“The Workmen's Circle is my Jewish community because it allows me to express all the different aspects of my Jewish identity in one place. It’s where I act for change while being part of a larger, inter-generational community.”
Adult Education Courses
Our adult education programming is geared toward exploring the meaning of Jewish history, ritual, and thought from a secular perspective. Courses are taught by highly qualified and stimulating guest instructors.
There are usually two courses each year, one in the fall and one in the spring. The number of sessions ranges from four to six, and tuition varies. Pre-registration is required.
Whether you are Jewish or non-Jewish, and whatever your level of Jewish knowledge, we invite you to learn, question, and challenge your thinking.
Winter 2020 Adult Education Courses
Mussar for Secular Activists with Leora Abelson
Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:00pm // Jan. 9 - Feb. 13 (6 sessions) @ BWC
In collaboration with the Inside Out Wisdom & Action (IOWA) Project, Boston Workers Circle is excited to host a mussar class, led by Rabbi Leora Abelson, this winter that seeks to explore the integration of Jewish spirituality into our justice work. Through personal and small group reflection, text study, and practice, we will examine the topics of motivation, choice, gratitude, and rest. Together, we will integrate personal practice with our work for communal and social change. This six session course aims to support participants and their activism in becoming more sustainable, powerful, and transformative. No prior knowledge required. Email info@circleboston.org with questions.
Understanding Islam: A Muslim Woman's perspective on the Essence of Islam, the diversity of the Muslim world, and its relationship with the West with Hayat Imam
Wednesday evenings, 7:00-9:00pm // Feb. 5 - Feb. 26 (4 Sessions) @ BWC
Back by popular demand, we are excited to offer this introductory course again! This course is designed to bring an alternative voice, and a glimpse of the wider, sweeping, story of the 1.8 billion Muslims in the worId. Hayat will answer questions such as: Who are we? What do Muslims find so appealing in Islam? What do we believe? In this increasingly connected globe, it's imperative for our survival to foster greater understanding and build bridges. Learn more and read Hayat's impressive bio here. Email info@circleboston.org with questions.
Past courses include:
- Sephardic History, Culture & Language Introduction Class
- Lomir Tantsn/Let's Dance Intro to Yiddish Folk Dance
- Israel-Palestine: Why the Peace Process Failed and What to Do About It
- Jewish Identity & Racial Justice
In the Middle: Race, Justice, and Ashkenazim
- Secular Talmud
- Blacks and Jews: Affinities, Departures and the Interweaving of Identities
- The Secular Talmud Part I
- Ashkenazi Identity and White Jews Working Against Racism
- Interpreting Jewish History
- Exploring Jewish Identity: History and Traditions of Mizrachi, Sephardi, and Ashkenazi Cultures
- U.S. Labor Post-WWII: From Reds Under the Bed to the War on Public Sector Workers
- History of the Jewish Left
- Jewish Literacy 101
- Zionism and the Roads not Taken
- Islam 101
- From Religion to Nation: The Evolution of Modern Jewish Identity
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