For years, Temple Emanu-El's traditional Havurot program offered friendship and an extended family within our Temple community.
We've embarked on re-imagining our Havurot program. In Fall 2023, we launched Circles of Connection, a new program about connection and friendship for Temple members. These Circle groups are interest-based and centered on a theme and activity. Circles form in the Fall and Spring, with each Circle planning their own in-person events. Whether you’re 21 or 101, it’s never too late to make new Temple friends while connecting over shared interests and fun activities.
How To Join the Circles of Connection Program:
Circle sign ups occur every 6 months, in the Spring and Fall. Please check the Temple calendar for details on the next signup event. Note: Registration is required in order to participate in the Circles program.
The Fall 2024 Circles are scheduled to kickoff in September, and the signup event is scheduled for 09/15/24.
Circles of Connection Program Policy:
Participation in the Circles program and events is entirely voluntary and is only open to active members of Temple Emanu-El.
In order for each Circle to be successful, we ask that participants help in hosting events (Circles are not Meetups where there is only one host who plans all events). There may be associated costs, including transportation, etc. that is required in order to participate in a given event, and is the sole responsibility of each Circle member.
New Temple Emanu-El Members:
If you recently joined Temple Emanu-El and missed the sign up event, please contact circles@templesanjose.org with the Circle(s) that you are interested in joining. Please see below for a list of the active Circles.
Existing Temple Members:
If you are an existing Temple Emanu-El member and are interested in joining an active circle, but did not attend the signup event, please contact circles@templesanjose.org with the Circle(s) that you are interested in joining. We will add you to the waitlist and notify you if and when there is an opening. Otherwise, please keep an eye out for the next sign up event. Please see below for a list of the active Circles.
Active Circles: The following Circles were part of the most recent sign up event on 03/03/24, and will continue until the next Circle sign up period in the Fall. At that time, each Circle will decide whether or not to continue.
- Pickleball
- L’Chaim and Libations
- Walking
- Poker
- Hidden Treasures of the Bay Area
- Stitchers
- Board Games
- Gardening
- Listen to the Music
- Hiking
- Park Playdates for Families with Young Children
Active Circles (closed): The following Circles are no longer part of the Spring and Fall sign up events, and are not accepting members.
- “Reel Deal” Movie Club
- Supper Club
Inactive Circles (closed): The following Circles have not decided to continue
- Photography Club
Possible Future Circles: Below is a list of potential Circles for Fall. In order for a circle to be included in a sign up event, we must have at least one member who agrees to host the “first kickoff activity” for a given circle (that member gets to decide on date/time/location of activity). In addition, for a circle to be considered active, it needs to have at least 4 people registered. If you are interested in any of the proposed Fall circles (or if you have other ideas for a new circle), please contact circles@templesanjose.org.
- Skiing
- Live Theater
- Volunteering
- Dinner Out
- Active Singles
- Older Singles
For any other questions on the Circles of Connection program, please email circles@templesanjose.org
