Yavneh: A Jewish text-based salon series about what it means to be a person and a Jew at this moment of disruption in our country and our world

September 23, 2026, 7pm

Are you looking for a place to have meaningful conversations, in a Jewish context, about what it means to be a person and a Jew at this moment of disruption in our country and our world?

There are 1 or 2 more spots available in this text-based dialogue group that is proving to be a meaningful experience for all participants. It is more a salon than actual text study and the group combines intellectual engagement, personal reflection and a warm supportive community.  

We have met twice and will be meeting six more times approximately monthly. Our next session is Sept. 23 from 7-9 PM. These are in-person sessions.

The group has about 15 members; please plan to attend consistently. So far 9 or 10 people have attended each session. We rotate the hosting among group member's homes.

At each session we select a topic and utilize a Jewish text to stimulate our conversation. Topics so far have been: 

--finding the courage to step into the unknown; 

--the importance of making space for stillness in our lives and the opportunity to use spiritual practice to do so; 

Upcoming topics are: 

--transcending polarization; 

--living in a world of AI; 

--what does it mean to live in a post-truth world?; 

--Living authentically in a time of uncertainty;

--How do we contend with the climate crisis and the grief surrounding it?  

Please contact Shari Cohen newyorkshari@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more