Category: Event

SAPIR Salon

June 18th, 2026 / New York

Hosted in partnership with SAPIR Journal, this salon series brings together Project Activate community members for thoughtful conversations on the ideas shaping Jewish life, American society, and the future of the Jewish people. Held in intimate home settings, each gathering creates space for meaningful dialogue, relationship building, and the exchange of diverse perspectives among community leaders and engaged participants.

The inaugural salon, hosted on the Upper West Side of New York, featured Phil Getz, managing editor of SAPIR Journal, who led a discussion and offered a preview of the journal’s upcoming issue, ‘FIXING’ America. Together, participants explored questions of civic engagement, Jewish identity, public discourse, and communal responsibility, demonstrating how conversation can strengthen understanding, deepen connections, and inspire meaningful action.

The Living Lab with Ifat Nachman

June, 2026 / New York/Toronto

Hosted in Toronto, Canada, and Brooklyn, New York, this intimate salon series centered on a conversation with Israeli facilitator and educator Ifat Nachman on The Wisdom of Loss: Transforming Personal Grief into Collective Insight. Ifat’s work focuses on resilience, personal growth, and navigating complexity through deeply interactive, conversation-based experiences.

Following the loss of her son Ilay in the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel, Ifat transformed her professional expertise into a mission to help youth, adults, and educators build resilience through connection, reflection, and dialogue. Through her personal story, participants were invited into an honest and meaningful conversation about grief, identity, memory, and living through uncertain times, with space to reflect, ask questions, and connect across generations.

Purim Extravaganza

March 7, 2026 / 8pm / New York

This past Purim, Project Activate was proud to partner with American Friends of Lev Hasharon in support of Lev Hasharon Mental Health Center in Israel. What began as a celebration became something more — an evening that reminded us why community matters and what it looks like when people come together with genuine purpose. The gathering drew friends, supporters, and partners united not just by the spirit of the holiday, but by a shared recognition that mental health care in Israel demands our attention and solidarity right now.

The event raised $11,000 through ticket purchases, a live auction, and contributions from those who gave from afar — proof that participation takes many forms and every gesture counts. The funds raised will go directly toward the vital work Lev Hasharon does every day: providing trauma care, counseling, and mental health services to individuals and families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

At Project Activate, we believe meaningful change happens when communities mobilize around shared values — and this evening embodied exactly that. We are honored to stand alongside organizations like Lev Hasharon and the dedicated people who support them, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for the causes that matter most to our community.

CARMEL valley RETREAT 2026

January 30 – February 1, 2026 / Carmel, CA

The Power of Us: Peoplehood in Action

Project Activate’s second national gathering brought together change-makers from across the U.S., Canada, and Israel for an immersive three-day retreat in Carmel Valley, CA. Building on the momentum of our successful Charleston retreat in 2025, this weekend was designed to deepen connections, spark new initiatives, and strengthen our collective impact as an unapologetically Jewish movement.

The weekend featured a dynamic mix of programming that balanced reflection with action. Participants engaged in critical conversations including “How to Fight an Ideological War” with Shai Davidai, a moderated dialogue with Israeli participants sharing their firsthand perspectives, and “Jewish Peoplehood 4.0” with Zack Bodner during Havdalah. We explored the landscape of contemporary Jewish responses, examined strategies for sustainable impact with Adina Danzig Epelman, and connected Silicon Valley innovation thinking to Jewish peoplehood. The three-part “Power of Us Action Lab” gave participants hands-on time to collaborate, strategize, and co-create initiatives that will continue beyond the retreat.

From Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat dinner to trivia night (“CHTO GDE KOGDA”) and intimate connection sessions, every moment was intentionally designed to build relationships and trust. We didn’t just talk about building community — we lived it. Participants left with new partnerships, concrete action plans, and a renewed commitment to the work ahead. Charleston was just the beginning. Carmel Valley showed us what’s possible when we come together with purpose.

Anish Kapoor + Hanukkah at The Jewish Museum

December 17, 2026 / New York, NY

An after-hours private tour of Anish Kapoor and a special Hanukkah gathering of Project Activate community at The Jewish Museum (NY). 
It was a rare opportunity to experience world-class contemporary art in an intimate setting while celebrating the Festival of Lights with our cAn after-hours private tour of Anish Kapoor and a special Hanukkah gathering of the Project Activate community at The Jewish Museum offered a rare opportunity to experience world-class contemporary art in an intimate setting while celebrating the Festival of Lights together.

The evening began with welcome remarks from the Museum’s leadership, followed by an introduction to the work of Project Activate and the growing community it brings together. We then moved into a private, guided tour of the Anish Kapoor exhibition, where his reflective, transformative sculptures provided a powerful backdrop for conversations about light, perception, and inner reflection—themes deeply resonant with Hanukkah. Our guide brought the work vividly to life, and the dialogue continued well beyond the galleries.

Following the tour, guests enjoyed exclusive access to the Hanukkah lamps display and the Museum’s newly reopened collection galleries before gathering for a festive cocktail reception with light Hanukkah sweets. We lit the menorah, shared food and drinks, and connected across generations—old friends and new faces alike. The evening felt intimate and meaningful, a moment to slow down as the year wound down, and to hold art, light, and community in equal measure.

PROJECT ACTIVATE REUNION

December 7, 2025 / Lower East Side, NY

Our Project Activate Reunion on the Lower East Side brought our community back together with renewed energy and focus. Hosted at Shtick NYC, the evening felt intimate and intentional—a working session, but also a space for real connection. An integral part of the gathering was the sharing of personal journeys and experiences. People spoke openly about what these past two years since October 7th have meant for them.

In our four tracks—Education, Culture, Philanthropy, and Civic Activism—participants identified real needs and practical next steps. The Education group discussed launching Project Activate Junior to support teens and young adults in strengthening their Jewish identity and confidence. Philanthropy conversations highlighted the need for clearer guidance and learning around giving. The Culture track focused on amplifying Jewish voices and building partnerships that elevate artists and storytelling. Civic Activism centered on grounding action in Jewish values and helping people feel confident and visible in public spaces.

Across all tracks, one theme stood out: people want more than one-time events. There is a strong desire for structure, collaboration, and a central hub to connect communities through projects and initiatives. The afternoon felt like a reset, with new members, new collaborations, and a shared commitment to keep building something thoughtful, connected, and lasting together.