This July 16-19 the Union comes together for our annual Summer Family Conference, centered on the theme, A Future and a Hope.

We’re delighted to welcome guest speakers Eitan Shishkoff and Stuart Winograd.

Other schedule highlights include the return of the Union Klezmer Band, orchestrated by Rabbi Dr. Rich Nichol, morning Torah study groups, engaging breakout sessions, a screening of Greg Silverman’s documentary on the pioneers of Messianic Jewish worship, and Saturday evening concert by Paul Wilbur.

Early Bird Registration (ends 4/21)

Adults: $275
Teens and Young Adults up to 35: $200
Child: $115
Nursery: $80

 

Regular Registration (4/22-7/2)

Adults (19+): $325
Teens (13-18): $225
Child: $125
Nursery: $90

for the whole family

 

UNION Teens

Dynamic duo Vadim and Maricarmen Birman serve our Union Teens (13-HS) and have a field trip to a local kayaking spot planned, a study for the week, and games galore.

Camp Union Kids

We offer an enriching environment for kids (5-12) to connect with fellow Messianic children. Activities include learning about Jewish values through fun crafts, games, singing, and culminate in a movie night and shekel shop!

Nursery

We provide a safe and engaging environment for our little ones (ages 0-K), so that you can fully enjoy Torah Study Groups, workshops, and plenary sessions.

Spiritual Growth

Learn from top-notch teachers and scholars in breakout and plenary sessions, and engage with like-minded believers in daily Torah Study groups.

Fellowship and Relax

Relax with friends on the lawn, explore the beautiful and historic region, and connect with mishpocha over breakfast.

Sponsors and Vendors

Receive great benefits and become a Union Sponsor or Vendor today. Email us at office@umjc.org to learn more.

Location

The conference will be held at the Marriott Boston Newton (2345 Commonwealth Ave #7, Auburndale, MA 02466).

We have a room block through June 20, 2025. After this date, our block is released and the rate may be different and rooms availability is not guaranteed.

Breakfast is included in our room rate of $189 (up to two people. Triple and quad occupancy may increase room rate) .

Boston Area

Take advantage of our hotel location and extend your stay to enjoy historic and beautiful New England.

You might be wondering…

  1. Will the food be Kosher? We serve Kosher-style menus at Union conferences.

    • No treif is served in our meals (pork, shellfish, etc.) 

    • Meat and dairy are not served in the same meal (including condiments and desserts) 

    • We include a fish and/or vegetarian option at all meals 

    If you would like to order certified-Kosher meals, please email office@umjc.org.

  2. What if I register but later need to cancel?

    If you are unable to attend the Summer Family Conference, refunds can be requested through July 2, 2025. No refunds will be given after July 2, 2025.

  3. Is there an airport shuttle?

    The hotel does not offer an airport shuttle. The closest airports is Boston Logan International Airport.

  4. When should I book my flights?

    The kick-off BBQ will be at 5PM on Wednesday, July 16 and the conference concludes on Saturday night, July 19 after the Paul Wilbur concert. Many families will want to arrive early or stay later to enjoy the area.

  5. Is parking included?

    Parking is not included, though we have a discounted overnight self-parking rate of $4 (typically $16).

Business meetings

Executive Committee Members, Regional Directors, Steering Committee Members, and Delegates, please note the following days/times:

  • Monday, 7/14 Executive Committee Meeting (9AM-5PM)

  • Tuesday, 7/15 Regional Directors Meeting (9AM-Noon)

    Steering Committee Meeting (2-5PM)

    Delegates Reception (7-8:30PM)

  • Wednesday, 7/16 Delegates Meeting (9AM-5PM)

 

conference schedule

Monday, July 14: Pre-Conference Meetings Begin

  • All day: Executive Committee Meeting

  • Afternoon: Steering Committee members arrive and check-in

Tuesday, July 15:

