Applications Now Open for the 2026 Retreat
Saturday, April 18–Sunday, April 19, 2026
Are you ready to help shape a future rooted in understanding and connection?
Project Understanding is a transformative weekend retreat where Black and/or Jewish leaders gather to explore each other’s experiences, foster dialogue on topical issues, and build lasting relationships.
For more than 30 years, the retreat has served as a signature achievement of AJC's Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition and ensures that the bonds between Atlanta’s Black, Jewish, and Black-Jewish communities continues to thrive.
The 2026 retreat will have two cohorts based on age and is open to those who identify as Black and/or Jewish and live in metro Atlanta:
- Marvin C. Goldstein Project Understanding Retreat for Emerging Leaders (ages 25-39)
- Project Understanding Retreat Over 40 (ages 40-60)
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this powerful experience by applying by Tuesday, February 24 at 11:59 p.m.
"Project Understanding is a gift. Anyone that wants to learn, be pushed in their assumptions, encounter new perspectives, and meet a diverse group of smart, engaged and thoughtful folks should participate. I am thoroughly grateful for the opportunity."
—2024 Project Understanding Participant
Questions? Contact [email protected]. Scroll down for the FAQ.
Project Understanding for Emerging Leaders is made possible by the Marvin C. Goldstein Project Understanding Retreat Endowment Fund.
HISTORY OF PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
Atlanta's Black and Jewish communities have shared a unique relationship for many years, but this relationship has changed and evolved over time, as each community's challenges have become more complex. Today’s leaders who belong to either or both communities may not know or understand the natural alliances that have long drawn Black and Jewish people together in pursuit of justice.
Project Understanding was born from the combined experiences of the Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition and the strong desire on the part of ACCESS, AJC’s young professionals division, to create an opportunity for young Black and/or Jewish adults to share experiences and develop meaningful relationships.
Beginning in 1989 and held every other year, Project Understanding has provided a unique opportunity for the young leadership of our communities. It is a forum where people of influence can share and learn from each other and tap into a network critical to Atlanta's historical and current work building bridges between diverse communities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible to apply?
Project Understanding is open to those who identify as Black and/or Jewish and live in the greater Atlanta area.
The Emerging Leaders cohort is open to people ages 25-39, and the Over 40 cohort is open to ages 40-60.
What can I expect during the retreat?
During this two-day retreat, participants are encouraged to interact honestly and forthrightly about issues that affect each of their respective communities as well as those that affect both. The program includes exercises designed to encourage open exchange among participants. Participants quickly move past political correctness to engage in real conversation about issues that are often difficult to address. In addition, Project Understanding provides an environment for friendships to flourish.
Individuals in Project Understanding should be fully equipped to engage in challenging conversations and empathetically embrace the experiences of others, even when they differ or conflict with their own perspectives. All participants should approach the Project Understanding environment with a desire and capacity to presume positive intentions on the part of their fellow participants.
One of the objectives of Project Understanding is to foster and nurture enduring relationships. Prospective candidates are expected to have or allocate time after the conclusion of the program to nurture these connections.
Who is selected?
Participation in the program is selective, and most Project Understanding alumni have continued to be leaders in various facets of the Atlanta community. Alumni include corporate CEOs, non-profit leaders, and prominent political figures.
What is the time commitment?
The retreat will take place from Saturday afternoon to Sunday evening.
Where will the program take place?
This experience will be in-person, with the retreat taking place at a hotel conference center outside of the Atlanta area.
Does it cost anything?
The participation fee is $100 for the Emerging Leaders cohort and $180 for the Over 40 cohort. Scholarships are available.
The cost to participate in the Emerging Leaders cohort is subsidized thanks to the generous support of the Marvin C. Goldstein Project Understanding Retreat Endowment Fund.
Participation fees listed above include all meals and your hotel room.
How long will it take to complete the application?
Expect the application to take around 30 minutes to complete. It requests basic information as well as the completion of 2-3 short essay questions to be answered in 250 words or less.
What is the application process?
Once you apply, your application will be reviewed by our Project Understanding Committee, which is composed of PU alumni. Applicants will hear about their acceptance in February 2026.
Is it only available to adults in Atlanta?
Yes – but if you have a teen who is interested in participating in a similar experience, we encourage you to sign up for our Black/Jewish Coalition listserv to stay updated on the announcement of future opportunities to participate in the Black/Jewish Teen Initiative.
Will food be provided at the retreat?
Yes, meals will be provided. Additionally, please note that we are happy to accommodate Kosher dietary restrictions with advance notice.
If the retreat lasts most of two days, do I go home in between?
An integral part of the Project Understanding experience is staying at the hotel on Saturday evening to continue conversations and relationship building. Hotel rooms are included in your registration fee. All participants are required to spend the night at the hotel, barring extenuating circumstances.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes, another integral part of the retreat is having the opportunity to share a room with another participant. This is a special way to continue deepening connections and friendships.
Do I have to be religious to participate?
No, this experience is open to Black and/or Jewish adults of all backgrounds and levels of observance.
If I observe Shabbat, can I still participate?
Yes! If you observe Shabbat or another sabbath on Saturday, we will help you coordinate an early arrival at the hotel to accommodate your observance.
Who was Marvin C. Goldstein?
Born in Atlanta in 1917 to Eastern European immigrants, Marvin C. Goldstein z"l (1917-1997) was an orthodontist and real estate investor. In 1964, Goldstein and his brother Irving opened Atlanta's first integrated hotel, The American Hotel, which soon became a gathering spot for members of the Black community, including civil rights activists such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The existence of an integrated hotel in Atlanta proved determinative in the relocation of the Milwaukee Braves in 1966, knowing that visiting teams who were integrated would have a place to stay. Rather than acquiesce to demands to have at least separate drinking fountains, Goldstein replied "Then we won't have any drinking fountains.'' Goldstein was a graduate of Emory University and his orthodontics practice was also integrated. His other hotel, Peachtree Manor Hotel, was also integrated in the 60s.
