Boston Workers Circle holiday programs weave together readings, reflections, and music that draw on Jewish tradition and contemporary issues. We have created secular rituals that feel deeply meaningful and authentic, while not being centered around prayer and worship. By connecting us to each other, to our history as a people, and to our passion for social justice, our vibrant community provides a source of spirituality and belonging. Whatever your level of Jewish knowledge, whatever the faith, ethnic, or gender diversity of your family or upbringing, you are most welcome to join us.
Have questions about our holiday observances or want to help plan them? Get in touch with our Ritual Committee Chair, ritual@circleboston.org.
Shabes Gatherings
Every Boston Workers Circle Shabes is an opportunity for members and friends to gather together, to relax and enjoy one another’s company, and to share the traditional Friday night blessings that acknowledge our gratitude for what community, candles, wine, and challah give us. The gatherings are also a chance to get to know some members of our community better.
Looking for our Shabes ritual template and other holiday resources? Click Here.
High Holidays
Rooted in a Jewish commitment to social justice, we have created unique programs of readings, reflection, and singing for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Whatever your level of Jewish knowledge - however you might define your own spirituality - we invite you to join us.
The High Holidays are the most highly attended gatherings of the year at Boston Workers Circle. They inspire, uplift, and remind us of the power of community.
Observances take place on the morning of the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on the morning of Yom Kippur. Adults and children of all ages are welcome.
Please note: Registration for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be open mid August for BWC members and the following week for non-members.
If you are not a current member, you must renew your BWC membership or become a member for the first time before tickets launch in mid August to get the registration link. Current members include everyone who has joined or renewed their BWC membership since June 2025. Reach out to info@circleboston.org with any questions about your membership status.
Both Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Services will take place at Eliot Church, 474 Centre St, Newton, as well as being livestreamed.
Accesibility
ASL interpretation will be available for both days and will be visible for both in-person and virtual attendees. For those attending in-person who need ASL interpretation and/or seats closer to speakers at the front to hear better, note this in the ‘Accessibility Needs’ field in the registration form.
Parking in the church's lot is reserved for attendees with accessibility needs. Note this in the ‘Accessibility Needs’ field in the registration form.
There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance on the back side of the church closest to the playground.
Bathrooms are gender neutral; the first floor also includes a wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
Strong scents can trigger allergies; we ask all attendees to forgo colognes and perfumes and use unscented personal products where possible before attending.
2025 Livestream and Dvars
Tu B’Shevat Seder
This year's Tu B'Shevat Seder will take place on Sunday, February 1st from 4:00 - 6:00pm.
Tu B’Shevat has been celebrated many different ways in Jewish history, changing to meet the needs of each generation. It has been a pagan festival, a tax deadline to calculate agricultural tithing, a kabbalist mystical observance, and Jewish Arbor Day, birthday of the trees. We mark our Tu B’Shevat seder, adapting it to our needs as secular progressive Jews in the 21st century.
Join us with Kavod Boston in person or online via Zoom for a unique Tu B'Shevat seder, marking the "New Year for the Trees."
Readings, songs, and poems will reflect the origins of the seder adapted to progressive secular Jewish life in the 21st century. The Tu B'Shevat Haggadah will be sent to registrants before the seder. All registrants (in person and online) will be invited to actively participate with the option to read a portion of the Haggadah aloud during the seder.
This event is pay-what-you-can (suggested donation of $10+).
Covid Protocols
Ritual Foods
Ritual foods will be provided at the in-person seder. If you are attending online, here is a list of ritual foods (optional) that we invite you to have during the seder:
Questions? Email info@circleboston.org.
Annual Peysakh / Passover Seder
Yes, March 28 is also a NO KINGS demonstration in Boston. The action starts at noon, so you will be able to attend the demonstration and then come out to Watertown for Seder, which starts at 4:30. We look forward to seeing you at both!
| Members: $55/Adult; $25/Child | Members: $15/Household |
| Non-Members: $70/Adult; $30/Child | Non-Members: $20/Household |
| Children under 5: Free |
Other Celebrations Around the Circle
Our shule community comes together for family celebrations of Sukes, Khanike, and Purim.
Our young adult community puts on a radical Purim party called Gragger – a fantastic time for all!