Welcome to 5771!

By Rabbi Elyse Winick
Associate Director for KOACH

I wonder, as I write these words, where I am in the long list of people who will wish you a year of joy and fulfillment, a good and a sweet year, a year of peace and health and happiness. I doubt I am the first, and it is my fervent hope that I am not the last, and that kol mish'alot libkhem y'mal'u l'tovah – that all the wishes of your hearts will be fulfilled for good (tweaking the words of the blessing for the new month).

We at KOACH are pleased to start this new year with you, whether you've been on campus for weeks already, or if you won't even move in until 5771 is already underway. In the category of ‘new,' here are some items worthy of note:

KOACH welcomes Abe Fried-Tanzer to our staff as our new Field Worker. Abe has a long KOACH history, starting with his involvement with the KOACH community at New York University, serving as KOACH intern at NYU and spending two years on the Editorial Staff of our KOACH on Campus Ezine. Based at the USCJ offices in New York City, Abe will work most closely with campuses along the Eastern seaboard, but he'll be a resource for campuses in other parts of the country as well. A movie buff and a skilled (and published) movie reviewer, Abe is known for his cheerful disposition, shining smile and wearing orange. You can reach Abe at fried-tanzer@uscj.org.

Our KOC Editorial Staff has gone through a transition as well. Shira Novack (Binghamton '11) has moved into the position of KOC Editor (koceditor@koach.org) and Alex Howie (Miami U of Ohio '11) is serving as Assistant Editor (kocassteditor@koach.org). Please be in touch with them if you'd like to contribute, or if you have innovative ideas for what the Ezine might present. Note that our Views from Jews feature has expanded this year to include drawing and painting in addition to photography. We welcome your submissions!

Last spring, Naomi Freedman (shlihah to the Conservative Movement, especially to KOACH) and her husband Lior brought the ultimate new-ness to the world with the birth of their son Lior. Naomi is back to serving campuses with passion and intensity this semester and would love to help bring Israel and the Masorti Movement to your campus. Contact her at shlicha@mercazusa.org

Book your travel early! This year's KOACH Kallah will take place at Northwestern University, February 24-27, 2011. You know you want to be there – and we can't wait to see you. Registration and more details will be posted on our website soon after the holidays.

In Elul we described our new Campus Enrichment Grant program. Watch each month as we bring you updates from communities great and small (though still great!) on how they are growing Conservative Judaism on their campuses. Maybe next year, we can make that difference for you!

Last, but hardly least, the rest of us at KOACH remain at your service. Rabbi Shalom Kantor continues to serve the Jewish Community at Binghamton University with good humor as the KOACH/Hillel Rabbi there. Rabbi Helene Kornsgold is spreading sunshine on the West Coast as our part-time Rabbinic Field Worker. Jessica Zehavi is our indomitable webmaster and design expert. I'm still doing my part from the wilds of New England and Rich Moline continues to wave the banner in his not-so-new role as Director of Youth and Young Adult Services for the USCJ.

[Posted 9/8/10]