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.
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.
Tu B’Shevat Seder
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 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.
This event is pay-what-you-can (suggested donation of $5 to $10+).
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 year's Tu B'Shevat Seder will take place on Sunday, January 28th.
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:
1. Something red: red wine, red grape juice, cranberry juice, etc.
2. Something white: white wine, white grape juice, apple juice, etc.
1. One food with hard shells: pomegranates, oranges, nuts with hard shells; etc.
2. One food with hard pits: dates, cherries, olives, etc.
3. One food with no shells or pits: figs, seedless grapes, etc.
4. One fragrant food (just to smell, not eat): lemon, etc.
If you are attending in person, here are the covid safety precautions:
- Everyone must be fully vaccinated against covid, including eligible boosters
- Everyone must test negative for covid on January 28 before attending the seder
- Masks are strongly encouraged (except when eating)
- Anyone who is not feeling well should attend online from the comfort of their favorite device
- We will not have a potluck (ritual foods will be provided)
- If covid rates in the community become a concern, we will celebrate Tu B'Shevat online only
Questions? Email info@circleboston.org.
Annual Peysakh / Passover Seder
Details for our 2024 Passover Community Seder will be here closer to the event. You can find past haggadahs on our resources page here.
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!