FAQ

The General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America brings together Jewish communal leaders, philanthropists, professionals, and community partners from across North America to foster unity, collaboration, and strength within the Jewish community. It serves as a platform to address pressing issues, explore best practices, and cultivate innovative solutions.

The General Assembly is open to Jewish communal leaders, philanthropists, professionals, and community partners from across North America, including Federation lay leadership, Federation professional talent, and major Jewish organizations.

Through networking, featured sessions, and plenaries, the General Assembly empowers participants to tackle today’s critical challenges, including rebuilding Israel, combating hate and antisemitism, and inspiring participation in jewish life. Its goal is to inspire collective action and ensure the vibrancy and resilience of Jewish communities in North America and around the world.

The General Assembly Chairs are Joan Lubar and John Crouch.

The General Assembly will be held in Washington, DC from Sunday, November 16-18, 2025. The exact venue location will be disclosed to participants only as we approach the GA start date.

The cost to participate in the General Assembly is $849*. For those who register by Friday, September 12, 2025, the early-bird rate is $799*.

*Note: there is a non-refundable administrative fee of $100, which is included in the listed cost.

To receive a refund of $749 / $699 (Early Bird), cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to generalassembly@jewishfederations.org by Friday, October 17, 2025. After this date, all payments will be fully directed towards conference costs, and we will be unable to issue a refund, regardless of the circumstance. Refunds will be determined solely on the basis of the date the written cancellation request is received.

Please register by visiting https://generalassembly.org/ and clicking “register now,” or by using the following Registration Link.

Yehuda Gershonovitz, Jewish Federations of North America’s Director of Security, is in constant communication with local police, relevant security personnel, and the Secure Community Network to set up safety protocols and to make sure that the conference will be secure and safe from start to finish. Badges are required to access all conference sessions and events. Badges will be provided upon check-in at conference registration. Non-registered persons will not be allowed access to any General Assembly events.

The 2025 General Assembly is organized as an in-person gathering only.

A room block is available from Friday, November 14 to Tuesday, November 18. Participants will receive room block information after registering for the General Assembly.

Hotel accommodations are not arranged by JFNA and therefore should be booked on your own. As such, you will need to contact the hotel directly to make any cancellation arrangements.

The General Assembly officially begins on Sunday, November 16th.

The General Assembly officially ends on Tuesday, November 18th.

All meals provided at the General Assembly programs are supervised Kosher. 

If you have any other dietary needs, please be sure to indicate them on the registration form.

Attire for The General Assembly is Business Casual.

We are asking communities to plan their dinners in the evening on Monday, November 17th.

Yes, please reach out to Steven.Davis@jewishfederations.org if you are interested in holding your community dinner on-site.

Yes, we will have a PMC reception at this year’s GA. More information is coming soon!

Speaker announcements are coming soon.

To be considered to speak, present, or perform at the General Assembly, please email generalassembly@jewishfederations.org.

Yes! Through a sponsorship of JFNA’s General Assembly, you’ll receive premier access to prominent and influential leaders and partners of the Federation movement, including communal institutions, government agencies, foundations, and global enterprises. For more information on this year’s sponsorship offerings, please contact Melody DeSanto Goodman at melody.desanto@jewishfederations.org.

The Networking Lounge is our “Exhibitors Hall” at the GA. We’ve made the decision to create a multi-functional space for GA participants to gather throughout the GA, connect and network with other participants, sponsor organizations, and more. So, if you’re interested in sponsoring a space to have your organization’s materials, branding, and representation to speak about the org, please see the “Networking Lounge” options in the General Assembly Sponsorship Brochure.

Each package includes a furniture cluster with comfortable seating for guests, a table to display materials, your organization’s branding, and the cost of GA registration for 1-2 individuals based on the selected package.

VIP access includes special access to talent and speaker meet-and-greets, and preferred seating at the General Assembly plenaries.

We welcome customized sponsorships and other ideas. To discuss further, contact Melody DeSanto Goodman at melody.desanto@jewishfederations.org.

We are committed to doing our best to provide accommodations to attendees with disabilities. If you need to request an accommodation for either the General Assembly, please do so when you register or email generalassembly@jewishfederations.org.

Press should reach out to Niv Elis at Niv.Elis@JewishFederations.org.