KOACH Resources Learn about the 2002 Kallah. Photos of the 2000 Kallah. Photos of the Habitat projects on the 2000 Kallah.

KOACH Kallah 2000

By Michael Aaron Kay

The Year 2000 KOACH Kallah in Miami provided a wonderful opportunity for Conservative college students from throughout North America to interact with and learn from each other in the sun (and occasional rain) of South Florida. 

The scholar-in-residence was Rabbi Jerome Epstein, Executive Vice President of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Rabbi Epstein led three sessions over Shabbat about Jewish views on the subject of the Messiah, with each session featuring a brief framing, time for chevruta (small-group) text study, and a question-and-answer period at the end. 

Kallah participants also participated in the Perek Yomi program, studying the final three chapters of II Kings and beginning the study of the Book of Isaiah. 

KOACH Resources Learn about KOACH's Torah Lishmah learning project.

On Friday night, ten staff members and students led innovative and creative "Torah Lishmah" text-study programs. 

Social activities

The educational content of the weekend was supplemented by social programs and opportunities to help others. 

Thursday night featured a gala beach party at Yam Kinneret (disguised as the University of Miami pool), and -- in keeping with the theme of water-based entertainment -- on Saturday night participants showed off their dancing skills without getting too seasick on the disco cruise. 

Friday morning everyone had the opportunity to perform an important mitzvah by participating in a beach cleanup, painting a low-income housing unit (view pictures), or visiting a retirement home. Everyone had a great time hanging out and learning down in Miami, and we can't wait for next year's Kallah!