Would you benefit from a courageous and supportive space right now? Circles of Connection can help!

Circles of Connection is a new pilot initiative for the Boston Jewish community that is building our communal capacity to care for and support one another during this time of increasing trauma, stress, polarization, and rising antisemitism. 

Through peer-led support circles, Circles of Connection uses an evidence-based, trauma-informed model to help participants feel seen, heard, and supported as they process the stress and anxiety of our challenging world. The support circles are led by trained community members who have learned how to create respectful and welcoming spaces where people can connect meaningfully across shared experiences, bridge differences, and build resilience. 

Support Circles are launching throughout the Boston Jewish community. Details will vary by group, but in general, they:

• Adapt to the unique needs of every group
• Use a co-facilitator format, with facilitators receiving ongoing support and supervision from clinicians at JF&CS
• Can use a cohort model or drop-in model
• Can be held in-person or virtually
• Frequency can vary, but are typically 75-90 minutes per meeting

Circles in the Community

JCC Greater Boston (Virtual)

Open to the public
May 2, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Register

Jewish Parents of Trans and Nonbinary Youth

Open to the community
March 5, 19, April 2

Temple Beth Elohim, Wellesley

Open to congregants

• Parents of School Age Children: April 27, May 4, 8
• Adults 50 and older: May 1, 8, 22
• Adults: May 7, 14, 21

Temple Beth Shalom of Needham

Open to congregants

• Being Jewish in the World of Rising Antisemitism: May 1, 14, 28
• Being Jewish in the World of Rising Antisemitism for Parents of College-Aged Students: April 24, May 1, 8

Temple Isaiah Lexington

Open to congregants
Jewish residents of Arlington experiencing antisemitism

Temple Israel of Boston

Open to congregants

• TILLI Circle (age 55+)
• Riverway (ages 20s & 30s)
• Parents and guardians of religious school students
• Queer & Trans Members & People Who Love Them

Contact: Emma Glaser, eglaser@tisrael.org

Temple Israel of Sharon

Open to congregants
Israel Engagement Committee

Northeastern University Jewish Affinity Group

Open to JAG members
April 8
Contact: m.rubock@northeastern.edu

Learn More

Interested in joining a support circle or having a support circle launched within your community? Reach out to circlesofconnection@jfcsboston.org to get started and learn more!