The KOACH Faculty Program

KOACH Faculty Apply online for a KOACH Faculty member.

KOACH, the College Outreach Department of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, invites your campus to participate in an exciting program: the KOACH Faculty.

The KOACH Faculty can enhance Jewish life on your campus with an enriching Shabbat experience. KOACH will connect your campus with a recently ordained conservative rabbi, a senior rabbinical student or Jewish educator.

Together we will plan a Shabbat filled with ruach (spirit), Jewish learning and exploration. The faculty can even help you with the organizational planning to energize the Conservative Jewish community on your campus.

This past year campuses as diverse as Arizona, Binghamton, Florida State, Harvard, George Washington University, Michigan State, Oregon State, Princeton, San Diego State University, Tulane and others and others have benefited from the KOACH Faculty program.

These visits have been a programming highlight for campuses without a strong Conservative presence. Where Conservative Jewish life is already vibrant, the KOACH Faculty is a wonderful addition to a wonderful year, helping to raise the community to the next level.

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How the Program Works

Based on your responses to a series of questions, we can effectively match your campus with a charismatic and dynamic rabbi or rabbinical student. You'll be able to select possible dates for a visit and identify any special needs and interests for your community.

Some visits have focused on such themes as:

• "The Role of Women in Judaism"

• "Judaism and Sexuality"

• Holiday preparations

Other campuses have asked for a Faculty member able to liven up and enhance the spirit and spirituality of their Conservative Minyan. Tell us what you want and we will do our best to find someone who can meet your needs!

What KOACH Will Do

Once we have set up and committed to the date and structure of the visit, KOACH will arrange and PAY FOR both the honorarium and major travel expenses of the KOACH Faculty member and work with your campus to make sure the weekend is a success for everyone.

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What KOACH Expects from the Host Campus

After your application is submitted we will contact you to talk about the weekend and help with anything you might need. In general, the host campus is expected to:

*Plan programming for both Friday night and Saturday of the Shabbaton to reach out to the Conservative students on your campus. We know that many campuses do not regularly host Saturday services/programming and we will work with you to brainstorm ways to make your program successful. We want the Faculty member to have contact with your students to help expand your connection with them.

*Provide accommodations within walking distance of the program site for Friday and Saturday nights - a local hotel or home hospitality with a faculty/staff member.

*Provide kosher meals for the KOACH Faculty member during their stay.

*Provide local transportation and other local expenses (photocopying etc).

Some campuses have invited a KOACH Faculty member for a midweek visit. Others have sought to establish ongoing visits over the course of the academic year, which may require some additional financial arrangements. We are excited to help shape a program that fits the needs of your community.

What to Do Now

KOACH Faculty Apply online for a KOACH Faculty member.

If you would like to participate in the KOACH Faculty Program in the upcoming academic year, please complete the online form. We will contact you shortly to schedule and plan this wonderful event!

The KOACH Faculty is sponsored by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism in conjunction with the Rabbinical School of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies.

We are aware that changes often happen and in the event something prevents the program from occurring on the planned date we will certainly work with you to rearrange or cancel the visit. Please be aware though, if you find you must cancel the visit within 3 weeks of the scheduled date we will ask you to cover both the stipend and any unrecoverable transportation expenses, as we will still need to cover these costs.

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