Salons
past salons
jANUARY 21, 2026
NEW YORK, NY
Bridging the divide: forming a new alliance between the black and jewish communities
This public convening at the 92NY was the launch event for Machshavah, and became a timely conversation about the evolving relationship between Black and Jewish communities in America. The iconic 1965 image of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel walking alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. symbolizes a historic alliance rooted in shared commitments to civil rights and justice — but the story is far more complex.
A panel of leading voices — including CNN’s Van Jones, writer and cultural commentator Shamar Hill, Jewish thought leader Mijal Bitton, bestselling author Abigail Pogrebin, Tony Award-winner Ari’el Stachel, and Share Our America’s Janille Hill— will bring a range of lived experiences and perspectives to this conversation. Together, they’ll explore how the Black–Jewish alliance has shifted over time, why renewed collaboration is urgently needed today, and what practical steps can strengthen understanding and solidarity, with a particular focus on New York City.
See the link below for the full video content of the salon:
https://www.92ny.org/archives/bridging-the-divide-6j4o73ks9z
upcoming salons
NOVEMBER 14, 2026
PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY
POETRY, TORAH & CONVERSATION
This public convening involves a conversation amongst poets regarding the relationship between the arts and Judaism.
A panel of leading voices — including Machshavah’s founder, Shamar Hill, Ben Yehuda Press’ Tikva Hecht, Academy of American Poets Prize winner, Hannah Butcher-Stell, will bring a range of explore the arts and poetry in relation to current events and Judaism.
February 9, 2027
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
Antisemitism today
This public convening will be held at the JEA of Savannah and involves a critical question for all Jews and non-Jews not just in America, but all around the world - what does antisemitism look like today and why is it so difficult to see?
A panel of leading voices — Full panel list is yet to be determined but will include Shai Davidai, writer and former professor at Columbia, and Machshavah’s founder, Shamar Hill, and more - yet to be determined.
February 10, 2027
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
Antisemitism today
This intimate salon will be held at a private home in Savannah and will be structured around the questions that have been posed and discussed at the public convening the night before.
A panel of leading voices — Full panel list is yet to be determined but will include Shai Davidai, writer and former professor at Columbia, and Machshavah’s founder, Shamar Hill, and more - yet to be determined.