Boston Workers Circle
Boston Workers Circle is a 125+ year-old non-profit progressive Jewish community in Brookline, MA, serving ~1,000 members and 3,000+ participants annually through Yiddish cultural education, Sunday school, teen organizing, holiday observances, and member-led social justice committees.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1900
- HeadquartersBrookline, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Boston Workers Circle does
Boston Workers Circle is a 125+ year-old non-profit progressive Jewish community organization operating as a 501c3 affiliate of The Workers Circle/Arbeter Ring national organization, headquartered at 6 Webster Street in Brookline, Massachusetts. The organization serves approximately 1,000 members and 3,000+ participants annually through an interconnected portfolio of cultural, educational, and social justice programs, including Shule (Jewish Cultural Sunday School for PreK-7th grade), TASC (Teens Acting for Social Change for grades 8-12), Circle Playtime (free playgroup for ages 3-5), multi-level Yiddish language classes, A Besere Velt Yiddish Chorus, secular holiday observances (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Tu B'Shevat, Passover, Sukkes, Chanukah, Purim), adult education book groups, and member-led social justice committees addressing immigrant justice, racial and economic justice, anti-racism, Israel-Palestine solidarity, and Jewish-Muslim relations. The Gragger annual young adult Purim party and the physical/digital BWC Library round out the programming surface.
Revenue is generated through a diversified multi-stream model: sliding-scale annual membership dues ranging from $54 to $1,759 across five income tiers; tuition for youth and adult education programs; individual donations processed via eTapestry; foundation grants (including a $145,000 three-year matching gift from Lizbeth & George Krupp for the Children's Education Programs Expansion Project); and special event revenue. Distribution is primarily direct-to-member through the Brookline headquarters plus partner venues in Cambridge, Newton, and Jamaica Plain, with hybrid and fully virtual participation supported via Zoom and calendar integrations (Google Calendar, iCalendar, Outlook). The organization's technology layer is composed entirely of off-the-shelf tools — Google Forms for registration, Zoom for virtual programming, eTapestry for donations — with no proprietary platform. Customer acquisition relies on community-driven channels: the website, email newsletters, Instagram, 35+ monthly events serving as recruitment and engagement touchpoints, member-to-member referrals, and strategic partnerships with progressive Jewish and social justice organizations including Kavod Boston, JALSA, Bend the Arc, BIJAN, IfNotNow, Keshet, and Nehar Shalom.
FY26 budgeted expenses are stated at $915,000, supported by 12 staff and a board-led governance structure under Executive Director Rebecca Hornstein and Board President Rachel Hess. The organization is currently executing a Children's Education Programs Expansion Project aimed at growing enrolled children from 138 to 165, accompanied by a dedicated Recruitment & Retention Coordinator hire and a consultant-led leadership development and succession planning initiative.
Boston Workers Circle firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Boston Workers Circle
- Legal name
- The Brookline I.L. Peretz School of the Workmen's Circle
- Website
- https://circleboston.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1900
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Boston Workers Circle is a 125+ year-old non-profit progressive Jewish community in Brookline, MA, serving ~1,000 members and 3,000+ participants annually through Yiddish cultural education, Sunday school, teen organizing, holiday observances, and member-led social justice committees.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Boston Workers Circle industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cultural and Community Services
- NAICS
- Religious Organizations (8131), Religious Organizations (81311), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling) (BPAGAJAG), Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD), Campus Spiritual & Religious Life (EDALAHAI)
Keywords
Where Boston Workers Circle is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brookline
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Boston Workers Circle business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership dues at sliding scale rates based on household income, ranging from $54 to $1,759. Primary grassroots revenue source powering the organization.
- Youth Education Programs: Tuition for Shule (Jewish Cultural Sunday School), TASC (Teens Acting for Social Change), and Circle Playtime programs at income-based sliding scale rates.
- Adult Education Classes: Yiddish language classes and Taste of Yiddish workshops at member and non-member rates.
- Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from members and supporters. Accepts online donations, checks, and planned giving.
- Foundation Grants: Major donor matching gifts and foundation support, including $145,000 three-year matching gift from Lizbeth & George Krupp for Children's Education Programs Expansion Project.
- Special Events: Revenue from events such as Gragger Purim party with ticket sales at sliding scale.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Young Adult/Low Income: $0-$45,000 household income |
| Subscription | Annual | Contributor: $45,000-$75,000 household income |
| Subscription | Annual | Standard: $75,000-$115,000 household income |
| Subscription | Annual | Supporter: $115,000-$150,000 household income |
| Subscription | Annual | Sustainer: $150,000+ household income |
| Subscription | Annual | Shule (Jewish Cultural Sunday School) First Student |
| Subscription | Annual | Shule Additional Sibling |
| Subscription | Annual | TASC (Teens Acting for Social Change) |
| Subscription | Annual | Yiddish Language Classes |
| Subscription | Annual | Taste of Yiddish |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gragger Purim Party |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Boston Workers Circle product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Boston Workers Circle operates a community center providing secular Jewish cultural and social justice programming for members and the Greater Boston public. Its offerings include youth education (Shule Sunday School, TASC teen program, Circle Playtime), adult Yiddish language classes, holiday observances, a Yiddish chorus, and member-led social justice committees, all delivered through membership dues, donations, and sliding-scale program fees.
