Pacific District Convention FAQs
These FAQs will be updated regularly so check back often.
As we are coming closer to kick off on March 23 at the Westin Hotel in Bellevue, WA, we know it will be one amazing weekend - with study sessions, workshops, YES Fund and affinity luncheons, socializing, Shabbat services, new friendships, and hearing from tremendous guest speakers, including WRJ Guest Jane Taves, WRJ Vice President of Engagement, from Madison, Wisconsin, and our dynamic keynote speaker, Amelia Cramer, a member of the Women of Kol Ami in Tucson, Arizona.
Can't wait to see you in Bellevue! Keep reading here for answers to many of your Frequently Asked Questions.
Can't wait to see you in Bellevue! Keep reading here for answers to many of your Frequently Asked Questions.
What should I bring?
- NEW this time: A favorite Tote Bag to carry your devices and snacks
- A few snacks or easy breakfast items if you’d like them throughout the day
- A refillable water bottle – we’ll have water stations around
- Completed Uniongrams for those district board members and others you wish to honor
- Your WRJ/Sisterhood/District pins
- Something for taking your notes - be it paper or electronic
- Phone/device chargers - we will have a virtual message board for you to check throughout convention.
- Wrap for chilly meeting rooms
- Tallit and/or kippah if it is your tradition for services
- Comfy shoes
- $$!!! Remember breakfast and Thursday dinner are on your own. Checks preferred but cash or a credit card also welcome
- Plan for your donation to the YES Fund
- Buy items from the Market tables (including new shirts and hats)
- "Chance to Win" raffle tickets
- Return address labels - use them on your Chance-to-Win tickets in place of writing your name on your many tickets! Any tickets purchased in advance have already been labeled for you.
- Mahjong players – bring your 2022 card
- Remember there is an indoor pool and a fitness center.
- Social Action project – gift cards to support Jewish Family Service Refugee Resettlement program and please write the amount in marker on the card. You can drop these off in Ballroom C. 2023 Social Action Project - Women of Reform Judaism Pacific District (wrjpacific.org) – you can also order from their Amazon wishlist.
How should I dress?
Are meals included?
All convention meals will offer a vegetarian choice and accommodations can be made for special food needs. You have a choice of entrée when you register.
On Thursday 3/23, join other sisters for no-host dinners 5:00 – 6:45 pm. Space will be limited based on restaurant capacity – we will send out a Signup Genius ahead of time, for a variety of nearby restaurants where we will have large tables reserved if you’d like to join a group.
If space is available, you may register and pay for guest(s) for Shabbat dinner and/or other meals.
All breakfasts are on your own and there are several options including the hotel restaurant, coffee shops, or you can bring something to eat in your room.
What is Yammer?
Yammer is the social media tool used by WRJ and the districts to communicate. You were added to our Convention Yammer group when you registered for the convention. Our wonderful tech team creating this training if you’d like some tips.
How do I find a roommate?
If you are looking for a roommate, we suggest you post a note in the WRJ PD 2023 Convention Attendees group on Yammer. Several women have already had success finding a roommate and it’s a fun way to make a new friend.
Why are you asking me to bring a tote bag?
Following in the footsteps of previous conventions, we have made a serious effort to be greener than ever. You will, for example, see more electronics, far less paper. Most of us have many tote bags from prior conventions or a special place. Bring it to carry around your devices, notepads, any snacks, water bottles, crafts, etc. We will have a few extra or PD ones to purchase if you need one.
In the interest of being green, you will also see some of the information taped to tables in Ballroom C for you to take a photo and have on hand. They will also have QR codes to take you directly to the information. Thanks for helping us protect our environment.
How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
The airport is served by Super Shuttle, taxis, Ubers, Lyfts and a direct bus to Bellevue (18 miles 45-60 minutes to hotel).
The best way to get from Seattle Airport (SEA) to Bellevue without a car is to take the ST Express 560 bus which costs $3.25 for adults and only $1.00 for seniors. The 560 bus from SeaTac Station to Bellevue TC - Bay 7 takes 43 min including transfers and departs hourly. The Bellevue Transfer Center is about a 6 min. walk (~4 blocks) to the Westin. Click here for the 560 Bellevue - West Seattle bus schedule.
Feel free to use Yammer to coordinate rides with others who are arriving around the same time you are.
