A New Initiative from PTBE
Connect | Learn | Grow | Play | Belong
Hinei ma tov u'ma naim: How good it is when people come together! (Psalm 133)
PTBE Circles are small groups of individuals, couples, or families that help make our big community feel small. They build a vibrant, inclusive community where members feel strongly connected to our congregation and to each other. Circles are regular gatherings of eight to twelve congregants in people’s homes, offices, the outdoors or anywhere around the Peninsula that promote relationship building.
Some Circles will connect around common interests, geographies, or demographics for a designated time period. Other Circles will gather to discuss topics of deep concern or importance to their lives. All will engage in meaningful conversations and learning through connection.
- Monica Boardman, Director of Membership Engagement
- Jessica Rosenberg, Engagement Committee Co-Chair
- Sherry Lipson, Engagement Committee Co-Chair
- Jay Mellman, Engagement Committee
- Catherine Nelson, Engagement Committee
- Julie Lubetkin, Engagement Committee
PTBE Circles registration is currently closed. Please check back for updates on new Circles!
Are you interested in leading a Circle or have questions? Please contact Monica Boardman, Director of Membership Engagement.
For examples of past Circles, please see below.
Important Information to Know Before You Sign Up:
Circles are a benefit of PTBE membership. Unless otherwise noted, Circles are for members of the PTBE community only.
You can only sign up for ONE PTBE Circle. Why? Because we want to provide as many congregants as possible the opportunity to participate in PTBE Circles.
Registration is for individuals. If both you and your spouse/partner would like to participate, please sign up individually.
If a Circle is full, email Monica Boardman at mboardman@ptbe.org to join the waiting list.
Please check your calendar in advance and only register if you can make all or most of the meetings
Take a leap! Sign up to join a PTBE Circle Here!
PTBE 2023-2024 Circles
Blooming Together - Sustainable Floral Design: If you love flowers, come join Relli Siegel’s blooming Circle. During our 5 sessions together, you will learn professional floral design techniques to create sustainable floral designs.
Photography: Is photography a passion? This PTBE Circle is intended to bring together a group of PTBE members who enjoy photography as a hobby or as artists.
Purl Jam (Knitting): Are you looking for a warm, inviting monthly space to connect with other yarn lovers and share your hobby? Open to anyone who enjoys crafting with yarn, even those who are just “yarn curious”.
Challah Braiding: Have you wanted to know how to make your challah look as nice as it tastes? You will learn how to braid challah in a variety of patterns using 3–12 strands, with toppings/fillings of your choosing. Join this group to learn how to make beautiful challah.
Swifties: Celebrate Taylor Swift and develop connections with other PTBE members! This Circle will gather monthly to appreciate and analyze Taylor Swift, her music, and the cultural phenomenon she has created.
WNP Parents: During the sixth grade Wednesday Night Program, let's meet up once per month to create community and get to know one another before we head into our children's BE Mitzvah year.
Walk & Talk: Get to know other PTBE congregants while walking and enjoying the outdoors.