Campus Update: Harvard University

By Rebecca Gillette

We've had a great introduction of KOACH into our community this semester in working with SCM, the Student Conservative Minyan at Harvard Hillel. KOACH programs have allowed the minyan to create a greater sense of community for its already active members, while also reaching out to new students and other members of the broader Hillel community. Thanks to the involvement of the gabbaim of the minyan, our incredible professional staff and our Rabbinic Advisor, we've had a very successful run of programs this Fall.

Between the regular services and educational programs run by the minyan, KOACH has allowed for some special events to increase visibility and breadth of programming in the community. Events like Fondue in the Sukkah and a special Seudah Shlishit with singing and great food have been well attended by students from different backgrounds and varying levels of prior involvement. We were lucky enough to have Rafi Kaiserblueth from JTS spend KOACH Shabbat with us to participate in our services and to lead a very engaging discussion on Hechsher Tzedek, which attracted some new faces to the table. Also trying some new things, we ran a "Trick or Teach" outreach program that targeted new first years with publicity for upcoming programs on the night of Halloween, and in addition have been working closely with our Rabbinic Advisor, Rabbi Ethan Linden, to create fun, educational and social programs for the community. By far the biggest hit of the semester was our Hanukkah party on the first night, which included latkes, sufganiot and a hysterical rendition of the Hanukkah story based on the insights and comedic talents of Rabbi Linden. It's been a busy semester, but KOACH has been very successful in both reaching out to the community and adding another dimension to the minyan besides serving in its traditional religious capacity.

[Posted 1/8/08]