This June 24-27 the Union comes together for our annual Summer Family Conference, centered on the theme, Chevlei Mashiach, The Birth Pangs of Messiah. We’re delighted to be back at the beautiful Ridgecrest Conference Center, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Schedule highlights include morning Torah study groups and dynamic teaching sessions with Dr. Golan Broshi of One for Israel, Daniel Stern, Sam Nadler, and our own Rabbi Russ Resnik. We’ll also hear updates from key Union committees, including the Retorno and Theology Committees. On Friday night, enjoy dinner together followed by a lively performance from the third annual Union Klezmer Band, led by Rabbi Dr. Rich Nichol. The conference concludes Saturday evening with an intimate and powerful night of worship led by Jamie and David Boskey from Israel.
Early Bird Registration (Now-3/27)
Adults: $135
Young Adults (18-35): $125
Teens (13-18): $125
Child (4-12): $125
Nursery (0-3): $56
Regular Registration (3/28-6/12)
Adults: $165
Young Adults (18-35): $155
Teens (13-18): $155
Child (4-12): $155
Nursery (0-3): $86
Be sure to complete both steps!
1) Conference registration
2) Hotel and meal package registration through Ridgecrest
For the Whole Family
Union Teens
Union Teens (13-HS) will enjoy time to connect with friends over laser tag and mini golf, enriching Bible studies, and games galore.
Camp Union Kids
We offer an enriching environment for kids (4-12) to connect with fellow Messianic children. Activities include learning about Jewish values through fun crafts, games, singing, and culminate in a movie night and shekel shop!
Nursery
We provide a safe and engaging environment for our little ones (ages 0-3), so that you can fully enjoy Torah Study Groups, workshops, and plenary sessions.
Spiritual Growth
Learn from top-notch teachers and scholars in breakout and plenary sessions, and engage with like-minded believers in morning Torah Study groups.
Fellowship and Relax
Relax with friends over a game of pickleball or volleyball, enjoy hiking the beautiful region, and connect with mishpocha over community meals.
Sponsors and Vendors
Receive great benefits and partner with the the Union as a Sponsor or Vendor. Email us today at office@umjc.org to learn more.
Location
The conference will be held at the Ridgecrest Conference Center (1 Ridgecrest Dr, Black Mountain, NC 28711).
We have a room block (hotel style rooms, no cabins) through June 4, 2026. After this date, our block is released and the rate may be different and room availability is not guaranteed.
When you make your room reservation, you will also purchase a meal package, which includes community dining for each day. This will be reflected in the room rate. All meals will be held at Ridgecrest.
Asheville Area
Take advantage of our amazing location outside of Asheville and extend your stay in the breathtakingly beautiful Western North Carolina area.
You might be wondering…
Will the food be Kosher? We serve Kosher-style menus at Union conferences.
No treif is served in our meals (pork, shellfish, etc.)
Meat and dairy are not served in the same meal (including condiments and desserts)
We include a fish and/or vegetarian option at all meals
If you would like to order certified-Kosher meals, please email office@umjc.org by May 31, 2026.
What if I register but later need to cancel?
If you are unable to attend the Summer Family Conference, refunds can be requested through June 10, 2026. No refunds will be given after this date.
What meals are included?
All meals are included beginning with dinner on Wednesday through breakfast on Sunday. A meal package will be included with your room reservation.
Is there an airport shuttle?
Ridgecrest does not offer an airport shuttle. The closest airport is Asheville Regional Airport. Ridgecrest is located 15 miles east of Asheville, North Carolina, on Interstate 40 at Exit 66.
When should I book my flights?
The kick-off event will be at 5PM on Wednesday, June 24 and the conference concludes on Saturday night, June 27.
Is parking included?
Parking is not included, though we have a discounted overnight self-parking rate of $4 (typically $16).
What if I’m not staying at another nearby location or live in the area? Can I still attend?
Yes, you can register for the conference without staying at the conference center. For guests who will not be staying overnight, there is a campus access fee is $25 per person aged 12 years or older.
Business Meetings
Executive Committee Members, Regional Directors, Steering Committee Members, and Delegates, please note the following days/times:
Monday, 6/22 Executive Committee Meeting (9AM-5PM)
Tuesday, 6/23 Regional Directors Meeting (9AM-Noon)
Steering Committee Meeting (2-5PM)
Delegates Reception (7-8:30PM)
Wednesday, 6/24 Delegates Meeting (9AM-5PM)
Conference Schedule
Monday, June 22: Pre-Conference Meetings Begin
All day: Executive Committee Meeting
Afternoon: Steering Committee members arrive and check-in
Tuesday, June 23:
Morning: Regional Directors Meeting
Afternoon: Steering Committee Meeting, Delegates arrive and check-in
Evening: Delegate Welcome Reception at the hotel (hors d’oeuvres)
Wednesday, June 24: Main Conference Begins
All Day: Annual Delegate Meeting at the hotel (lunch provided for Delegates)
Afternoon: Main Conference attendees arrive and check-in
Evening: Welcome Family Dinner
Evening: Sisterhood meet n greet after Welcome Dinner
Thursday, June 25:
All Day: Teens Laser Tag and Mini Golf
Morning: Torah Study Groups & Workshops
Afternoon: Sessions
Evening:
Opening Plenary Session
Young Adults Fire Ring
Friday, June 26:
Morning: Torah Study Groups & Workshops
Afternoon: Sisterhood Session
Evening:
Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Shabbat Dinner
Saturday, June 27:
Morning:
Torah Study Groups
Shabbat Morning Service, Ben Weisman speaking
Shabbat Luncheon
Afternoon:
Family Activities, sponsored by Ashreinu School
Evening: Worship Night led by Jamie and David Boskey
Musical Matters at Summer Conference
The third annual Union Klezmer Band on the program for Asheville and it's expanding! If you found yourself on the sidelines the past two years, take the plunge and jump in! Both the Klezmer Band and the Jazz quartet will be a cherished part of the erev Shabbat program and are looking for musicians from Junior High age and up.
Do you play any of these instruments?
Trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass, mandolin, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, Middle Eastern drum.
Can you read music at a moderate level? Would you like to find out more?
Just fill in the form and Rabbi Rich will take it from there. Over the past couple of years, the Klezmer Band has had a great time bringing Sabbath joy to the hundreds of people at the conference. We’d love you to be part of the experience!
Here are the four songs that the Klezmer Band will perform Friday night: