Campus Update

York University: An Incredible Year

By Shira Zeliger
York University

KOACH at York University in Toronto, Canada has had an incredible year.

With a programming theme of Jewish holidays, we've made sushi in the sukkah, and hamentaschen at our Hillel Rabbi's apartment for Purim. We have also stressed the importance of Jewish learning and always have a limmud session to go along with our program presented by a community rabbi or student leader.

With a KOACH listserv of about 60 students, we've been able to get the message out and have been blessed with an active group of about 30 students that infuse each program with energy, enthusiastic participation and great discussion.

The learning opportunities available at the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem were also promoted at a KOACH "Dinner ‘N' Drash" that delved into the topic of ‘Love in Judaism’ using sources from the book of Shir HaShirim. Ezra Balser, a former student of the Conservative Yeshiva, ran the discussion.

Another goal of KOACH at York was to promote pluralism on campus. This goal was accomplished in cooperation with Yavneh Olami (the Orthodox students' organization on campus). The planning and executing our very own Tu B'Shvat Seder was very successful. By creating our own Tu B'Shvat 'haggadah' from scratch, we were able to bridge two denominations and movements on campus, and forge a strong bond that will surely continue through to next year. We’re looking forward to our KOACH 2005-2006 year!

[Posted 6/7/05]