2011 Highlights

Happy new year! 2011 was a year of events, actions and growth here at Boston Workmen’s Circle. More has happened in the past year than we can possibly list – but we’re pleased to share a few highlights that stood out as we look back at 2011.

• At the 100 Ways to Get Away Auction last February, a festive slice of the community braved the snow to bid on vacations, restaurants and museum passes - and raised money for Boston Workmen’s Circle. (Mark your calendar now: Next 100 Ways to Get Away Auction is February 9, 2013.)
• A Besere Velt performed “The Cloth from Which We Are Cut,” its concert commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, to packed houses in Amherst, Vermont, New York City and three times here in the Boston area – each time to an emotional standing ovation.
• Our Shule (Sunday School) grew by over 20% this year. With 92 students, Shule enrollment demonstrates the vitality and sustainability of secular Judaism as an option for Jewish identity and practice.
• The Coffeehouse and Jewish-Muslim Relations Committees collaborated to bring Ibrahim Miari’s play In Between – an emotional drama grappling with the complexities of Israeli-Palestinian identity – to a full house in May.
• The number of students in our Yiddish classes grew so much that we formed a second intermediate level class in the Fall.  At the same time, however, we mourn the recent loss of a cherished Yiddish star, Adrienne Cooper.
• The multi-year Strategic Planning process was officially completed this fall, and has laid out our organizational goals and priorities for the next three years.
• “Hot Topics in the Jewish Community,” a forum on Israel/Palestine, drew a crowd of 250 for open, respectful and thoughtful discussion.
• Workmen’s Circle young adults and members of the Acting for Economic Justice Committee helped create a Jewish presence at Occupy Boston, organizing activities and reflection around Sukkot, making hot soup for protesters and participating in house meetings.
• And last but not least, we’ve launched this brand new website, with a revamped look, easier navigation, and Around the Circle for regular updates on what’s happening in the community.