HOTEL MAP & INFORMATION
Breakfast is included for all guests staying at the hotel in the Sunshine Cafe.
A breakfast buffet is available at the Sunshine Cafe, Monday - Sunday from 6:30am – 11:00am
The hotel also has the following dining options on site: Starbucks Gelato Shop American Grill Pizza, Burgers, and More
The hotel offers an outdoor pool, a kiddie pool, a splash pad, and a hot tub for guests to enjoy.
The pools are open daily from 6:30am-11:00pm.
WELCOME TO THE 2024 UMJC
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Welcome UMJC family and friends to our annual summer conference!
We are so glad you have taken the time and energy to join us for this wonderful event in Orlando. Since 1979 the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations has hosted this conference to facilitate our connection with one another in this ever-expanding international community In fact, many new friends will be connecting with us at this event
The theme of this year's conference is quite appropriate: "L'atid Chazak / Toward A Strong Future." At the time of this writing, our hearts continue to be heavy after the murderous attack on our people and the ongoing Hamas war. We are also very concerned about rising antisemitism and the incredible short-term memory many people seem to have about the historical events of the Middle East. It sounds like a good time for prayer and an educational conference! All of which will remind us of the bright promises in the Torah and New Covenant.
We always have excellent workshops for equipping all ages along with the supplement of fine keynote speakers like Dr. Yaakov Ariel and Dr. Jennifer Rosner, among others. I know you will be blessed by the heimish Shabbat services with our gifted worship leaders. Many of our Jewish kids have grown up attending these summer gatherings and have lasting good memories about their peers near and far. It is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded Jewish believers and interfaith families as we continue on this distinctive journey following our Messiah Yeshua. I believe it will be a memorable summer of building relationships, growth and encouraging one another at this critical time. Glad you are here!
Am Yisrael Chai, Rabbi Barney Kasdan UMJC President
LOCAL RESOURCES
The hotel is on the I-Ride Trolley route, which connects to many restaurants, parks, shopping along International Drive, beyond what is listed below.
Health and Wellness:
Walgreens - 5501 S Kirkman Rd - .2 mile away
SpotRX - 7131 Grand National Dr Suite 101 - 1 8 miles away
CVS - 4750 Millenia Plaza Way - 2.6 miles away
Advent Health Urgent Care - 8014 Conroy Windermere Rd #104
Grocery:
Bravo Supermarket - 4065 W Oak Ridge Rd
Orlando Produce - 4156 W Oak Ridge Rd
Publix Plaza at Millenia - 5265 S John Young Pkwy
Sprouts - 7603 Turkey Lake Rd Ste 101
Whole Foods - 8003 Turkey Lake Rd - Phillips Crossing
Restaurants:
TGIFridays - 5933 Caravan Ct
The Mexican Camel - 5752 International Dr
Chick-fil-A - 4752 S Kirkman Rd
Earl’s Kitchen & Bar - 4200 Conroy Rd H246
The Capital Grille - 4200 Conroy Rd A146
Five Guys - 4969 International Dr
North Italia - 7335 W Sand Lake Rd Suite 143
Bosphorus - 7600 Dr Phillips Blvd Suite 108
Family Entertainment:
Universal Studio Florida - 6000 Universal Blvd
Lake Eola Park - 512 E Washington St
Orlando Science Center - 777 E Princeton St
Harry P. Leu Gardens - 1920 N Forest Ave
DavidMann
ConferencePhotographer&Videographer
Duringhisundergraduatebusinesseducation,David internedwithIsraelistartupsandspentasummer livingintheOldCityofJerusalem Avideographerand photographerwhohasfilmedweddings, documentaries,andpromotionalvideos,Davidis excitedtocapturespecialmomentsandstoriesat thisyear’sSummerFamilyConference