  • Morning: Regional Directors Meeting

  • Afternoon: Steering Committee Meeting, Delegates arrive and check-in

  • Evening: Delegate Welcome Reception at the hotel (hors d’oeuvres)

Wednesday, July 16: Main Conference Begins

  • All Day: Annual Delegate Meeting at the hotel (lunch provided for Delegates) *Sisterhood lunch and walk for any women arriving early

  • Afternoon: Main Conference attendees arrive and check-in

  • Evening: Welcome Family Picnic at hotel

  • Evening: Sisterhood meet n greet after Welcome Picnic

Thursday, July 17:

  • All Day: Teens Kayaking Trip

  • Morning: Torah Study Groups & Workshops

  • Afternoon:

    • Young Adults Outing and Schmooze (TBA)

    • Sisterhood Tour of Jewish Boston (Only for those who can walk extensively and on uneven ground; unfortunately not suitable for strollers.)

  • Evening: Plenary Speaker Stewart Winograd

Friday, July 18:

  • Morning: Torah Study Groups & Workshops 

  • Afternoon:

    • Screening of Pioneers of Messianic Worship, documentary by Greg Silverman

    • Sisterhood: “Women’s Experiences of Antisemitism/Anti-Zionism: Combatting it with Hope.”

  • Evening:

    • Kabbalat Shabbat Service

    • Family-style Shabbat Dinner (meal included in registration)

Saturday, July 19:

  • Morning:

    • Torah Study Groups

    • Shabbat Morning Service, Rabbi Paul Saal speaking

    • Shabbat Luncheon (lunch included in registration)

  • Afternoon:

  • Evening: PAUL WILBUR live in concert, message from Eitan Shiskoff.

 
 
 
 

Musical Matters at Summer Conference

We have a number of opportunities for musicians to come together at Summer Conference. We’re launching a Worship Collective, a string quartet, a brass quartet, plus the Union Klezmer Band returns for a second year. See below for details.

 
 
 
 
 

Union Klezmer Band

Join us trumpet, trombone, tuba, cello, violin, viola, flute, clarinet, alto and tenor sax, banjo, mandolin, accordion and guitar players!  

Commit to attend the two Klezmer Workshops during the conference so we can play great together as a band. We will perform three numbers at the Shabbat dinner on Friday evening.

Here’s how to sign up: 

  1. Check out your level of proficiency by looking at the printed music for your instrument. You can find the printed music here.

  2. Complete the Klezmer Band Registration form.

  3. Print out and practice the music for your instrument.

  4. Listen to the songs on YouTube:

    1. Avraham Avinu (Traditional Ladino Song)

    2. Russian Sher

    3. Mazel Tov Mechtonim

  5. Show up at the conference ready to meet new musician friends and to have fun playing some of the wonderful Jewish music of our ancestors.

Worship Collective


We're looking for musicians and vocalists as we form three difference groups.

  1. The Union String Quartet will feature violin, viola, cello, and bass (but isn't limited to just four musicians). 

  2. The Union Brass Quartet will be comprised of 2 trumpets, tuba, and trombone (also isn't limited to just four musicians). 

  3. The Union Worship Collective will bring together musicians and vocalists with the goal of forming a worship band, launching a worship album, and assembling a group of experienced music producers to serve the Collective. 

    1. Do you have an original compilation that you'd like to feature in the Union Worship Collective? If you do not have a professional recording of your songs, a demo recording through GarageBand or similar will work. Please submit your songs charts/chords with their accompanying audio to: MatthewAbsolon@Gmail.com

    2. Are you a music producer or have experience in the world of Music? Would you like to serve the UMJC? Please reach out and collaborate with us. Please text Matt Absolon: 786-246-3650.

    3. Do you love to lead in worship? We are looking for musicians for the Union Worship Collective. Please be sure to indicate your instrument, whether you can read sheet music for your selected instrument, and select your experience(Beginner 3-5yrs; Intermediate 5-10yrs; Advanced 10+ Years). Email: MatthewAbsolon@Gmail.com