Product overview
Boston Workers Circle is a community center offering Jewish cultural and social justice programming through multiple interconnected programs. The core educational offerings include Shule (Jewish Cultural Sunday School for preK-7th grade), TASC (Teens Acting for Social Change for grades 8-12), Circle Playtime (pre-Shule program for ages 3-5), and Yiddish Language Classes at multiple proficiency levels. Cultural programming includes A Besere Velt Yiddish Chorus, Yiddish Community Programs (Yiddish Sing, Yiddish Vinkl, Yiddish Reading Group), Gragger (annual Purim party), and Holiday Programs (High Holidays, Shabes, Tu B'Shevat, Passover, Sukkes, Chanukah). Adult Education encompasses Circle Book Group and A Bisl member-led learning. Social Justice Committees focus on racial/economic justice, anti-racism, immigrant justice, Israel-Palestine solidarity, and Jewish-Muslim relations. Membership Program provides sliding-scale dues with member benefits. All programs are supported by event calendar integrations (Google Calendar, iCalendar, Outlook) and registration via Google Forms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Shule: Jewish Cultural Sunday School for children preK-7th grade
- TASC
- Circle Playtime
- A Besere Velt Yiddish Chorus
- Gragger
- Di Nest
Products and services
- Shule (Jewish Cultural Sunday School) Jewish Cultural Sunday School for children in pre-K through 7th grade, offering project-based learning on Jewish history, culture, Yiddish language, and social justice values. Tuition offered on sliding scale based on household income.
- TASC (Teens Acting for Social Change) Teen leadership and social justice program for grades 8-12, run by teens with adult coordinator support, focusing on community building, organizing skills, and action on social justice issues. Offered at sliding-scale annual tuition.
- Circle Playtime Free playgroup program for families with children ages 3-5 featuring age-appropriate activities, music-making, storytelling, and open play at a nearby playground.
- Yiddish Language Classes Semester-based Yiddish language instruction across multiple levels (Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) using the In eynem textbook series and literary texts. Member and non-member rates available.
- Taste of Yiddish Short introductory Yiddish workshops offered at member and non-member rates, including the Card to Culture 50% discount for EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare cardholders.
- A Besere Velt Yiddish Chorus Community Yiddish chorus offering vocal performances and participation in Yiddish cultural events and celebrations.
- Adult Education Adult learning programs including Circle Book Group, A Bisl member-led learning series, and secular explorations of Jewish history, ritual, and thought.
- Gragger Young Adult Purim Party Annual radical young adult Purim party featuring theatrical performances, live music, costume celebrations, and community gathering. Tickets sold at sliding scale with no one turned away for lack of funds.
- High Holidays Programs Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur observances featuring readings, reflection, and singing, held at Eliot Church in Newton with livestream option and ASL interpretation.
- Holiday Programs Secular Jewish holiday celebrations including Shabes gatherings, Tu B'Shevat Seder, Passover Seder, Sukkes, Chanukah party, and Purim festivities.
- Yiddish Community Programs Informal Yiddish learning and community gatherings including Yiddish Sing, Yiddish Vinkl (conversation groups), Yiddish Reading Group, Di Nest creative projects incubator, and Svive social gatherings.
- Social Justice Committees Member-led organizing committees addressing racial and economic justice (AFREJ), anti-racism study, immigrant justice, Israel-Palestine solidarity, and Jewish-Muslim relations.
- Annual Membership Program Annual membership with sliding-scale dues based on household income ranging from $54 to $1,759, offering member discounts, early event access, voting rights, and committee participation.
- BWC Library Physical and digital library collection covering Yiddish literature, Jewish history, social justice, cookbooks, and cultural resources, accessible through an online catalog.
Quantifiable outcome
- Serves 3,000+ people annually through hundreds of programs
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Boston Workers Circle
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Boston Workers Circle technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Boston Workers Circle partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Workers Circle / Arbeter RingcoreNational parent organization. Boston Workers Circle is an affiliate of The Workers Circle / Arbeter Ring, a 125+ year old progressive Jewish organization dedicated to Yiddish culture and social justice.
- Mass Cultural Council (Card to Culture Program)corePartnership providing 50% discounts on BWC programs to EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders, ensuring accessibility for lower-income families.