When should I plan to arrive?
We recommend arrival before 3:00 pm on Thursday and departure after 3:00 pm on Sunday (if you are staying for the board meeting, we recommend after 6 p.m). Please allow for 1-1.5 hours travel time to and from the airport.
How do I get to the hotel by car?
The convention site is: The Westin Bellevue, 600 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, Washington 98004.
Parking: Valet parking and self-parking options are available for a fee at The Westin Bellevue. (Complimentary self-parking is available to guests on Friday and Saturday nights.) Valet parking is available at the front entrance to the hotel. Should you choose self parking, you will be directed to the Lincoln Square parking garage by the doorman. Please park on level P4 or P5 near the south elevators and take the elevator up to the hotel lobby; directional signage is posted. Click here for Westin Driving and Parking Directions.
Where do I go when I get to the hotel?
LOBBY: when you arrive at the Westin, be sure to check in if you’ve reserved a room. All our convention meetings and activities will be held on the third floor. Take the escalators up to Floor 3 and our friendly greeters will help you find what you need.
REGISTRATION TABLE: Grand Ballroom C will have registration tables at the back of the room. Our volunteers will get you signed in and answer any questions you have. You will be given a lanyard and name tag along with meal tickets with your entrée choices and your PD sweatshirt (if you requested one). Open hours are:
GRAND BALLROOM C: Many resource tables will be set up in this area in addition to the Registration. You will find the Chance to Win Items and can purchase more tickets; our Merchandise tables will have the new Convention pin, Uniongrams and many new fun PD items for you to buy and enjoy.
Is there a pharmacy close by?
The closest pharmacy is about a block away from the hotel going south on Bellevue Way. It is about a 5-minute walk.
Safeway Pharmacy 300 Bellevue Way NE Bellevue, WA 98004 Pharmacy Phone:
(425) 749-3889
There is also a CVS Pharmacy at 107 Bellevue Way, SE.
How do I find the program schedule?
We will be sending a PDF version of the full convention schedule closer to the time. We suggest you download the PDF to your device.
The program schedule is also located on the website. Click here.
A one page Convention at-a Glance sheet will be available if you want to snap a photo on your phone. It will also be available for downloading and you can save it to your device or print it at home before you come.
The hotel has electronic signs on all the rooms that will display each Workshop session.
What is this virtual message board I’ve heard about?
During Convention do you want to post notes and reply to messages from other attendees? Want to meet up with someone for a walk or to grab breakfast? Need to borrow some hairspray? Looking to connect with someone who attended a workshop you couldn’t get to?
No problem! We will be using Padlet a virtual message board which you will be able to access online or using a downloaded app. Create a free account and post away - or, if you don’t want to create an account, put your name in your comment.
The link to our Convention virtual message board will be emailed to all virtual and in person registrants.
Which workshops should I attend?
We asked you to choose your workshops when you registered to give us an idea of interest and room size. However, you are free to attend any workshop you wish (except for the Art workshop) as space permits. All our workshop rooms have space for at least 30 to attend. When several people are attending Convention from the same Sisterhood/women’s group, they often like to divide up and attend different workshops in each session so they can cover more topics.
We have 24 workshop sessions covering topics including leadership development, personal growth and spirituality, nuts and bolts, advocacy, and ways to reimagine traditions. You will enjoy a variety of Torah study sessions on Saturday morning, too.
What is the Legislative Body Meeting?
Simply put, the Legislative Body Meeting is the business meeting of convention. Legislative Body Meetings are where you will hear from our Pacific District President and our WRJ guest, Jane Taves, where convention delegates will vote to approve the new slate of officers presented by the Nominating Committee as well as the proposed amendments to our Bylaws.
Each Sisterhood is allocated a number of votes based on their membership and the Sisterhood president/representative will appoint the voting delegates and let them know who they are.
Will there be Shabbat services?
Shabbat services will be held on Friday night at Temple B’nai Torah (our host congregation) and we will worship with their community. The service will combine the Sisterhood Shabbat service and TBT's special musical service. A catered Middle Eastern style dinner at the Temple will follow services. Buses will be provided.
Saturday morning, we will be at the hotel to celebrate Shabbat together. We look forward to worshiping to the beautiful music from our Convention choir led by our member, Annette Kozicki from Temple Sholom, Vancouver, BC.