*AsherKoryckaisourphotographerfortheWednesdayBBQ
**Pleasecontacttheconferenceplanningteamifyouwouldprefertonotbe photographed.Thankyou!
Welcome Bag Snacks Sponsored by
Make sure to visit all our sponsors and vendors in the Conference Center - Seminole Lobby
CONFERENCE CHECK-IN HOURS
Conference Check-In is Located in the Seminole Lobby
Wednesday, July 17
4:00pm - 6:00pm
8:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday, July 18
8:30am - 9:30am 1:00pm - 1:45pm 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Friday, July 19
8:30am - 9:30am 1:00pm - 1:45pm 5:00pm - 5:30pm
Saturday, July 20
9:30am - 10:00am 12:45am - 1:45am
TEEN CONFERENCE AGENDA
THEME: AM YISRAEL CHAI | TEEN ROOM: SUN & SURF IV/V
Wednesday, July 17
4:00pm - 6:00pm Check-in (with parents), Seminole Lobby
6:00pm - 8:00pm Welcome BBQ, Poolside
8:00pm - 9:00pm Ice Breakers, Teen Room
9:00pm - 10:00pm Opening Mixers & Conference Introductions, Teen Room
Thursday, July 18
6:30am - 8:15am Breakfast, Sunshine Cafe
8:30am Meet to depart for outing,
9:00am - 4:00pm Youth Outing: Universal Studios (includes lunch)
4:00pm - 7:30pm Dinner on your own
7:30pm - 9:00pm Main Plenary Session, Seminole C Seminole Lobby
Featured Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Rosner
Featured Musicians: Kyle and Rachel Orth
Friday, July 19
6:30am - 9:15am Breakfast, Sunshine Cafe
9:00am - 10:15am Youth Session 1: Am Yisrael: What Does it Mean to Us?,
10:30am - 11:45am
12:00pm - 1:45pm Lunch on your own Teen Room
Youth Session 2: Guest Speaker - Stephanie Hamman
Director of Ashreinu School, Teen Room
2:00pm - 3:15pm Teen Room Youth Session 3: Am Yisrael: Walking it Out,
3:15pm - 4:30pm Free Time / Rest / Get Ready for Shabbat
4:30pm - 6:00pm Kabbalat Shabbat, Seminole AB
6:30pm - 8:30pm Erev Shabbat Dinner, Universal AB
Saturday, July 20
Led by Rabbi Nathan Joiner, Doors open at 6:10pm,
6:30am - 8:45am Breakfast, Sunshine Cafe
9:00am - 9:30am Youth Torah Study, 10:00am - 12:00pm
12:30pm - 1:30pm Lunch, Teen Room Shabbat Service,
Seminole C Seminole AB
1:30pm - 3:30pm Free Time / Rest
3:30pm - 4:30pm Guys: Activity with Toby / Girls: Union Sisterhood with Brooke
4:30pm - 6:30pm Dinner on your own
7:00pm - 8:30pm Closing Plenary Session, Worship Concert by Misha Goetz
Seminole C
Featured Speaker: Dr Jeffrey Seif
10:00pm - 11:00pm Closing Youth Session, Teen Room
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
AGES 5 - 11 | CHILDREN’S ROOM: SUN & SURF II
Wednesday, July 17 No Programming
6:00-8:00pm Welcome Family BBQ, South Courtyard
Thursday, July 18
8:45am - 9:00am Drop Off 11:45am Pick Up 1:45pm - 2:00pm Drop Off 4:00pm Pick Up
Friday, July 19
8:45am - 9:00am Drop Off 11:45am Pick Up 1:15pm - 2:00pm Drop Off 4:00pm Pick Up
Saturday, July 20
6:30pm Drop Off for Shekel Shop only. Kids will then be brought to Seminole C for Misha Goetz concert at 7pm.
