Join us for the Conservative/Masorti Small Congregations Conference for Rabbis, Cantors, and Lay Leaders from Sunday-Tuesday, April 4-6, 2027, hosted by Congregation Or Ami, Houston, TX.
Rabbis, cantors, current/incoming synagogue presidents, and potential synagogue presidents/leaders: You are invited to a conference for those serving small Conservative/Masorti congregations (up to 250 member units), sponsored by the Rabbinical Assembly, the Cantors Assembly, and USCJ.
The conference will include two days of personal and professional growth in a friendly and supportive environment! Bring home fresh ideas, new energy, and deep personal connections to strengthen your congregation for years to come.
Featured speaker: Jessie Katz of Ziv Philanthropy
Join fundraising expert Jessie Katz for engaging, hands-on sessions that will help your small congregation build a stronger financial future. Learn how to tell your congregation's story in ways that inspire generosity, engage your community, and give you the confidence and practical strategies to turn your vision into sustainable support.
Early bird registration is available through January 5, 2027. Sign up today!
Conference begins on Sunday at 2pm and ends on Tuesday at 2pm. Please plan travel accordingly.
Conference Also Includes:
- Tools to strengthen relationships among staff and lay leaders
- Tips on recruiting members, serving current members, reaching a wide geographic area, and going beyond the walls of the synagogue with limited resources
- Opportunities for limmud (learning), tefillah (prayer), and hizzuk (support)
- Learn from each other and network in role-specific small groups as we share new ideas, challenges, and successes
- PLUS: Robust opportunities for informal conversations at meals
This conference is open to all those with RA, CA, or USCJ affiliation in good standing. A USCJ synagogue with a non-RA/CA member clergy, or an RA/CA member at a non-USCJ congregation are both eligible. Participants must be affiliated with at least one of our organizations in order to attend.
Note: for this experience to be most successful, we strongly recommend that there be more than one participant from each congregation. Ideally, a combination of clergy and lay leadership would attend as a team. We strongly encourage clergy and congregations to support each other’s attendance through congregational and discretionary funds.
Fee:
Registration fee: $180 (Early bird: $150 until January 5, 2027)
Includes ALL meals and plenty of snacks from dinner Sunday to lunch Tuesday. Participants are responsible for their own travel (both HOU and IAH airports are a 45 minute ride from the synagogue; we will encourage ride sharing and will set up a way for participants to share their info) and accommodations (see below). If finances are the only obstacle, please reach out to us for some creative ideas.
Cancellation Policy:
Before February 17th: 80% refund of your registration fee;
Between February 18th-March 22nd: 50% refund of your registration fee;
After March 22nd: No refunds
Venue:
Congregation Or Ami - 3443 Wilcrest Dr, Houston, TX 77042
Lodging:
We have negotiated room rates at two local hotels.
The Home2 Suites by Hilton Westchase is about a quarter mile away from the synagogue (an 8 minute walk). $109+ for king; $124+ for 2 queens
The Houston Marriott Westchase is about 2 miles away from the synagogue (a 40 minute walk or 6 minute car ride). $109+ [Book by March 14, 2027]
BOTH LOCATIONS have limited availability, so please book early! Please use the links above to book your room. If you need to extend your stay, please book through the link and then call the hotel directly.
PLEASE NOTE: Participants are responsible for their own transportation between the synagogue and the hotel.
For more information, please contact:
Rabbinical Assembly
Chaya Bender, Rabbi, Bnai Israel Congregation, Wilmington, NC
David Krishef, Rabbi, Ahavas Israel, Grand Rapids, MI
Gideon Estes, Rabbi, Congregation Or Ami, Houston, TX
Ilana Garber, RA, Senior Director of Rabbinic Leadership
USCJ
Will Turbow, President, Sinai Synagogue, South Bend, IN
Rachel Sisk, USCJ, Director of Synagogue Operations & Program Support
Cantors Assembly
Matt Axelrod, CA, Executive Director
Carol Chesler, Cantor/Spiritual Leader, Temple Beth El, Lancaster, PA