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PUBLISHED EVERY ROSH HODESH

Iyyar 5772 - 4/22/2012

Why Are American Jews Zionists?

Author Picture Two Jews, Three Opinons By Israel Geselowitz
University of Pennsylvania
  The dynamism of a healthy lack of consensus on Israel.

Author Picture Love of the Land By Alyssa Blumenthal
KOC Co-Editor
Queens College
  We remember that not too long ago, the idea of having a country to call our own was a distant dream. And now it is a reality. After years of wandering, we have finally found our home.

Author Picture Special Feature: Our Prayer By Juli Goodman
KOACH Intern
Rutgers University
  This is not my prayer, nor is it a prayer for Rutgers, or even specifically for KOACH, but rather was intended as a prayer for any college student, any college community that recognizes that it is a distinct part of the continuum that is Jewish tradition. This is our prayer.

Author Picture Mitzvot and Mindfulness: My Heart is in the East… By Rabbi Elyse Winick
KOACH Director
  The watch on my wrist perpetually shows the time in Boston and the time in Jerusalem. And some ticks of the clock are more intense than others.

Campus Update
Pace University   Find out what happened with KOACH at Pace University!

Views from Jews

"In Basel, I founded the Jewish State." - Theodor Herzl (Read More...)

Joke

The Four Questions (Read More...)

Get Monthly Updates - New Articles Posted Monthly

Editorial calendar / Submit an article

Meet the Staff - Bios & Photos

Index to KOACH Humor - Jewish Jokes
 

Israel on Campus

KOACH is a proud member of the Israel on Campus Coalition.  www.israeloncampuscoalition.org

Stay Informed - Stay Entertained

Join the KOACH-ON-CAMPUS e-zine mailing list.

Our Mission Statement...

KOACH provides college-age students the opportunity to maintain and develop connections to Conservative Judaism.

KOACH nurtures a love of Torah, the Jewish people, Israel and God through a variety of activities, including social, religious, educational, cultural and social action programs. We seek to create a passionate Jew who is committed to the future of the Jewish people and the improvement of the world.

Get a Job

KOACH maintains a listing of job openings in the Jewish community.

  • Students, if you're looking for a position, click here

  • Synagogues, to have a position listed, click here.

Jewish Calendars
http://www.uscj.org/images/5yrcal20062011.pdf

http://www.hebcal.com/


Shabbat on Campus

Candle-lighting times...

Torah and Haftarah Study...

Support Our Work...

KOACH needs your financial support. KOACH Tribute Cards are available to send in honor of a wedding or bar/bat mitzvah or in memory of a friend. Click here to buy a package of Tribute Cards. Your purchase includes a donation to KOACH.

Reading material...

Building a basic Jewish library

Keep in Touch

We've compiled a list of Jewish contacts at campuses across North America. (Learn more...)

Choosing a College...

It's an important decision for your family. KOACH has teamed up with our partners at Hillel to help make this choice a little easier.

The Guide to Jewish Life on Campus provides you and with access to university and Hillel Web sites, the percentage of Jewish students on campus, and the rich array of extracurricular opportunities for Jewish students of all backgrounds. The guide is searchable by region, by student population size, or type of school.

No other resource provides all of this information in one place. Visit www.hillel.org/guide for more information.

KOACH's Two Minute Torah Podcast!

Got Two Minutes? Get some Torah! Click here for KOACH's weekly words of Torah, with guest teachers from throughout the Conservative Movement. This is your weekly parashah preview! Subscribe to our podcast via iTunes, listen right now or download the MP3 for later. One who studies Torah is as if they uphold they entire world. Midrash Mishlei (Proverbs) 9:1

» More Weekly Torah / Haftarah Resources

KOACH Intern Program

There may still be a chill in the air, but it's not to early to begin to think about ways to grow and enrich your campus kehillah (community) next year. The application season for the 2012-13 KOACH Deadline extended! Read more »

KOACH Campus Enrichment Grant Program

Have a particular project in mind, but not looking to have an ongoing presence in your community? Consider the KOACH Campus Enrichment Grant Program. Deadline extended! Learn more »

If You Build It...

Join KOACH's Student Steering Committee and help support KOACH on campuses throughout North America and build the vision of Conservative Judaism on campus! Send a letter of intent, describing your past experience, time commitments and vision for the future to koach@uscj.org. Five students will be selected; applicants will be considered through May 4.

Counting Time

With Pesah behind us, the Counting of the Omer is underway. Use this handy calendar to keep you on track...maybe print and post above your desk?

Assistant Editor Sought

Are you passionate about sharing your voice with the KOACH community? Are you eager to encourage others to do the same? Are you craving the opportunity to express your connection to Judaism through writing, and to engage others in doing likewise?

Apply now for the assistant editorship of the KOACH on Campus e-zine, where this vision can become a reality! Through monthly editions, KOACH on Campus asks students to reflect upon big Jewish questions and to share their stories with the KOACH community. For more information contact KOCEditor@uscj.org. Ready to apply? Send a resume, writing sample and a note explaining why YOU are the best person for the job to winick@uscj.org.

Summer Dreamin'

What are you up to this summer? Consider working with a USY summer program or at a Ramah camp or immersing yourself in service and learning at the Conservative Yeshiva.



Tu BiShevat Higi'a, Hag Ha-Ilanot!

