WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), the largest movement in North American Jewish life, representing 1.5 million people, announced that Chuck Todd, moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press” and NBC News political director, will host leading 2016 presidential candidates in a forum in Orlando, Florida. Todd will interview each candidate one-on-one and will cover a wide range of topics, including both domestic and foreign policy. Candidates will also respond to questions from URJ leadership and Biennial delegates.

The URJ Biennial 2015 will bring together 5,000 Reform Jews to strengthen congregational life, celebrate with friends, and explore the most pressing issues of the day. The URJ Biennial will be held at the Orlando World Center Marriott from November 4 to 8. The presidential candidates’ forum with Chuck Todd will take place November 7 at 8:30 pm at the same location. It is open to working, credentialed press and coverage is invited.

 “URJ’s Biennial, because of its timing, location and audience, will be a must-attend event for the top presidential candidates,” said Todd. “Florida has long been a key state in presidential elections, and I am very much looking forward to this unique presidential forum.

“When it comes to interviewing people vying for the most powerful office in the world, we are very excited to have Chuck Todd at our 73rd Biennial, the largest gathering of its kind,” said Rabbi Rick Jacobs, URJ president. “The Reform Movement has a deep history in political engagement and we are eager to hear from the leading presidential candidates from both parties. Invitations will be extended shortly and we look forward to the candidates’ positive responses.”

Beyond the candidates’ forum, Biennial programming will be tailored to congregational leadership (lay, professional, clergy, and up-and-coming leaders), and will feature learning sessions, networking opportunities, and plenaries, bookended by worship and evening entertainment. Four intensive tracks will focus on strengthening congregations, audacious hospitality, tikkun olam (repairing the world), and Jewish learning. Biennial registration will open in early June; for more information please visit: www.urj.org/biennial.

For press credentials, please email either Steve Rabinowitz, Bluelight Strategies,steve@bluelightstrategies.com or Lauren Theodore, Union for Reform Judaism,ltheodore@urj.org.


\The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is a dynamic network of Reform Jewish congregations, lay leaders, clergy and professionals, which represents the largest and fastest growing constituency of Jews in North America. Our progressive, inclusive approach unites thousands of years of Jewish tradition and values with modern Jewish experience to strengthen Judaism today and for future generations. Through programs, consultations, resources, and networking opportunities provided by the URJ, we help strengthen our nearly 900 member congregations, welcome spiritual seekers through audacious hospitality, engage Jewish youth, deepen Jewish learning, energize worship, pursue tikkun olam (social justice), connect with Israel, and develop inspired leadership.