Experience Shabbat with 150 college-age Jews…
Enjoy a night out in Chicago…
Participate in amazing community service opportunities…
…right in our own backyard!!
This year, we are fortunate that the KOACH Kallah will be held at our own Northwestern University!
KOACH, the Conservative Movement’s national organization for college students, hosts a convention (“kallah”) every year for students to meet each other, network, learn something, help out in the community, have a great time, and experience a Shabbat and weekend unlike any other.
When: Thursday, February 28 (5 p.m.) – Sunday, March 2, 2008 (1 p.m.)
Where : Northwestern University!! (Most of the convention will take place in Parkes Hall)
Who: You! And you don’t even have to be “Conservative”–it’s open to everybody!
Why: It’s a rare opportunity to be able to connect and spend a Shabbat with this many Jews in one place–don’t miss your chance to do it!
Cost: $36 (seriously, this is mega cheap. Everybody else is paying $250 + a flight. Feel lucky.)
How: Register at http://koach.org/kallah.htm
Q: I have class on Friday that I can’t miss, a sorority thing on Saturday, and a dorm formal Friday night. What ever shall I do?
A: Never fear! You can go to class/formal/thing/whatever. This convention isn’t for high-schoolers–nobody will be taking attendance at each of the activities. If you have to step out for a bit for class or other commitments, that’s cool. It’s better that you’re able to be at part of it.
Q: If they’re not taking attendance at everything, then why do I need to pay the $36 to register?
A: The Kallah’s food is separate from Hillel’s budget, so the organizers need to know how many people will be there. Also, there are materials needed for sessions, and there are other logistical considerations that require the organizers to have an accurate number of who will be there. And seriously. $36 for a weekend’s worth of food, plus activities (including something really cool in Chicago on Saturday night!), plus entertainment (it’s possible a comedian is coming?) is not a bad deal. If finances are a problem, though, talk to me and we can see if KOACH or Hillel can help with the cost.
Q: Who are these “organizers,” anyway?
A: The convention is being chaired by our very own sophomore, Logan Wall!! (And the co-chair is former NU student Ariella Lis, if any of you know her.) Other people serving on committees include Lonnie Pervos, Benjamin Singer, Matt Schwartz, myself, and others. So come and support your friends!
Q: What are the accommodations?
A: Out-of-towners will be staying at the Best Western, but NU students will be staying in their dorms/apartments. Hey, at least we don’t have to deal with packing suitcases!
Q: I want to hear a first-person account from a previous year’s convention attendee.
A: That’s not a question, but okay. I (Lia Lehrer) attended last year’s convention at University of Pennsylvania in Philly. It was REALLY fun! I met a ton of cool people; I helped pack food for AIDS victims; I attended a session about Jewish genetic diseases; I participated in one of the most spirited Shabbat services I’ve ever been in; we went ice skating Saturday night; we heard performances from comedian Aaron Freeman; and I got to network with people at other schools.
Q: I’m not really that involved in the Conservative Minyan at NU, or really in Hillel for that matter. Is this convention for me?
A: YES! This is a great way to experience a unique Shabbat for one weekend. Think of it as a getaway from school for a weekend. You’ll meet people from other schools and you’ll get closer with the NU people there. Especially if you’ve never had the youth group experience with conventions like these, you’ll really get a kick out of a weekend like this.
Q: I’m Orthodox or Reform or Reconstructionist or something other than Conservative, but this sounds really cool to me. Can I still come?
A: Yup. The services will be egalitarian with a possibility of a non-egalitarian option if you prefer (but no one’s forcing you to go to services), and there may be some discussions based on the Conservative Movement. Join us! You’ll have a great time and you might just learn something.
Q: Okay, I’m convinced. How do I register again?
A: Visit http://koach.org/kallah.htm and fill out the online form.
Q: My question wasn’t on here. Help!
A: No problem. E-mail me (L-Lehrer@northwestern.edu) or Logan (joshua-wall@northwestern.edu) with any questions. And feel free to tell your friends at other schools about this–they can come too, but the deadline is fast approaching.
Thanks,
Lia Lehrer
L-Lehrer@northwestern.edu
Posted by Lia (Lehrer) Goldfarb 
Northwestern Conservative Minyan 