We will end Shabbat with Havdalah and a beautiful Installation service for our newly elected Pacific District Board.
What is the Saturday night celebration?
On Saturday night, we will be entertained with a special camp style song session with Annette Kozicki and Celia Curran Amancio followed by a live comedy improv show with Jet City Improv. There will be a photo booth for you to capture the fun!
What is a Uniongram?
Did you know it is a WRJ tradition to write Uniongrams/YES Fund Cards and Notes to those that have served, will continue to serve, or will begin Pacific District Board Service? You can write your notes on Uniongrams ahead of time and bring them with you to Pacific District Convention or you will be able to purchase Uniongrams in Bellevue at Convention. Often a Sisterhood will jointly write the good wishes and divide up the list among members attending. The Uniongram proceeds benefit the YES Fund, and the recipients of your Uniongrams will feel special.
Drop off your signed and addressed cards in our specially marked basket at the Registration/Information table. Delivery will be on Sunday morning at our Plenary.
Looking for the list of Pacific District officers for your Uniongram wishes? Click here for the names of the Outgoing Officers and here for the names of the Incoming Officers.
What is the Convention Social Action Project?
Every convention, we choose a Social Action project that our attendees can participate in to help an agency in the home community of convention. This year we have chosen to support the Refugee Resettlement work being done by Jewish Family Service in Seattle.
The JFS Amazon Wish List can be found here. (Be sure to select “JFS’s Gift Registry Address” as the shipping address.) Gift cards from Target, Fred Meyer, or Safeway would be appreciated as well.
If you are attending in person, please bring your gifts cards to the WRJ PD 2023 Convention in Bellevue. Look for the box at the Registration table to drop off your cards.
Please encourage your Sisterhood members to participate as well. Collecting funds from your membership would allow you to purchase larger furniture items from the wish list. Let others at your synagogue know how to donate, too. If attending the convention virtually, you can still help JFS through their Amazon wish list here.
Thank you for supporting the JFS refugee and immigrant resettlement program. And thank you for living our Jewish value of welcoming the stranger. More information about our Convention Social Action Project and the Wishlist can be found on our website here.
What are Convention pins?
Many members have been collecting WRJ and Pacific District pins over the years and enjoy wearing them at conventions. We will have a special new pin with our 2023 Convention logo for purchase at the merchandise table.
Will I have time to relax and visit?
The Local Arrangements committee has been hard at work planning lots of fun activities for Thursday evening at 8:30pm after our kickoff session.
There will be:
See the 2023 Convention Schedule for more details.
There will also be other opportunities to relax and connect during convention. And feel free to stop by Ballroom C at any time!
Who do I contact with questions?
It is best to post your questions in our Convention Yammer group for a quick response. If you have any MORE questions, please send them to us and we will answer them in future editions of the Chai Line. Our convention chairs, Robin Plotnik & Karen Goldberg, can be reached at [email protected].
- Convention dress is business casual and comfortable. Feel free to wear any URJ/WRJ shirts and hoodies you own (new PD branded clothing will be for sale as well).
- Some women choose to dress a bit nicer for Friday night and Saturday morning Shabbat services.
- Comfy shoes are a good idea (and you can head across the street to the mall to get in those extra steps before our programs start).
- Bring a sweater or jacket as our meeting rooms can get chilly.
Are meals included?
All convention meals will offer a vegetarian choice and accommodations can be made for special food needs. You have a choice of entrée when you register.
On Thursday 3/23, join other sisters for no-host dinners 5:00 – 6:45 pm. Space will be limited based on restaurant capacity – we will send out a Signup Genius ahead of time, for a variety of nearby restaurants where we will have large tables reserved if you’d like to join a group.
If space is available, you may register and pay for guest(s) for Shabbat dinner and/or other meals.
All breakfasts are on your own and there are several options including the hotel restaurant, coffee shops, or you can bring something to eat in your room.
What is Yammer?
Yammer is the social media tool used by WRJ and the districts to communicate. You were added to our Convention Yammer group when you registered for the convention. Our wonderful tech team creating this training if you’d like some tips.
How do I find a roommate?
If you are looking for a roommate, we suggest you post a note in the WRJ PD 2023 Convention Attendees group on Yammer. Several women have already had success finding a roommate and it’s a fun way to make a new friend.
