In Pirkei Avot, our sage Hillel famously taught, “Do Not Separate Yourself from the Community” (2:4). And yet, in the hustle and bustle of our 21st century lives, this can feel more difficult than ever. In the midst of our individualistic, technology-driven society, we find ourselves craving real human connection, a deeper sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves. This is the power of congregational life - the ability to root ourselves in our spiritual and communal home, an intergenerational space where we can feel seen and held, where we can lift each other up, celebrating each other’s greatest highs and comforting each other at our lowest lows.
Deepening a sense of belonging in such a large community is no small task. With this goal in mind, we launched TI Circles in 2022, creating intentional space for lay-led, staff-supported small groups, bringing diverse groups of people together with a shared purpose.
Since then, our TI Circles have brought people together who may never have met before: people who share unique hobbies, people with common lived experiences, even literally introducing neighbor to neighbor.
Our community at Temple Israel of Boston is built around the common mission of living Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact. People come here for deep learning opportunities, moving religious experiences, and the constant pursuit of justice. But the ikar of our mission, the most important foundation of our organization, is that we do it together. TI Circles are here to ensure that everyone is able to find their people. By volunteering as a Circle Leader, you are helping ensure that we can follow the teachings of Hillel, to ensure that our congregants can cleave to community, rather than separating from it. Thank you for your leadership in this sacred work. I am so excited to see what we can do together.
Rabbi Andrew Oberstein
Assistant Rabbi and Director of Riverway Project
I still remember the first time I walked into Temple Israel. As I peered through the glass doors into the atrium, I was struck by the sheer size of the place. It felt worlds apart from the tiny congregation I grew up in—a one-room space, almost entirely lay-led, without a full-time rabbi except during the High Holy Days. Back then, community meant rolling up your sleeves: babysitting at a B-Mitzvah, sharing Jewish foods in someone’s living room, or simply gathering wherever we could. From that experience, I learned that strong, vibrant Jewish communities are built and sustained by passionate, dedicated leaders.
In my role as Engagement Associate and Riverway Project Coordinator, I often hear echoes of my first experience at Temple Israel. I give tours to new members seeing the building for the first time, to those in our orbit stepping into the physical space after years of online connection, and to long-standing members whose children grew up here. Time and again, they marvel, “This building is huge,” and I always reply, “I’m here every day, and there are still places I’ve never been.” And it’s true—our building spans an entire city block! But what truly defines us isn’t the scale of the structure; it’s the depth of our community. Our engagement work focuses on transforming what might feel vast and overwhelming into a shared spiritual home where everyone feels they belong.
TI Circles play a vital role in creating that sense of belonging. They offer an entry point—a chance to connect in smaller, more intimate spaces. When you walk into Qabbalat Shabbat, it’s not just a room full of strangers. It’s a space where you can see a friend or recognize someone you recently met in your TI Circle. These connections are the threads that weave our vibrant community together.
Nalani Haueter Engagement Associate and Riverway Project Coordinator
TI Circles are... LAY-LED, STAFF SUPPORTED SMALL GROUPS THAT FOSTER CONNECTIONS WITHIN THE TEMPLE ISRAEL ORBIT, BASED ON SHARED PASSIONS, IDENTITIES, GEOGRAPHY, OR INTERESTS. EST. 2022
Community need Congregant interest or passion
How does a Circle get started?
Outgrowth of a Temple Israel program, gathering, or spiritual experience
