“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.”
2nd Friday Shabes Debut
On Friday, October 12, 40 Boston Workmen's Circle members of all ages gathered at the building for our first Second Friday Shabes. Soft light and a beautifully set table welcomed all to this, the first in a five-month series of shabes gatherings, sparked by our community discussion about spirituality.
This gathering featured a new Shabes ritual, developed by a group of Boston Workmen's Circle members, including blessings over the challah, wine and candles, as well as time for sharing with others, singing, chanting, and silent reflection.
A pair of Boston Workmen's Circle members host each Shabes gathering, and tailor the ritual template to share with the community their own special way to celebrate Shabes. Many thanks to Patty Nolan and Marie Ariel for hosting on October 12!
We've heard from attendees who enjoyed the way that candlelight created a meditative mood, and the opportunitiy to get to know new people at the post-ritual potluck. We hope you'll find ways to make these Shabes dinners your own! See you at upcoming Second Friday Shabes dinners on November 9 and December 14 - and check back for updates about where these gatherings will be held.