Why are you asking me to bring a tote bag?
Following in the footsteps of previous conventions, we have made a serious effort to be greener than ever. You will, for example, see more electronics, far less paper. Most of us have many tote bags from prior conventions or a special place. Bring it to carry around your devices, notepads, any snacks, water bottles, crafts, etc. We will have a few extra or PD ones to purchase if you need one.
In the interest of being green, you will also see some of the information taped to tables in Ballroom C for you to take a photo and have on hand. They will also have QR codes to take you directly to the information. Thanks for helping us protect our environment.
How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
The airport is served by Super Shuttle, taxis, Ubers, Lyfts and a direct bus to Bellevue (18 miles 45-60 minutes to hotel).
The best way to get from Seattle Airport (SEA) to Bellevue without a car is to take the ST Express 560 bus which costs $3.25 for adults and only $1.00 for seniors. The 560 bus from SeaTac Station to Bellevue TC - Bay 7 takes 43 min including transfers and departs hourly. The Bellevue Transfer Center is about a 6 min. walk (~4 blocks) to the Westin. Click here for the 560 Bellevue - West Seattle bus schedule.
Feel free to use Yammer to coordinate rides with others who are arriving around the same time you are.
When should I plan to arrive?
We recommend arrival before 3:00 pm on Thursday and departure after 3:00 pm on Sunday (if you are staying for the board meeting, we recommend after 6 p.m). Please allow for 1-1.5 hours travel time to and from the airport.
How do I get to the hotel by car?
The convention site is: The Westin Bellevue, 600 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, Washington 98004.
Parking: Valet parking and self-parking options are available for a fee at The Westin Bellevue. (Complimentary self-parking is available to guests on Friday and Saturday nights.) Valet parking is available at the front entrance to the hotel. Should you choose self parking, you will be directed to the Lincoln Square parking garage by the doorman. Please park on level P4 or P5 near the south elevators and take the elevator up to the hotel lobby; directional signage is posted. Click here for Westin Driving and Parking Directions.
Where do I go when I get to the hotel?
LOBBY: when you arrive at the Westin, be sure to check in if you’ve reserved a room. All our convention meetings and activities will be held on the third floor. Take the escalators up to Floor 3 and our friendly greeters will help you find what you need.
REGISTRATION TABLE: Grand Ballroom C will have registration tables at the back of the room. Our volunteers will get you signed in and answer any questions you have. You will be given a lanyard and name tag along with meal tickets with your entrée choices and your PD sweatshirt (if you requested one). Open hours are:
- Thursday: 12pm – 10pm
- Friday: 8am-4pm
GRAND BALLROOM C: Many resource tables will be set up in this area in addition to the Registration. You will find the Chance to Win Items and can purchase more tickets; our Merchandise tables will have the new Convention pin, Uniongrams and many new fun PD items for you to buy and enjoy.
Is there a pharmacy close by?
The closest pharmacy is about a block away from the hotel going south on Bellevue Way. It is about a 5-minute walk.
Safeway Pharmacy 300 Bellevue Way NE Bellevue, WA 98004 Pharmacy Phone:
(425) 749-3889
There is also a CVS Pharmacy at 107 Bellevue Way, SE.
How do I find the program schedule?
We will be sending a PDF version of the full convention schedule closer to the time. We suggest you download the PDF to your device.
The program schedule is also located on the website. Click here.
A one page Convention at-a Glance sheet will be available if you want to snap a photo on your phone. It will also be available for downloading and you can save it to your device or print it at home before you come.
The hotel has electronic signs on all the rooms that will display each Workshop session.
What is this virtual message board I’ve heard about?
During Convention do you want to post notes and reply to messages from other attendees? Want to meet up with someone for a walk or to grab breakfast? Need to borrow some hairspray? Looking to connect with someone who attended a workshop you couldn’t get to?
No problem! We will be using Padlet a virtual message board which you will be able to access online or using a downloaded app. Create a free account and post away - or, if you don’t want to create an account, put your name in your comment.
The link to our Convention virtual message board will be emailed to all virtual and in person registrants.
Which workshops should I attend?
We asked you to choose your workshops when you registered to give us an idea of interest and room size. However, you are free to attend any workshop you wish (except for the Art workshop) as space permits. All our workshop rooms have space for at least 30 to attend. When several people are attending Convention from the same Sisterhood/women’s group, they often like to divide up and attend different workshops in each session so they can cover more topics.
