Pacific District Convention FAQs
These FAQs will be updated regularly so check back often.
Can't wait to see you in Pasadena! Keep reading here for answers to many of your Frequently Asked Questions.
What should I bring?
- 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
- Something to take notes on - either electronic or paper and pen
- Completed Uniongrams for those district board members and others you wish to honor
- Your WRJ/Sisterhood/District pins
- Phone/device chargers
- 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
- Chance to Win 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 2024 card
- Remember there is an indoor pool and a fitness center.
- Social Action project donation
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 3/12, join other sisters for no-host dinners 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Space will be limited based on restaurant capacity – sign up for a variety of nearby restaurants where we will have reserved tables in your registration form, if you’d like to join a group.
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 Mighty Network?
Mighty Network is the social media tool used by WRJ and the districts to communicate. You will be added to our Convention Mighty Network group when you register for the convention.
How do I find a roommate?
If you are looking for a roommate, we suggest you post a note in Convention Mighty Network group. This is 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 QR codes posted in our convention spaces for additional information. Thanks for helping us protect our environment.
How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
There are no shuttles from LAX or Burbank airports to our hotel.
Feel free to use Mighty Network to coordinate rides with others who may be arriving around the same time you are.
When should I plan to arrive?
Convention begins with registration/check-in at noon on Thursday, March 12th, and our Kickoff Event will begin at 7:15 pm that same day. The convention will end at 1:00 pm on Sunday, March 15th. If you are on the in-coming Pacific District Board, (including Sisterhood Presidents) there will be a Board meeting from 1:30-3:30 Sunday afternoon. Pasadena is a historic and vibrant city so consider arriving early or staying an extra day or two to explore it.
Please allow for plenty of travel time to and from the airport and check ahead to calculate the specific travel time for your route on the day and time you expect to be on the road.
What if I drive to the hotel by car?
Valet parking and self-parking options are available for $28 per day at the hotel.
Where do I go when I get to the hotel?
HOTEL: When you arrive at the hotel, be sure to check into the hotel if you’ve reserved a room. Our friendly greeters will help you find what you need.
REGISTRATION TABLE: At the registration tables, 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. Registration hours are:
Many resource tables will be set up in this area in addition to the registration tables. You will find the Chance to Win Items and can purchase more tickets; our Merchandise tables will have Uniongrams and many new fun PD items for you to buy and enjoy.
How do I find the program schedule while I am at convention?
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.
PLEASE NOTE: The convention schedule with room assignments will only be available to registrants who will be invited to login to this website with a password. This is for security reasons.
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?
When you registered we asked you to select your workshops to give us an idea of interest and room size. However, you are free to attend any workshop you wish as space permits. 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 many workshop options covering topics including leadership development, personal growth and spirituality, nuts and bolts, advocacy, and ways to reimagine traditions - something for everyone! 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 guests, 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 the hotel where we will worship with convention attendees.
Saturday morning, we will celebrate Shabbat together at the hotel. We look forward to worshiping to the beautiful music from our Convention choir led by Cantor Janece Cohen.
We will end Shabbat with Havdalah and a beautiful Installation service for our newly elected Pacific District Board.
What are the Saturday night activities?
On Saturday night, we will be entertained with music and karaoke and a 70's themed party. There will be a selfie 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 Closing Session.
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 project is posted here.
If you are attending in person, please bring your donations to the hotel at locations near the Registration table.
Please encourage your Sisterhood members to participate as well.
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 2026 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 after our kickoff session.
There will be games, crafts, and more!
See the 2026 Convention Schedule for more details.
There will also be other opportunities to relax and connect during convention.
Who do I contact with questions?
It is best to post your questions in our Convention Mighty Networks 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 Chair, Rhonda Daniels, 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.
- 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 3/12, join other sisters for no-host dinners 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Space will be limited based on restaurant capacity – sign up for a variety of nearby restaurants where we will have reserved tables in your registration form, if you’d like to join a group.
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 Mighty Network?
Mighty Network is the social media tool used by WRJ and the districts to communicate. You will be added to our Convention Mighty Network group when you register for the convention.
How do I find a roommate?
If you are looking for a roommate, we suggest you post a note in Convention Mighty Network group. This is 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 QR codes posted in our convention spaces for additional information. Thanks for helping us protect our environment.
How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
There are no shuttles from LAX or Burbank airports to our hotel.
Feel free to use Mighty Network to coordinate rides with others who may be arriving around the same time you are.
When should I plan to arrive?
Convention begins with registration/check-in at noon on Thursday, March 12th, and our Kickoff Event will begin at 7:15 pm that same day. The convention will end at 1:00 pm on Sunday, March 15th. If you are on the in-coming Pacific District Board, (including Sisterhood Presidents) there will be a Board meeting from 1:30-3:30 Sunday afternoon. Pasadena is a historic and vibrant city so consider arriving early or staying an extra day or two to explore it.
Please allow for plenty of travel time to and from the airport and check ahead to calculate the specific travel time for your route on the day and time you expect to be on the road.
What if I drive to the hotel by car?
Valet parking and self-parking options are available for $28 per day at the hotel.
Where do I go when I get to the hotel?
HOTEL: When you arrive at the hotel, be sure to check into the hotel if you’ve reserved a room. Our friendly greeters will help you find what you need.
REGISTRATION TABLE: At the registration tables, 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. Registration hours are:
- Thursday: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm; 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Many resource tables will be set up in this area in addition to the registration tables. You will find the Chance to Win Items and can purchase more tickets; our Merchandise tables will have Uniongrams and many new fun PD items for you to buy and enjoy.
How do I find the program schedule while I am at convention?
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.
PLEASE NOTE: The convention schedule with room assignments will only be available to registrants who will be invited to login to this website with a password. This is for security reasons.
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?
When you registered we asked you to select your workshops to give us an idea of interest and room size. However, you are free to attend any workshop you wish as space permits. 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 many workshop options covering topics including leadership development, personal growth and spirituality, nuts and bolts, advocacy, and ways to reimagine traditions - something for everyone! 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 guests, 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 the hotel where we will worship with convention attendees.
Saturday morning, we will celebrate Shabbat together at the hotel. We look forward to worshiping to the beautiful music from our Convention choir led by Cantor Janece Cohen.
We will end Shabbat with Havdalah and a beautiful Installation service for our newly elected Pacific District Board.
What are the Saturday night activities?
On Saturday night, we will be entertained with music and karaoke and a 70's themed party. There will be a selfie 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 Closing Session.
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 project is posted here.
If you are attending in person, please bring your donations to the hotel at locations near the Registration table.
Please encourage your Sisterhood members to participate as well.
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 2026 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 after our kickoff session.
There will be games, crafts, and more!
See the 2026 Convention Schedule for more details.
There will also be other opportunities to relax and connect during convention.
Who do I contact with questions?
It is best to post your questions in our Convention Mighty Networks 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 Chair, Rhonda Daniels, can be reached at [email protected].
