Dear friend,
As we enter into the time of reflection and awakening that leads to the High Holidays, I am guided by the sense that this particular year offers us an opportunity for transformation like no other.
The intersection of the global pandemic and the political moment has opened our eyes to the truth of our individual and collective lives. We don’t need to wait for the call of the shofar, we are already awake. Now is our time to examine what we have learned and to set our course for our next chapter. There is no going back; our collective visions are needed to reimagine our future.
For me, this moment has been both clarifying and humbling...
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...My invitation to you as we journey towards this new year together is to slow down and take stock. How are you showing up for yourself? Your loved ones? Your community? For justice? Are you moving at the right pace? How might you work to unbraid from systems of oppression even as you work to fight them? What is your vision for our collective future? What steps will you take in this new year to walk towards that vision?
With love and solidarity,
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Jen Kiok
Executive Director
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Join Us For the High Holidays |
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Rooted in a Jewish commitment to social justice, we have created unique programs of readings, reflection, and singing for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Invite friends and family from near and far to join together in community for the High Holidays with BWC.
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Rosh Hashanah Service: Sat., Sept. 19th, 2020 @11:00am on Zoom,
- Followed by optional virtual potluck hosted by the Board, 12:30pm
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Yom Kippur Service: Monday, Sept. 28th, 2020 @11:00am on Zoom,
- After registering, you'll receive a link to submit names for recognition in the memorial service
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Children's Programs: during portion of both services
- About 30 minutes, for 4 -7 year olds
This year, there will be additional ways to connect to our traditions throughout the Days of Awe with new rituals for tashlikh, yizkor, and more. Your ticket includes all services, programs and resources throughout the Days of Awe. When you register, we'll send you all program updates.
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Virtual Somerville Yiddish Vinkl
Thursday, September 10, 7:30pm on Zoom
This is an opportunity to sharpen your Yiddish skills in a comfortable and informal setting, whatever your level of Yiddish. Learn more and register.
Yiddish Reading Group
Friday, September 11, 18, 25, 10:30am - 12:00pm on Zoom
We are starting to read a collection of texts by several of the Soviet Yiddish writers who were executed by Stalin in 1952. Discussion is in English and new members are welcome to join! Learn more.
The Joys and Challenges of Giving and Receiving Support
Sunday, September 13, 10:30am on Zoom
Are you providing care for others? Receiving care from others? How does all this feel? This discussion is hosted by the Aging in Community committee, all are welcome. Learn more.
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A Bisl: Queer Futures Workshop
Monday, September 14, 1:00pm on Zoom
Queer Futures is an interactive, experiential workshop for courageously resilient queer folks who create empowering, tender spaces of care and support. You'll learn practices to use right away to stay connected to your purpose as you navigate challenges. This is part of the ongoing A Bisl series. Learn more and register.
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Teshuva & Reparations: A Vision for This Time, co-sponsored by AFREJ
Thursday, September 24, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
hosted by Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb and Dr. Dave Ragland, Teshuva and Reparations: A Vision for This Time. Join us as we explore the intersection of the ancient Jewish method of atonement in light of the call for reparations as a healing process for the history of anti-blackness. More information and ticket sales here.
Virtual Yiddish Sing (Days of Awe-themed)
Thursday, September 24, 7:30pm on Zoom
Drop in for this informal gathering to sing Yiddish folk songs. All are welcome, regardless of singing ability or knowledge of Yiddish. Song booklets provided. Learn more and register here.
Days of Reflection Shabes
Friday, September 25, 6:00pm on Zoom
Join for a pause and moment of reflection with this family-friendly Shabes community gathering during the Days of Awe. Together we will say the blessings over candles, drink wine/juice, and eat challah/bread. Learn more and register here.
Circle Book Group: Dinner at the Center of the Earth
Sunday, September 27, 10:15am - 12:15pm on Zoom
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Note: During this pandemic, virtual events are being planned on a different time frame than our typical in-person events. Please check our website calendar for updates throughout September.
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*Rally for Black Lives, Black Voices, and Jacob Blake on Saturday, September 5 at 5:00pm in Copley Square, hosted by the Civic Youth Summit, Wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Learn more.
*Check out the Week of Action led by the Families for Justice as Healing.
* The BWC Immigrant Justice and Sanctuary Committee is continuously looking for more people, particularly those who are bilingual in Spanish or French, to serve as buddies to the immigrants we are giving out grants to. If you are interested in learning more about the role of being a "buddy," please reach out to Libby Shrobe, IJS Co-Chair, at [email protected]. If you would like to contribute directly to the grant fund, make a donation here.
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We're Hiring: Shule Openings & Website Redesign |
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Shule openings:
4th and 6th grade teachers
Our Sunday school has several open part-time positions that we are excited to share. We're looking for people passionate about Jewish identity and social justice, with experience working with kids! Learn more about the open positions, and share them here. Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible.
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Seeking a web designer!
We are starting the process of redesigning our website, and looking for someone great to work with. We strongly encourage women and POC-owned businesses and designers to submit a proposal. Pass along our Request for Proposal to your networks. Know someone great? Get in touch with Madeleine, [email protected].
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News of the Mishpokhe (Community News) |
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Life news? Actions to share? Graduation? Promotion? Simcha? Email Madeleine, [email protected], to have it shared with the community. |
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Request for volunteers from the Shabes Committee! The Shabes Committee seeks performers from our talented community for our October 16th program. We are looking for brief performances by people who are willing to volunteer 10 minutes or less to enhance the Shabes Ritual. Musicians, dancers, clowns, acrobats, and others we haven’t thought of are welcome. Presentations are over Zoom, either prerecorded or live.
Date: October 16, 6-7 PM.
Please contact the Shabes Committee at
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Aging in Community subgroup! We think that aging without children and/or grandchildren provides certain challenges. At the group we discuss all aspects of this including such things as: alternative supports that we do have, what else we need and how to get it. Also, how not having offspring affects our relationships with people who do. And anything else we want to talk about. If you're interested in being notified of future meetings contact, Susan at [email protected].
A wonderful press review about ABV's latest project - so great to see our Yiddish chorus spotlighted: "Yet another highlight is 'Gris, bagris (Greet them with singing),' a joyful Yiddish song of welcome (perhaps a welcome to Shabbat or holiday visitors)... The harmonies by A Besere Velt Yiddish Chorus are both powerful and warm." Read the full review here.
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BWC Shule Sunday school is starting virtually this month! Our awesome K-7th graders will be continuing their powerful Jewish, social justice education. For those who aren't familiar with Shule, you can check out the unique curriculum here.
We also have a brand-new family program starting, the Mishpokhe Learning Program. Learn more about it here, and tell the passionate 4-7 year olds in your life all about it! Registration for the project-based Mishpokhe Learning Program is open now.
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Become a BWC Member
Boston Workers Circle is sustained by our members. If you believe in keeping secular progressive Jewish tradition alive and thriving for generations to come, please join us! Find out about BWC membership.
Get More Plugged In @ BWC
Interested in joining a committee? We've got something for everyone with Yiddish, Shabes, Ritual, Adult Ed, Acting for Racial and Economic Justice, Middle East Working Group, Jewish-Muslim Solidarity, Aging in Community, Shule, Young Adults, and Caring. Email Maddy to learn more about our diverse committees!
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