made the board because I was voted onto it, not because the conclave advisor chose me. This summer we’re all going to meet in Michigan again because it’s too hard to stay apart for a full year.” Aleya, Deerfield, IL
In this difficult economic climate, SHJ is currently seeking individual and
corporate sponsors to enable teens and college students to participate
in the conclave. For more information, contact SHJ.