NURSERY PROGRAM
AGES 0 - PRE-K | NURSERY: SUN & SURF III
For registered children only
Thursday, July 18
8:45am - 11:45am
1:45pm - 3:45pm
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Friday, July 19
8:45am - 11:45am 1:15pm - 3:45pm
Saturday, July 20 8:15am - 12:15pm 6:45pm - 8:45pm
PRE-CONFERENCE AGENDA
Monday, July 15
9:00am - 5:00pm Executive Committee Meeting,
Tuesday, July 16
9:00am - 12:00pm Regional Directors Meeting, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Steering Committee Meeting, Gold Coast I Gold Coast I Gold Coast I/II Seminole Lobby
5:00pm - 7:00pm Delegates Check-in,
7:00pm - 8:30pm Delegates Reception, Mangrove and South Courtyard
MAIN CONFERENCE AGENDA
Session schedules or locations are subject to change
Wednesday, July 17
8:00am - 9:00am Delegates Check-in,
Includes lunch for delegates
4:00pm - 6:00pm General Check-in,
9:00am - 5:00pm Annual Business Meeting, Seminole Lobby Seminole AB Seminole Lobby
6:00pm - 8:00pm Welcome BBQ, South Courtyard
8:30pm-9:30pm General Check-in, Seminole Lobby
9:30pm Maariv Prayer, Gold Coast I
Thursday, July 18 Gold Coast I
7:00am - 7:45am Shacharit Prayer,
6:30am - 9:00am Breakfast, Sunshine Cafe
9:00am - 10:15am TORAH STUDY GROUPS
Morning Torah study groups will meet Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. Please attend the study group you selected during registration. Study group leaders are listed below:
Russian Speakers: Boris Goldin, Seminole C
Spanish Speakers: Tony Arroyo, Meet up outside Seminole Lobby
Young Adults (ages 18-35): Jeremy Magdule, Seminole AB
Outdoors: Rabbi Nathan Joiner, Courtyard
Moms: Miriam Dauermann, Seminole AB
Teachers & D’rash Makers: Eric Tokajer, Gold Coast II
Midrash: Rabbi Paul Saal, Seminole C
Haftarah: Rabbi Howard Silverman, Gold Coast I
10:30am - 11:30am WORKSHOPS
Gold Coast I
Klezmer Workshop I: Rabbi Rich Nichol, Do you love Klezmer music? Join us to observe the open rehearsals of the newly formed Union Klezmer Band, comprised of teen and adult musicians. The band will perform some of the great Jewish music of our European ancestors at the Friday evening Shabbat dinner.
Dr. Jennifer Rosner: Jewish and Gentile Identity in the Body of Messiah
Seminole C,
This session will explore what the gospel means and what discipleship might look like for Jews and Gentiles in the Body of Messiah, and why the unique particularities of our identities matter in our service to God's Kingdom.
(list of morning workshops continued on next page)
Thursday, July 18 (continued)
10:30am - 11:30am WORKSHOPS
Seminole AB,
Rabbi Ira Brawer: An Atheist, A Drug Dealer, and a Rabbi, Join Rabbi Ira as he shares his personal journey to faith, including reading excerpts from his recently published book by the same title. It is a redemption story that includes dramatic family stories, leading to encouragement and hope despite disappointment and hardship.
Rabbi Matheus Zandona: The Role of Messianic Jews in the Restoration of the Anusim,
Gold Coast II,
Both academic and rabbinic circles have addressed the subject of the "anusim" (descendants of Jews from the Inquisition period) over the past decades. Learn who the Anusim are, where they are, and what the Messianic Movement can do to be part of the restoration of this lost heritage.
11:30pm - 2:00pm Lunch (on your own)
2:00pm - 3:30pm
WORKSHOPS
Dr. Yaakov Ariel: Messianic Judaism in the Modern and Post-Modern World: Challenging the Borders of Judaism and Christianity, Today Messianic Judaism is seen as a large, dynamic, and assertive movement. For long centuries, many Christians considered the practice of Jewish rites and customs as “Judaizing,” heretical and repulsive. So did many Jews, who looked upon Jews who had accepted the Christian faith as Minim [heretics] or Meshumadim [apostates].
MJTI Open House, Gold Coast II
Seminole AB,
Seminole C,
3:30pm - 5:00pm Master Class with Kyle & Rachel Orth: On Jewish Music, Come explore the historical traditions of Jewish music around the world as it applies to congregational participation with our Union Kadima Interns.
4:30pm - 5:15pm Mincha Prayer, Gold Coast I
5:00pm - 7:30pm Dinner(on your own)
7:30pm - 9:00pm Plenary Session, Seminole C, Doors open at 7:10pm
Featured Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Rosner - Dr. Rosner will press into some of the key tensions inherent in Messianic Jewish identity and how we might imagine our calling as we look toward a vibrant future.
