More than 1,800 Jewish twenty- and thirty-somethings will gather in Las Vegas for second annual TribeFest.
From March 25 to 27, Las Vegas will host about 1,800 people ages 22 to 45 from across North Americafor TribeFest. The event is a project of The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the umbrella organization for more than 157 Jewish federations in the US and Canada. JFNA has made it a top priority to build the next generation of Jewish leaders by connecting them to aspects of Judaism that will keep them involved.
Now in its second year, TribeFest is designed to ignite the passions of “Gen Y” Jews. It appeals to them by by touching on things currently on their minds, from Israel and social justice to job searches and networking or just having a good time, all presented within a Jewish context.
Forty seven people from Orange County attended TribeFest last year, most with subsidies provided by JFFS. That number is expected to grow considerably this year.
The event connects individuals with Jewish organizations that share their interests at the “Big Show,” a trade show like exhibit where groups can distribute information and network with participants. In addition to community leaders, educators and activists, a host of celebrities will take the conference stage, including former Saturday Night Live cast member and comedian Rachel Dratch; A.J. Jacobs, author of the New York Times best-seller, The Year of Living Biblically; and swimmer and four-time Olympic gold medalist Lenny Krayzelburg.
Programming includes six different topic areas: faith and spirituality, Israel and the Middle East, culture and the arts, social justice and global responsibility, innovation and hot topics. Sessions will range from exploring one’s personal connection to Israel to the American Jewish music experience to the Kabbalah of career development.
Organizers are planning to bus interested participants to local public schools to deliver 1,000 backpacks to underprivileged children. The social action project is a joint initiative of JFNA and PJ Library, a national program that mails free, Jewish-themed books and music to families in 165 North American communities.
Registration for the three-day event is $499. JFFS is offering $450 subsidies to Orange County residents attending TribeFest for the first time and 50 percent off the registration fees for repeaters. For more information, contact Jackie Menter, JFFS director of professional philanthropy, at (949) 435-3484 or Jackie@jffs.org.
