Early Bird Rate Extended for TribeFest in Vegas

Next month, more than 1,500 Jews in their 20s, 30s and 40s are expected to wander into the desert for three days and nights to discover their personal connection to Judaism.

While these modern-day descendants of Moses and Miriam will trek by plane, train and automobile to their destination -- the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas -- their journey is equally important to the future of our Jewish people.

TribeFest, sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), is scheduled for March 25-27. More than 1,500 Jews, ages 22-45, are expected to attend this educational and enlightening event featuring such nationally recognized Jewish notables as: Lenny Krayzelburg, a four-time Olympic gold medalist; Jonny Imerman, a young adult cancer survivor who founded Imerman Angels, a national non-profit organization, which matches a cancer fighter or survivor with a mentor angel; A.J. Jacobs, author of three New York Times bestsellers; and Aya Korem, one of Israel's most beloved and successful female singer-songwriters.

Amy Brazina, Philadelphia chair for the event, is a strong cheerleader for this second annual national ingathering. "I think TribeFest is significant because it is the only event of its kind that is open to anyone who identifies as Jewish -- regardless of affiliation or level of observance," she says, adding that she hopes for a strong local turnout.

"Philadelphia has one of the country's largest Jewish populations and this is our chance to show the national Jewish community that Philadelphia is and will continue to be a place full of strong Jewish leaders."

Brazina encourages everyone to take advantage of the early bird rate of $450, which is currently open to the first 500 people who sign up in response to reading this article. This rate includes most meals and snacks, participation in all event sessions and Main Stage events, event materials, a commemorative T-shirt, evening programming and participation in a hands-on service project. Upon completion of registration, participants can book exclusive TribeFest deals at the Venetian Resort and Casino.

Subsidies may be available for those who qualify. For more information, call Sarah Bernstein at 215-832-0894, or email her at sbernstein@jfgp.org. Visit www.tribefest.org for a full itinerary.