Worship Concert featuring Kadima Interns, Kyle and Rachel Orth - Sit back, relax, and enjoy the music of these classically trained musicians.
9:30pm Young Adult Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf, Meet in Seminole Lobby
9:30pm Maariv Prayer,Gold Coast I
Friday, July 19 Gold Coast I
7:00am - 7:45am Shacharit Prayer,
6:30am - 9:00am Breakfast, Sunshine Cafe
9:00am - 10:15am TORAH STUDY GROUPS,
Russian Speakers: Boris Goldin
Spanish Speakers: Tony Arroyo
Young Adults (ages 18-35): Jeremy Magdule
Outdoors: Rabbi Nathan Joiner (continued)
See Thursday’s schedule for locations
Moms: Miriam Dauermann
Teachers & D’rash Makers: Eric Tokajer
Traditional Torah Study: Rabbi Paul Saal
Haftarah: Rabbi Howard Silverman
Friday, July 19 (continued)
10:30am - 11:30am WORKSHOPS
Rabbi Dr. John Fischer: In the Room Where It Happened
Seminole C,
(10:30am - 12:00pm)
At this time 45 years ago, the UMJC was founded. Too often there has been significant misunderstanding and ignorance regarding the founding of the UMJC, the Union's early days, and its relationship to other organizations such as the MJAA. Utilizing and building on the historical documents as well as firsthand eyewitness experience, this session will lay out and fill in the missing (or misunderstood) details of when, why, and how the Union came into existence.
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum: The Modern State of Israel in Bible Prophecy
Seminole AB,
We all have our eyes fixed on the happenings of Israel, and rightfully so. What does the Bible say about the modern state of Israel in Bible prophecy? Join Arnold as he walks through a few different perspectives regarding the modern state of Israel, regatherings, and the start of the Tribulation
Gold Coast I,
David Levine: Both Sides Now: G-d’s Work and Our Work. Doing our part to build for the future, This session will encourage and empower you to build for the future. Rabbi David Levine will share practical insights and personal stories about serving the L-rd by serving our extended families, and the power of faith and grace combined with unstoppable tenacity.
Young Adults & Executive Roundtable Discussion:
Gold Coast II,
Join influential Union leaders for a special roundtable-style discussion diving into some key issues in Messianic Judaism that are on the hearts of our young adults as we strive for a Strong Future together.
11:30am - 2:00pm Lunch
(on your own)
12:45pm - 1:45pm Klezmer Workshop II: Rabbi Rich Nichol, Gold Coast I
Do you love Klezmer music? Join us to observe the open rehearsals of the newly formed Union Klezmer Band, comprised of teen and adult musicians. The band will perform some of the great Jewish music of our European ancestors at the Friday evening Shabbat dinner.
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Arts Roundtable,
Gold Coast II
- Calling all artists, musicians, songwriters, dancers, performers, and poets! Join us for a roundtable discussion on the development of the cultural arts within the Union. We are looking for community engagement as we explore the possibilities of further integrating a cultural arts program within our Messianic Jewish community.
4:30pm - 6:00pm Kabbalat Shabbat,
Seminole AB
Bring the whole family for an uplifting and unplugged musical sing-along prayer experience as we welcome Shabbat together. Space is limited. Come on time so you don’t miss out. Led by Rabbi Nathan Joiner.
