This June 24-27 the Union comes together for our annual Summer Family Conference.

Schedule highlights include the return of the Union Klezmer Band, orchestrated by Rabbi Dr. Rich Nichol, morning Torah study groups, engaging breakout sessions, and night of worship on Saturday evening, led by Jamie and David Boskey.

Be sure to complete both steps!

1) Conference registration

2) Hotel and meal package registration through Ridgecrest

For the Whole Family

Union Teens

Union Teens (13-HS) will enjoy time to connect with friends over laser tag and mini golf, enriching Bible studies, and games galore.

Camp Union Kids

We offer an enriching environment for kids (4-12) 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 0-3), so that you can fully enjoy Torah Study Groups, workshops, and plenary sessions.

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

Relax with friends over a game of pickleball or volleyball, enjoy hiking the beautiful region, and connect with mishpocha over community meals.

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

Location

The conference will be held at the Ridgecrest Conference Center (1 Ridgecrest Dr, Black Mountain, NC 28711).

We have a room block (hotel style rooms, no cabins) through June 4, 2026. After this date, our block is released and the rate may be different and rooms availability is not guaranteed.

When you make your room reservation, you will also purchase a meal package, which includes community dining for each day. This will be reflected in the room rate. All meals will be held at Ridgecrest.

Asheville Area

Take advantage of our amazing location outside of Asheville and extend your stay in the breathtakingly beautiful Western North Carolina area.

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 by May 31, 2026.

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 June 10, 2026. No refunds will be given after this date.

3. What meals are included?

   All meals are included beginning with dinner on Wednesday through breakfast on Sunday. A meal package will be included with your room reservation.

4. Is there an airport shuttle?

   Ridgecrest does not offer an airport shuttle. The closest airport is Asheville Regional Airport. Ridgecrest is located 15 miles east of Asheville, North Carolina, on Interstate 40 at Exit 66.

5. When should I book my flights?

   The kick-off event will be at 5PM on Wednesday, June 24 and the conference concludes on Saturday night, June 27.

6. Is parking included?

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

7. What if I’m not staying at another nearby location or live in the area? Can I still attend?

   Yes, you can register for the conference without staying at the conference center. For guests who will not be staying overnight, there is a campus access fee is $25 per person aged 12 years or older.

Business Meetings

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

• Monday, 6/22 Executive Committee Meeting (9AM-5PM)

• Tuesday, 6/23 Regional Directors Meeting (9AM-Noon)

  Steering Committee Meeting (2-5PM)

  Delegates Reception (7-8:30PM)

• Wednesday, 6/24 Delegates Meeting (9AM-5PM)

Conference Schedule

Monday, June 22: Pre-Conference Meetings Begin

• All day: Executive Committee Meeting

• Afternoon: Steering Committee members arrive and check-in

Tuesday, June 23:

• Morning: Regional Directors Meeting

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

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

Wednesday, June 24: Main Conference Begins

• All Day: Annual Delegate Meeting at the hotel (lunch provided for Delegates)

• Afternoon: Main Conference attendees arrive and check-in

• Evening: Welcome Family Dinner

• Evening: Sisterhood meet n greet after Welcome Picnic

Thursday, June 25:

• All Day: Teens Laser Tag and Mini Golf

• Morning: Torah Study Groups & Workshops

• Afternoon:

  • Young Adults Outing

  • Sessions

• Evening: Opening Plenary Session

Friday, June 26:

• Morning: Torah Study Groups & Workshops 

• Afternoon: Sisterhood Session

• Evening:

  • Kabbalat Shabbat Service

  • Family-style Shabbat Dinner

Saturday, June 27:

• Morning:

  • Torah Study Groups

  • Shabbat Morning Service, Ben Weisman speaking

  • Shabbat Luncheon

• Afternoon:

  • Family Activities, sponsored by Ashreinu School

• Evening: Worship Night led by Jamie and David Boskey