What a Hashlamah Project Study Circle is
Hashlamah Project Study Circles are local gatherings where Jews and Muslims meet for study, prayer, source-based discussion, and relationship building. The purpose is not theological uniformity and not conversion. The purpose is disciplined encounter between communities that remain themselves.
Shared leadership
Every circle should ideally have two co-facilitators: one Jewish and one Muslim. If a Jewish organizer starts the circle, finding a Muslim co-facilitator is part of the launch process; the reverse is equally true. This co-leadership keeps both communities structurally present rather than symbolically invited.
What happens at a meeting
Prayer
A brief Jewish or Muslim prayer opens the gathering; the other tradition may close it. The purpose is shared reverence, not a merged service.
Study
Participants work with primary sources and historical material on Jewish–Muslim encounter, Judeo-Sufism, law, scripture, and coexistence.
Reasoned dialogue
Hard questions are allowed. Claims about either tradition should be documented. Debate targets ideas, not people.
Launch sequence
Create a local contact point
Set up a chapter email and, where useful, a local phone number or P.O. box.
Register with Hashlamah HQ
Contact [email protected] and identify your city and intended co-facilitators.
Use facilitator resources
Begin with the Ten Acknowledgements, the facilitator reading list, source packets, and outreach materials.
Do local outreach
Synagogues, mosques, Sufi centers, bookstores, campuses, cafés, and community spaces can all become entry points.
Meet consistently
Small is fine. Consistency and trust matter more than scale.
Rules for respectful dialogue
- No proselytizing.
- No personal attacks.
- Document claims about Judaism and Islam.
- Respect confidentiality where security requires it.
- Do not require either community to erase its identity in order to participate.