We have 24 workshop sessions covering topics including leadership development, personal growth and spirituality, nuts and bolts, advocacy, and ways to reimagine traditions. You will enjoy a variety of Torah study sessions on Saturday morning, too.
What is the Legislative Body Meeting?
Simply put, the Legislative Body Meeting is the business meeting of convention. Legislative Body Meetings are where you will hear from our Pacific District President and our WRJ guest, Jane Taves, where convention delegates will vote to approve the new slate of officers presented by the Nominating Committee as well as the proposed amendments to our Bylaws.
Each Sisterhood is allocated a number of votes based on their membership and the Sisterhood president/representative will appoint the voting delegates and let them know who they are.
Will there be Shabbat services?
Shabbat services will be held on Friday night at Temple B’nai Torah (our host congregation) and we will worship with their community. The service will combine the Sisterhood Shabbat service and TBT's special musical service. A catered Middle Eastern style dinner at the Temple will follow services. Buses will be provided.
Saturday morning, we will be at the hotel to celebrate Shabbat together. We look forward to worshiping to the beautiful music from our Convention choir led by our member, Annette Kozicki from Temple Sholom, Vancouver, BC.
We will end Shabbat with Havdalah and a beautiful Installation service for our newly elected Pacific District Board.
What is the Saturday night celebration?
On Saturday night, we will be entertained with a special camp style song session with Annette Kozicki and Celia Curran Amancio followed by a live comedy improv show with Jet City Improv. There will be a photo booth for you to capture the fun!
What is a Uniongram?
Did you know it is a WRJ tradition to write Uniongrams/YES Fund Cards and Notes to those that have served, will continue to serve, or will begin Pacific District Board Service? You can write your notes on Uniongrams ahead of time and bring them with you to Pacific District Convention or you will be able to purchase Uniongrams in Bellevue at Convention. Often a Sisterhood will jointly write the good wishes and divide up the list among members attending. The Uniongram proceeds benefit the YES Fund, and the recipients of your Uniongrams will feel special.
Drop off your signed and addressed cards in our specially marked basket at the Registration/Information table. Delivery will be on Sunday morning at our Plenary.
Looking for the list of Pacific District officers for your Uniongram wishes? Click here for the names of the Outgoing Officers and here for the names of the Incoming Officers.
What is the Convention Social Action Project?
Every convention, we choose a Social Action project that our attendees can participate in to help an agency in the home community of convention. This year we have chosen to support the Refugee Resettlement work being done by Jewish Family Service in Seattle.
The JFS Amazon Wish List can be found here. (Be sure to select “JFS’s Gift Registry Address” as the shipping address.) Gift cards from Target, Fred Meyer, or Safeway would be appreciated as well.
If you are attending in person, please bring your gifts cards to the WRJ PD 2023 Convention in Bellevue. Look for the box at the Registration table to drop off your cards.
Please encourage your Sisterhood members to participate as well. Collecting funds from your membership would allow you to purchase larger furniture items from the wish list. Let others at your synagogue know how to donate, too. If attending the convention virtually, you can still help JFS through their Amazon wish list here.
Thank you for supporting the JFS refugee and immigrant resettlement program. And thank you for living our Jewish value of welcoming the stranger. More information about our Convention Social Action Project and the Wishlist can be found on our website here.
What are Convention pins?
Many members have been collecting WRJ and Pacific District pins over the years and enjoy wearing them at conventions. We will have a special new pin with our 2023 Convention logo for purchase at the merchandise table.
Will I have time to relax and visit?
The Local Arrangements committee has been hard at work planning lots of fun activities for Thursday evening at 8:30pm after our kickoff session.
There will be:
- Movie night
- Come paint with your Sisters
- Mahjong tables
- Book Discussion
- Board Games
- Friday Night Cozy Crafts
See the 2023 Convention Schedule for more details.
There will also be other opportunities to relax and connect during convention. And feel free to stop by Ballroom C at any time!
Who do I contact with questions?
It is best to post your questions in our Convention Yammer group for a quick response. If you have any MORE questions, please send them to us and we will answer them in future editions of the Chai Line. Our convention chairs, Robin Plotnik & Karen Goldberg, can be reached at [email protected].