6:30pm - 8:30pm Erev Shabbat Family Dinner, Doors open at 6:15pm Universal AB, Table Blessings led by Matt Absolon and Family, Beth T’filah, Miramar, FL
An interview with Dr. Yaakov Ariel by Melissa Moskowitz
During the Friday night Shabbat service, Melissa Moskowitz will interview Dr Ariel to hear his views on why we need a new understanding about who Yeshua is for modern day Israelis - and for us
Presentation of Annual UMJC Lifetime Service & Sacrifice Award
Smicha Ceremony
9:30pm Maariv Prayer,
Gold Coast I
Saturday, July 20
6:30am - 8:30am Sunshine Cafe
8:30am - 9:30am TORAH STUDY GROUPS
Russian Speakers: Boris Goldin, Seminole C
Spanish Speakers: Tony Arroyo, Meet up outside Seminole Lobby
Young Adults (ages 18-35): Jeremy Magdule, Seminole AB
Outdoors: Rabbi Nathan Joiner, Courtyard
Moms: Miriam Dauermann, Seminole AB
Teachers & D’rash Makers: Eric Tokajer, Gold Coast II
Midrash: Rabbi Paul Saal, Seminole C
Haftarah: Rabbi Howard Silverman, Gold Coast I Breakfast,
10:00am - 12:00pm Shabbat Morning Service, Doors open at 9:30am Seminole C, Musical prayers & worship led by Brooke Manolis & Youth Band
Traditional prayers led by Jennifer & Shayna Caracelo, Kol Mashiach Messianic Synagogue, Melbourne, FL & Marcy Kotting, Beth Messiah Congregation, Columbus, OH
Torah service led by Rabbi Jeff Lerman, Mayim Chayim Messianic Synagogue, Sarasota, FL & Jacob Long, Congregation Ohr Chadash, Clearwater, FL
Featured Speaker: Rabbi Jude Caracelo, Kol Mashiach Messianic Synagogue, Melbourne, FL - “Lessons from Balaam” - The Bible is filled with characters, like Balaam, that teach us important lessons Balaam’s heart was not right, he missed God’s signs, and he repeatedly reacted in unrighteous ways before the Lord As we go through our lives as Yeshua followers, may we be attentive to the Lord and His purposes for us, our congregations, and our Union.
12:30pm - 1:30pm Shabbat Luncheon,
Seminole AB
2:00pm - 4:00pm Kids Activities Sponsored by Ashreinu School, Grassy Field by North Parking Lot - You’re invited to enjoy popsicles, a bounce house, and water tables for the little ones. Learn about our online Hebrew school for ages 7-18. Come meet Ashreinu School Director Stephanie Hamman, some of our wonderful staff, and current students!
3:30pm - 4:30pm UNION Sisterhood, Gold Coast II
Women of all generations are invited for a gathering to get to know one another and chat about plans for the Sisterhood Light refreshments served
4:30pm - 5:15pm Mincha Prayer, Gold Coast I
5:00pm - 7:00pm Dinner(on your own)
7:00pm - 8:30pm Closing Plenary Session, Seminole C, Doors open at 6:45pm
Worship Concert featuring Misha Goetz
Featured Speaker: Dr. Jeffrey Seif , UMJC Executive Director
9:30pm Maariv Prayer,
Gold Coast I
SPEAKER & SPECIAL GUEST BIOS
Dr. Yaakov Ariel
Dr Ariel is a professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill whose research has focused on: New Religious Movements; Messianic groups; Interfaith relations; Christian attitudes towards Jews, Judaism, the Holy Land, Zionism and Israel; and Jewish conversions to other faiths, and conversions of non-Jews to Judaism. Dr. Ariel has published several books and booklets, as well as numerous articles and reviews on these topics. His book, Evangelizing the Chosen People: Missions to the Jews, won the Outler Prize of the American Society of Church History.
Rabbi Ira Brawer
Rabbi Ira Brawer was raised in an observant Jewish home in New York and came to believe in Yeshua in 1984. He was ordained by the Union and holds a BA from Colorado Christian University. Rabbi Ira and his wife, Gloria, founded Shalom Boca in Boca Raton, Florida, which he continues to lead today. The couple are also trained in an inner healing ministry called Restoring the Foundations (RTF) which uses an integrated approach to spiritual freedom and healing. Their hearts are committed to helping God’s people reach their destiny and purpose in His Kingdom and to see the Jewish people of Boca Raton know the love of Yeshua. They have 5 grown children and 10 grandchildren.
