Each year, the Central Conference of American Rabbis’ annual Convention brings together hundreds of Reform rabbis from across North America and beyond for a communal rabbinic experience difficult to replicate anywhere else. In the midst of demanding congregational and organizational lives, CCAR Convention offers CCAR members dedicated time for deep learning, professional development and skill building, and meaningful engagement with the critical questions facing Jewish life today.
This year at CCAR Convention 2026 in the San Francisco Bay Area, over 400 Reform rabbis gathered for four days of davening, learning, connecting, and showing up for one another. They arrived carrying the weight of this moment: rising antisemitism, the strains on American democracy, and the very real demands of leading Jewish communities through an extraordinarily difficult time. They returned home renewed, reconnected, and ready to lead, with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and new ideas ready to apply in their communities.
In addition to the programmatic richness of CCAR Convention, CCAR members consistently share that there is profound value of being in community with rabbinic peers who understand the unique challenges, responsibilities, and rewards of rabbinic leadership. As this year’s CCAR Convention reflections attest, CCAR Convention serves as both a professional resource and a source of renewal for Reform rabbis.
Rabbi Erica Asch
“Each year when I attend CCAR Convention, I feel like I get a chance to take a deep breath and reset. It is a time to connect with colleagues, to engage in meaningful learning, to deepen relationships, and to find joy. The skills I learned and the connections I make at Convention help me in my rabbinate throughout the year.”
—Rabbi Erica Asch serves Temple Beth El in Augusta, Maine and is the Immediate Past President of the CCAR
Rabbi Jeff Brown
“My biggest takeaway from Convention is the transformational impact of being in one room with so many cherished friends and colleagues. As we celebrate the rich diversity of rabbinates represented in the CCAR and at Convention, we also acknowledge that Reform rabbis are often the only ones who really ‘get’ the work we’re trying to do in the world—and the toll that it sometimes takes on us. There is so much strength and healing in being together.” —Rabbi Jeff Brown serves Scarsdale Synagogue-Temples Tremont and Emanu-El in New York and is the 2026 CCAR Convention Chair.
Rabbi Jason Fenster
“Alongside the joy of being with friends from around the globe, the camaraderie, and the laughter, is the gift of being a student again, learning with those who share in the complexities, challenges, and sweetness of rabbinic life. We have time for important conversations. Convention refills the tank of rabbinic calling and purpose. I came back this year buzzing with ideas, conversation to have with leaders, and renewed commitments to caring for the Jewish people and the wider community.” —Rabbi Jason Fenster serves Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, New York.
Rabbi Rick Kellner
“The CCAR continues to be at the cutting edge of rabbinic growth and professional development. From conversations about future thinking, to big questions facing Jewish life, to diving deeper into the concerns we care so deeply about, CCAR Convention provides Reform rabbis opportunities to engage in meaningful conversation and connect to colleagues.” —Rabbi Rick Kellner serves Congregation Beth Tikvah in Worthington, Ohio and is President Elect of the CCAR.
Rabbi Stephanie Kramer
“I brought home so much from Convention—fresh ideas for re‑engaging our teens, new ways to deepen interfaith connections, and real excitement about so many things but especially ways to connect with teens. I’m inspired to build deeper, more meaningful connections with my congregants in times of need.” —Rabbi Stephanie Kramer serves The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah in Overland Park, Kansas and also serves on the CCAR Board.
Rabbi Jacqueline Mates-Muchin
“It is hard to express how meaningful it was to be in a room where I didn’t have to explain the unique challenges of being a rabbi at this moment in history. This year, the CCAR Convention was particularly important for the comfort and support of colleagues.” —Rabbi Jaqueline Mates-Muchin serves Temple Sinai in Oakland, California and also serves on the CCAR Board.
Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg
“It’s easy to lament this moment in time: Our world is crumbling. However, gathering with colleagues at the CCAR Convention and learning from experts in the field, I returned home with hope that we will emerge from this dark period. Our strength and resilience are undefeatable. Reform rabbis are uniquely suited to hear the cries in our midst and march as one towards freedom.” —Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg serves Temple Israel of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada and also serves on the CCAR Board.
Rabbi Hernán Rustein
“CCAR Convention challenged us to describe Judaism using a new vocabulary. I am eager to explore how viewing Judaism as a ‘conversation’ can help us understand ourselves and explain our tradition to others—especially in a context where Jewish literacy is limited, and many non-Jews are interested in learning or even joining our community.” —Rabbi Hernán Rustein serves Temple Beth Shalom in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Rabbi Deena Silverstone
“I loved attending my first CCAR Convention and immediately felt so welcomed! The most impactful part of the experience was the connections I made with new colleagues, as well as the ones I deepened with classmates and friends. It was a gift to be surrounded by such thoughtful colleagues who lead their communities and organizations with wisdom and courage. I was invigorated by the ideas we shared, and I’m excited to stay connected to friends old and new!” —Rabbi Deenna Silverstone serves the Center for Jewish Life in Lower Manhattan.
Rabbi Rachel Van Thyn (RVT)
“I’m bringing home new relationships with colleagues old and new! I also am bringing home learnings from some of Convention’s major programs, like learning about futurism, and thinking about how to apply it to my work. It was so good to pause for high-level creative thinking rather than being caught in the day-to-day of our roles.My biggest takeaway? Not to underestimate the meaning and joyfulness of praying, learning, and spending time with rabbinic colleagues.”—Rabbi Rachel Van Thyn (RVT) is a Clinical Pastoral Educator in New York and serves on the CCAR Board.
