What is The Jewish Federations of North America's General Assembly?
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 New Orleans.
What are the dates of the 2010 GA?
GA Shabbat Observances: Nov. 5 - 6, 2010
General Assembly: Nov. 7 - 9, 2010
The International Lion of Judah Conference (ILOJC) held by National Women's Philanthropy of JFNA will take place Nov. 8 - 10, 2010 in New Orleans.
What are the New Orleans venues for this year's GA?
The GA is being held at three hotels in close proximity in downtown New Orleans. Programming for the 2010 GA will be at the Sheraton New Orleans (500 Canal Street) and the New Orleans Marriott (555 Canal Street), directly across the street from the Sheraton. The main exhibitor area will be at the Sheraton New Orleans. (
area map)
The Shabbat meals and services will take place at the JW Marriott (614 Canal Street) just up the block. Lodging for GA attendees will be available at all three hotels.
The ILOJC will be held at the nearby Hilton Riverside New Orleans (2 Poydras St).
See below for information about hotel options for the GA.
I have additional questions about the GA. Who should I contact?
Click the 'Contact Us' link on the bottom of all pages of the GA website to find the correct contact information for all GA issues. For most support issues, e-mail the GA Helpline at
GAinfo@JewishFederations.org or call 212-284-6990.
How can I find out about programming scheduled for the GA?
CLICK HERE to see the most up-to-date program details for the GA.
The opening plenary will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 7. There will be breakout sessions held prior to the opening plenary, so please plan to join us at noon.
The closing plenary is scheduled to end at 1:00 p.m. on Nov. 9.
See below for information about the GA's Nov. 5 charity golf tournament.
Before the opening of the GA, there will be a Shabbat program that consists of kosher meals and Shabbat services on Nov. 5 and 6. Please check the GA schedule for details. Pre-registration is required for the Shabbat meals via the GA or Lion conference registration pages. Additional pre- and post-GA events will be added to the online program as they are confirmed.
Volunteer opportunities will be offered to all GA participants on Monday, Nov. 8. More information on volunteer signup will be available mid-summer. If you are already registered for the GA, you will receive an additional communication about volunteer registration.
Will the food provided at the GA be Kosher?
All meals provided at the GA will be under the kosher supervision of the Louisiana Kashrut Committee led by Rabbi Yossie Nemes. Meals included with GA registration are continental breakfast on Monday and Tuesday, and lunch for all participants on Monday. All attendees are invited to Monday evening's New Orleans Celebration. The Shabbat fee includes all meals.
Kosher Cajun New York Deli and Grocery which has a retail location in Metairie at 3519 Severn Avenue will set up a Kosher Cafe Sunday November 7 through Tuesday November 9 at the Sheraton Hotel on the 2nd floor in the Maurepas Room near registration. The cafe will have available sandwiches, salads, snacks, drinks and more.
Hours of Operation:
Sunday, November 7 8:30am - 7 pm
Monday, November 8 8:30am - 7pm
Tuesday, November 9 8:30am - 2pm
The Kosher Cajun Deli and Grocery retail location will also be extending their hours on Sunday November 7 until 8pm. Check out the website
www.koshercajun.com for menu and hours.
For off-site restaurant options during your time in New Orleans, see our
list of recommendations. (Kosher options on that list are indicated.)
Religious Services
Daily religious services will be held, commencing with Mincha (afternoon services) on Sunday, Nov. 7. Please check the GA's online program for exact times and locations.
What provisions are made for those with disabilities?
Please indicate your disability and special needs in the box provided on the registration form. We will do our best to accommodate these special needs.
Are there any security measures I should be aware of?
For security reasons, GA badges must be worn at all GA events. Badges will be provided upon check-in at GA registration. Metal detectors and other security measures may also be in place for some sessions. Non-registered persons will not be allowed access to any GA events. The Jewish Federations of North America reserves the right to withdraw the credentials of any delegate to the GA. Unauthorized print materials may not be distributed, and no solicitation is permitted.
How do I register?
Online registration is now closed. On-site registration is only available on the following days: Saturday, Nov. 6 from 7:00p.m. - 10:00p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 7 from 7:00am - 9:00p.m.
What are the registration fees for the GA?
The general online registration fee is $695. On-site registration is $795. Special discounts for constituencies including JFNA Young Leadership Cabinet, international attendees, spouses, New Orleans residents and students as outlined in the list below. The registration fee for Shabbat is $75, which covers all meals.
Event Registration Fees
Regular
Onsite
GA Registration (US & Canada)
$695
$795
GA + ILOJC
$900
$900
Pre-GA Shabbat (services, meals)
$75
$75
JFNA National Young Leadership Cabinet
$575
$675
International
$575
$675
New Orleans resident
$425
$525
Spouse (limited entry)
$450
$450
Student (local, no hotel)
$100
$100
I would also like to attend the International Lion of Judah Conference. How to I register for both conferences?
There is a special rate for ILOJC participants who are also attending the GA.
CLICK HERE for the ILOJC registration page.
Day Rates
Please note that day passes will not be available for the 2010 General Assembly
Spouse Rate
The Spouse rate of $450 entitles you to entry into the exhibit hall, breakfast on Monday and Tuesday, and entry to the Monday evening New Orleans Celebration at Mardi Gras World only.
How can I enter the GA's charity golf tournament?
If you are interested in playing in the charity golf tournament on Friday morning, November 5 at the Jack Nicklaus-designed English Turn golf course, please send the following to
GAInfo@jewishfederations.org: Name, email address, daytime phone #, handicap, and whether you will need to rent clubs. We will contact you for registration and to make payment. The cost for playing in the tournament is $250. Tee time will be 8:30 AM, and transportation from the GA hotels will be provided. For questions about the golf tournament, please email
GAInfo@jewishfederations.org or call the GA support line at 212-284-6990.
What is the GA cancellation policy?
Cancellations of all GA registrations will be charged a $150 fee if the cancellation is processed by Oct. 8, 2010. After Oct. 8, there are no refunds. Hotel cancellations are subject to the hotel cancellation policies noted in the hotel section.
Cancellations of the Shabbat program will be charged a $50 fee if the cancellation is processed by Oct. 8, 2010. After Oct. 8, there are no refunds.
How do I register for a hotel?
As of Oct. 18, 2010, our GA hotel room blocks are closed, and can no longer be selected during the event registration process. If you are a new GA registrant, or are preparing to register, we encourage you to contact one of the many additional hotels that are within walking distance of the event.
For any GA hotel, a cancellation charge of one night's stay will be incurred if you cancel within 72 hours of arrival.
I'd like to find out if others from my community are attending. How do I find out?
Please contact your local Federation to see if there will be a contingent from your area.
CLICK HERE to find your local Federation.
What's the weather like in New Orleans in November?
The weather in New Orleans in November ranges from a low of 50 degrees to highs in the 70s.
How will I get to and from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport?
Click Here for information about ground transportation from the airport.