Rabbi Jude Caracelo
Rabbi Jude Caracelo is the rabbi of Kol Mashiach Messianic Synagogue in Melbourne, FL and Treasurer of the UMJC Before accepting the senior rabbi position at Kol Mashiach in 2019, he and his wife, Jennifer, planted Keren Ohr Messianic Synagogue in Savannah, GA, where they served for five years Jude has been involved in Messianic Jewish ministry since 1991, studied at Netzer David Yeshiva, and is receiving his s’micha at this conference He and his wife have been married for 27 years and have six children Rabbi Caracelo will be receiving his UMJC ordination at this conference
Rabbi Dr. John Fischer
Rabbi Dr. John Fischer was one of the UMJC's founders and served as its first Vice President and Theology Committee Chair. He later served on the Executive and/or Steering Committee for some 20 years. He is the author of numerous books and articles and serves as Rosh Yeshiva for Netzer David Yeshiva and rabbi of Congregation Ohr Chadash in Clearwater, FL.
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum has traveled widely in Europe, Israel and the United States, becoming intimately acquainted with the Messianic movement in all its forms and struggles. The completion of his dissertation, Israelology: The Missing Link in Systematic Theology, was the culmination of 13 years of research for which he earned his Ph.D. at New York University in 1989. Dr. Fruchtenbaum has authored numerous published works and recorded many Biblical studies of keen interest to both Jews and Gentiles. He is the Founder and Director of Ariel Ministries.
Misha Goetz
Growing up as the only child to modern day psalmist, Marty Goetz and his wife Jennifer, Misha’s earliest memories formed in Nashville behind the piano where she composed her first recorded song at the age of eight Misha’s desire is that her music would penetrate to the heart and usher people into the presence of Adonai Her heart is to see a generation touched and transformed through surrender in worship Her second solo album was released in October of 2022 and is available now everywhere you listen to music!
SPEAKER & SPECIAL GUEST BIOS
David Levine
David Levine lives in Jacksonville, FL with his wife, Sandy, leading Beth Israel Messianic Synagogue, a multi-generational congregation David and Sandy have been pioneers in the Messianic movement, planting congregations and raising up shepherds in the Former Soviet Union and Europe. Ordained by the IAMCS, he has served on its Steering Committee and the MJAA Executive Committee during the last three decades. Since 2006 his podcast, “Messianic Jewish Teachings,” has reached millions globally. “We’re building a global community of people who love Yeshua and the insights for living he gives us in the Messianic movement.”
Rabbi Rich Nichol
Rabbi Rich Nichol serves as President of the Messianic Jewish Theological Institute (MJTI) and as the Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Ruach Israel in Needham, MA. Aside from degrees from various Jewish and Christian institutions, Rabbi Rich earned a degree in music from Ithaca College. His main instruments are trombone and flute, and he currently plays with several of the musical groups at Ruach Israel, where he also leads the synagogue’s klezmer band.
Kyle and Rachel Orth
Rachel and Kyle Orth are the current rabbinic interns and artists-in-residence at Ruach Israel in Needham, Massachusetts Kyle recently graduated with his doctorate in Piano Performance from New England Conservatory while working as a piano professor at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL Rachel is pursuing a doctorate in Violin Performance at Boston University while performing as Resident Fellow with the Boston Symphony Orchestra
Dr. Jeffrey Seif
Dr Jeffrey Seif serves as the Union Executive Director After coming to faith in Yeshua, Jeff surrendered to a call to the ministry, took theological studies at the Moody Bible Institute and Southern Methodist University, where he earned a masters degree and doctorate in theology and ministry. Jeff also earned a masters degree from Cambridge University where he is also currently a PhD student. Jeff has served for 34 years as a Bible college and seminary professor and a criminal justice professor, too He currently serves as an adjunct professor at The Kings University, the Messianic Jewish Theological Institute and Christ for the Nations Institute
Dr. Jennifer Rosner
Jen Rosner is a Messianic Jewish professor and author whose work focuses on the boundary spaces between Judaism and Christianity. After spending two years in Jerusalem, Jen and her family now live in Northern California. You can find her online at www.jenrosner.com.
Rabbi Matheus Zandona
Rabbi Matheus Zandona Guimaraes is a descendant of Italian and Portuguese Jews who immigrated to Brazil at the end of the 19th century He holds a B A in Social Communication and has studied Hebrew and Jewish Culture in Israel He is the cofounder of the 1st Museum of the Inquisition in Brazil and the senior rabbi at Har Tzion Messianic Synagogue, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil Rabbi Zandona will be receiving his UMJC ordination at this conference
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