Shivering with cold? Spring is on the horizon! Celebrate Tu BiShevat, the 'Birthday of Trees,' with KOACH's study material on environmental responsibility and take advantage of these great resources.

Great Summer Opportunities

Check out the new volunteer and learning program at the Conservative Yeshiva or explore summer employment with USY and Ramah.

Got Education?

Join the Conservative Movement's efforts to build the next great educational initiative. Complete this survey and tell us about your past and current experiences, so that we can learn what we do well and what we need to do better. Your voice is essential!

Peace in the Middle East

We all dream of a just and equitable peace in the Middle East. Unilaterally declared statehood on the part of the Palestinian Authority is not the best next step to a two-state solution. Join the Jewish community and add your name to this petition. Your voice should be heard!

Power to the People

KOACH is pleased to announce the formation of a Student Steering Committee, designed to grow and enrich our presence on campus by deepening student empowerment. Ben Goldberg (Northwestern University), Ethan Goldberg (Brandeis University), Jeremy Rose (Washington University in St Louis), Hannah Schwartz (University of Tennessee, Knoxville), and Jodi Schwartz (University of Washington) welcome your comments and suggestions. Drop them a note at koach@uscj.org, including the words Steering Committee in your subject line.

2012 KOACH Kallah Planning Committee

Join the planning, join the fun! Work is now underway to make the 2012 KOACH Kallah, featuring Rabbi Jane Kanarek of Hebrew College, the biggest and best ever! Save February 23-26 for this amazing event. Want to join the Planning Committee? Drop a note to koach@uscj.org. Watch for more details soon!

WLCJ and KOACH

KOACH is thrilled to acknowledge the generous support of the Women's League for Conservative Judaism, sponsors of the 2012 KOACH Kallah in Boston, MA. Read more and be sure to express your gratitude to all the Women's League members you know!

You Can Make a Difference

In the wake of Tropical Storm Irene, Nechama: Jewish Response to Disaster is gearing up to help clean and rebuild communities throughout the Northeast. Join them and help repair the world. Learn more here.

Study in Israel

Spending next semester in Israel? Stay connected with KOACH and the Conservative Movement through the Center on Campus Program in Jerusalem. Contact Rabbi Ed Romm to learn more about our offerings at Hebrew University and other campuses throughout Israel.

Know a New College Student?

Or are you new to campus yourself? Check out this great read on how to make the transition. Keep connected and up to date on the newest and best resources from Conservative Judaism by joining our listserv -- drop a note with your contact info to koach@uscj.org. Have a great year!!

Two Minute Torah

Have a Torah insight you'd like to share? Sign up to record one of KOACH's Two Minute Torah podcasts and spread your learning across the globe.

Choosing a College Jewishly

In the college selection process? Check out KOACH's teleseminar on how to look for the right college using a Jewish lens. Geared for high school sophomores and juniors, parents, educators and youth group advisors and directors, you can find it here.

USCJ in Transition

The implementation of the USCJ Strategic Plan proceeds apace. Click here for updated information on changes in staff and structure in our parent organization.

Ozer v'Shomer

Career Planning? Help is on the way! Click here for information on Project Reconnect's Ozer v'Shomer program, a great way to receive guidance on your chosen path -- or even to help you find one. Professionals in a broad range of fields are available to counsel you on academic choices, internship opportunities and career opportunities.

Do Not Stand Idly By: A Jewish Community Pledge

A new year, renewed efforts to support everyone in our communities. KOACH invites you to sign on as individuals to Do Not Stand Idly By: A Jewish Community Pledge, created by Keshet, reflecting your personal investment in a fully inclusive community.

Women of the Wall

Are you following news from Israel? Keep up with the Women of the Wall and their attempts to make the Kotel fully accessible to Jews of all stripes. Join their Facebook Group (Women of the Wall Nashot HaKotel) and raise the profile of their cause here at home. Send this letter, prepared by The Rabbinical Assembly (the association of Conservative rabbis), to Ambassador Michael Oren and add your voice to the call for religious equality in Israel.

Represent with KOACH

Wear your KOACH on your sleeve! Or your water bottle, your back, your front....KOACH introduces our very popular intern T-shirts, now available for everyone. Represent!
» View the KOACH Apparel Store

Do you Tweet?

KOACH is now on Twitter! Keep up to date with us by following us on Twitter!

Project Reconnect

Just because you're graduating doesn't mean you have to say goodbye. Link up with other alumni of the Conservative Movement through Project Reconnect. It's all about networking!

Israel Resources

Our hearts are in the East...but in the meantime, visit our new Israel Resource page, with information on travel and study in Israel, updates on the political scene and links to other sites with helpful resources.

KOACH Educational Materials

Conflict is a point of tension for each of us, but that doesn't mean it can't yield positive results. Learn about what Jewish tradition has to say regarding conflict and conflict resolution with this month's study packet and discover creative methodologies for individuals, communities and, dare we suggest, even nations. Learn more from our newest Study Packet, by Matt Plen of the Conservative Yeshiva. Download Download Jewish Conflict Resolution

MERCAZ and Aliyah News

Curious about life in Israel? Click www.linktoisrael.org to learn more. Concerned about strengthening Zionist connections? Click www.mercazusa.org to learn more.

Visit www.aliyah.org and www.israelprograms.org for exciting Israel opportunities.

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