Pelavin will also speak Thursday, Jan. 21 at Temple Israel in Alameda. His address, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will touch on the likely impact of the impeachment process on the work of the new U.S. Congress. In particular, he will focus on the Jewish community's legislative agenda. The presentation is free and open to the public; call (510) 522-9355 for information.

At the biennial, Pelavin and others will lead sessions on such topics as: "Repairing the World: What Your Congregation Can Do;" "Creating an Effective Education Committee;" "New Dimensions in Conversion;" and "Welcoming Gays, Lesbians and Their Families."

Other seminars will focus on staff-board relations, capital campaigns and reaching the unaffiliated.

The conference will include Torah study, Shabbat services Friday evening and Saturday morning and a havdallah service Saturday night.

Registration fees cost up to $250 and must be submitted to the UAHC by Jan. 14. Information on the biennial can be obtained by calling the UAHC office toll-free at (888) 756-8242 and speaking to Linda Feldman at ext. 20 or Naomi Horowitz at ext. 17. Or e-mail the UAHC at [email protected]