A group of Modern Orthodox and self-described 'observant' Jews have been gathering to listen to speakers and perspectives they say they seldom encounter in their synagogues and around their Shabbat tables. Frustrated that the trauma of Oct. 7 and the subsequent war has stifled disagreement within their traditional circles, they have heard from scholars and activists who challenge their neighbors' -- and sometimes their own -- views on the conflict. The success of the parlor meetings has encouraged the organizers to hold the inaugural Smol Emuni US Conference at Manhattan's B'nai Jeshurun synagogue.