- Kavod BostoncoreCo-hosting Tu B'Shevat Seder and collaborating on JOCISM (Jews of Color, Indigenous, Sephardi & Mizrahi) programming and resources.
- IfNotNowminorCo-sponsor of Gragger Purim party. Joint programming to engage progressive Jewish young adults.
- KeshetminorCo-sponsor of Gragger Purim party. LGBTQ+ Jewish advocacy organization.
- Nehar ShalomminorCo-sponsor of Gragger Purim party. Progressive Jewish community.
- JALSA (Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action)coreCo-organizing Jews Against ICE National Day of Action and ongoing immigrant justice campaigns.
- Bend the ArccoreCo-organizing Jews Against ICE National Day of Action and ongoing immigrant justice campaigns.
- BIJAN (Boston Immigrant Justice Accompaniment Network)coreProviding immigrant accompaniment, cash grants, and resources. BWC IJC members volunteer with BIJAN.
- Good Trouble Brass BandminorActivist New Orleans-style street band performing at Gragger 2026. Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Society Brass Band founding HONK! Festival.
- 1for3minorPalestinian fundraising partner. Supporting refugees in West Bank through water, food, health, and education programs.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Boston Workers Circle competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Workers Circle / Arbeter Ring: The national parent organization of Boston Workers Circle. Operates other regional chapters (NYC, Philadelphia, California) running identical progressive, secular, Yiddish-culture programming, social justice committees, and Yiddish education; direct operating peer.
- IfNotNow: Progressive Jewish movement opposed to the Israeli occupation, with Boston chapter. Co-sponsors BWC events; meaningfully overlaps in member demographic and values-aligned organizing identity.
- Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice: National progressive Jewish organizing group; co-organizes immigrant justice work with BWC. Comparable member/activist profile nationally.
- Kavod Boston: Boston-area nonprofit dedicated to justice and inclusion in Jewish community, with explicit focus on Jews of Color, Sephardi, Mizrahi, and Indigenous Jews. BWC explicitly co-hosts Tu B'Shevat Seder with Kavod and shares the JOCISM-aligned value proposition.
- Nehar Shalom Community Synagogue: A progressive, lay-led Jewish congregation in Newton, MA. Co-sponsors BWC events (e.g., Gragger) and competes for the same secular-progressive Boston-area families seeking culturally rooted, non-Orthodox programming.
- JALSA (Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action): Boston-based progressive Jewish organizing nonprofit. Co-organizes Jews Against ICE and immigrant justice campaigns with BWC; competes for the same activist Jewish donor and member pool.
Broad incumbents
- Keshet: National LGBTQ+ Jewish advocacy organization. Co-sponsors BWC's Gragger; overlapping membership audience in progressive Jewish Boston.
- JCC Greater Boston: Large Jewish community center in Newton serving families across Greater Boston with comparable Jewish education, holiday, and cultural programming — broad incumbent offering an overlapping (if more traditional) programming portfolio.
- Combined Jewish Philanthropies: Boston-area Jewish federation funding a portfolio of Jewish nonprofits including the Greater Boston JCC. Strategic partner/funder; competes for members and donor share in the same geography.
- Yiddish Book Center: Amherst-based cultural nonprofit preserving Yiddish literature and language. Overlaps significantly with BWC's Yiddish-language, chorus, and cultural heritage mandate, with a national footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Boston Workers Circle social profiles
Digital presenceBoston Workers Circle financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Boston Workers Circle leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Boston Workers Circle funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Boston Workers Circle M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Boston Workers Circle
What does Boston Workers Circle do?
Boston Workers Circle operates a community center providing secular Jewish cultural and social justice programming for members and the Greater Boston public. Its offerings include youth education (Shule Sunday School, TASC teen program, Circle Playtime), adult Yiddish language classes, holiday observances, a Yiddish chorus, and member-led social justice committees, all delivered through membership dues, donations, and sliding-scale program fees.
Is Boston Workers Circle a public or private company?
Boston Workers Circle is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Boston Workers Circle founded?
Boston Workers Circle was founded in 1900. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Boston Workers Circle based?
Boston Workers Circle is headquartered in Brookline, United States, in the North America region.
How does Boston Workers Circle make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are youth Education Programs, adult Education Classes, individual Donations, foundation Grants and special Events.
Who are Boston Workers Circle's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Workers Circle / Arbeter Ring, IfNotNow, Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice, Kavod Boston, Nehar Shalom Community Synagogue and JALSA (Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action). Broad incumbents are Keshet, JCC Greater Boston, Combined Jewish Philanthropies and Yiddish Book Center.
Does Boston Workers Circle have an API?
No public API is recorded for Boston Workers Circle.
What industry is Boston Workers Circle in?
Boston Workers Circle's product category is Cultural and Community Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAJAA, Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues), with a secondary code of BPAGAJAG, Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling). Its NAICS code is 8131 and its SIC code is 8300.