What is the GA?The Jewish Federations of North America's General Assembly (GA) is the premier annual North American Jewish communal event, attracting Federation volunteer leaders and professionals, the leadership of our partner organizations and a range of national Jewish organizations.
The GA inspires and engages current and emerging Jewish leaders, tackles the most critical issues of the day, and showcases the best of the Federation movement. This year, the event will be held in Denver.
What is the Student Rate?
The Student rate of $225 covers GA registration and 2 nights hotel (Nov. 6 - Nov. 8) in triple occupancy. There are no cancellations of student fees nor are they transferrable to other persons.
Are there additional funding opportunities available?
Yes! Be creative. Consider going to your local Jewish Federation, home synagogue or even your school's Student Government to ask about funding opportunities to send you to a student leadership conference.
How can I find out about programming scheduled for the GA?
The GA website has the most up-to-date program details. The opening plenary will begin at 3 p.m. on Nov. 6. The closing plenary is scheduled to end at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 8. There are several pre-GA events being held over Shabbat Nov. 4-5, as well as meetings and institutes on the morning of Nov. 6. Many of these programs require pre-registration, available on the GA registration page. Additional pre- and post-GA events will be added to the online program as they are confirmed.You must be registered for the GA to attend pre- and post-GA events.
What is the schedule of religious services?
Daily religious services will be held, commencing with Mincha (afternoon services) on Sunday, Nov. 6. Please check the GA's online program for exact times and locations.
Will the food provided at the GA be Kosher?
All meals provided at the GA will be under the kosher supervision of International Kosher. Rabbi Berel Simpser, executive director of International Kosher, will be the Rav Hamachshir. Rabbi Simpser can be contacted at 952-843-3033. Meals included with GA registration are a light dinner Sunday evening, and continental breakfast on Monday and Tuesday. All attendees are invited to Monday evening's Denver Celebration. For those in need of Shabbat meals (Friday night dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and third meal) while in Denver, you must pre-register for the Shabbat program during the GA registration process. East Side Kosher Deli, which has a retail location at 499 S. Elm St., will set up a Kosher Cafe from Nov. 6 through Nov. 8 at the Sheraton Hotel. The cafe will have sandwiches, salads, snacks, drinks and more available for purchase. The deli is under the supervision of Vaad Ha-Kashrus of Denver.
Does the GA fall on an Election Day in the US?
Local elections across the United States will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8. We encourage you to prepare accordingly so you can vote and be part of the democratic process. Please check with your local election officials to see what the process is in your area, and how far in advance you need to apply to cast an absentee ballot. This website is a great resource to check for information.
What clothing should I plan on wearing at the GA?
The expected attire for GA attendees is business clothes. Most GA delegates will be wearing formal business-wear. Suits or blazers for women and suits or sport jackets with ties for men are recommended. Please remember appropriate shoes to match your business attire. After GA programming has ended for the day, casual clothes and “going out” clothes” are of course acceptable.
How will I get to and from Denver International Airport?
The airport is 25 miles away from the hotel, so the drive can take 45 minutes to an hour. A cab from the Denver Airport to the Sheraton Denver Downtown will cost a $55 flat rate per ride (and cabs can accommodate up to 4 passengers). SuperShuttle is $22 per person, with shuttles leaving the airport every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. during which time reservations are not required (from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. reservations are recommended; you can make a reservation at 800-258-3826 or supershuttle.com). Talk to your friends and school mates to see if you can travel from the airport together.
What’s the weather like in Denver in November?
The weather in Denver in November ranges from a low of 30 degrees to highs in the 50s.
I have additional questions about the GA. Who should I contact?
Please email GAinfo@JewishFederations.org or call the GA Helpline at 212-284-6990.
Have other questions about the student experience at the GA? Email GA@hillel.org or contact Nadine Levyfield, Bronfman Fellow, at 202-449-6550.