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NEWSLETTER
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Chanukah of Friendship
The joy of Chanukah was truly felt in front of the State Capitol in
Sacramento. Nine Friendship Circles from across California joined
the Governor in a Chanukah celebration. The Friendship Circle
reaches out and
extends a helping
hand to families
whose
children
have special needs
and involves them
in a full range of
Jewish and social
experiences. The
Circle’s
unique
formula introduces
teen volunteers to
the children and,
through
shared
experiences, both
are enriched.
“The Governor gave Benny many gifts
owed a lot of love to
C lub Kung Fu
Fu
BY: Leah & Benyomin Hoffman
Our son, Akiva, has been involved in the Friendship Circle
for over four years. He has participated in many of the
Friendship Circle activities including the Friends at Home
Program, Holiday Programs, Summer Camp and Winter
Camp. However, the program that has impacted Akiva the
most has been Club Kung Fu.
Although Akiva does not usually enjoy social activities and
only attends them after a great deal of encouragement,
he loves attending Club Kung Fu. In fact he does not want
to miss a single session. When my husband and I had to
travel out of town for a wedding, Akiva insisted that we
arrange for the care taker to bring him to Club Kung Fu.
Club Kung Fu has provided Akiva with a positive social
experience. In addition, he has had the opportunity to
excel in a sport, perform a leadership role, and most
importantly, increase his self esteem. When the teacher
has called on Akiva to help his fellow students on several
occasions, Akiva has gotten to experience the thrill of
being the giver instead of the receiver. Akiva is not only
pleased with his ability to perform the Kung Fu stances,
he is also very proud of the fact that he is proficient
enough to help others.
a n d sh
wards him”.
The
Friendship Circle of Los Angeles participated as a
group of children with their families, volunteers and friends,
led by its director, Rabbi Michy Rav-Noy. Benny Berghoff and
Esti Krintzman, two children who have special needs, have
been involved with the Friendship Circle of Los Angeles since
its inception, four years ago. Before the ceremony began,
all chapters of the Friendship Circle, Jon Voight, and other
dignitaries came together for Chanukah arts and crafts, snacks
and socializing. For Benny, this was the experience of a lifetime.
Jon Voight sat next to him and for half an hour they connected.
Together, they made a beautiful menorah, shared high fives
and many laughs. ‘He was all smiles the entire time’, says his
sister, Nechama Berghoff.
Akiva will be sad when Club Kung Fu ends its second
session. He is looking forward to its speedy return.
Maya Shemesh and Negar Sarshar, students at Milken
Community High School, have been active volunteers for Esti
for two years. Together with her, they had a special Chanukah
experience.
They stood side by side with Esti, next to Governor
Schwarzenegger, while Rabbi Cunin recited the blessings on
the menorah. As the crowd listened intently, Esti unexpectedly
sang along with full enthusiasm. The opportunity is rare for a
child who has special needs to be an active part of a public
holiday celebration. Maya and Negar were beaming with pride
as Esti was in the spotlight.
Akiva practicing with Noah, a t
een volunteer.
(continued on page 2)
1
Chanukah
of Friendship
Brian Sobol Friends
(cont)
In memory of Brian Moshe
Following the touching ceremony, everyone united together
in great spirits and joyous dancing. Benny, who is wheelchair
bound, eyed the crowd and wanted to be a part of it, but his
wheel would not move. The next thing he knew, the Governor
had descended the platform, accompanied by Rabbi Cunin, Jon
Voight and Rabbi Michy.
They took Benny and danced with him in his own circle. ‘He had
a smile from ear to ear and was singing along with them’, says
Nechama. The Governor then gave Benny a special Chanukah gift
and showed a lot of love towards him.
’t
dn ge,
l
u
wo cka ited
a a to
n
o
ar his p & w teer
A
“ en
it n
op held volu e!”
he his com
for
The group enjoyed an elegant meal in the State Capitol building
before heading back to LA. Rabbi Rav-Noy summarizes the event
saying, ‘These special children teach us that the world could be
good and Tikun Olam is attainable if we just sit back and take a
lesson from them. The day was permeated with love, friendship
and a strong sense of community. We must utilize this event to add
more light to the world through acts of goodness and kindness.
This is the true lesson of Chanukah.’
Thanks to the Brian Sobol
40 children benefitted from
of 80 volunteers & they enjoyed
A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS...
vironment
“The enation was e, xthe people, the
traordinary.”
n
i
d
r
o
o
c
CHILDREN IN THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE FAMILY
“This was an experience of a lifetime for
Benny. He was all smiles the entire time!”
61
45
50
26
at next to Benny and re
.
“Jon Voight s
ally had a
tion with him
They did a beautiful menorah project tog conversa n hour.”
ether for half a
2
2004
2005
2006
2007
Aaron & Danit
at home program
ben Mordechai Sobol OB”M.
“Esti was thrilled
to get mail with
her name on it!”
egory.
“I love Gr est
b
He’s my ’s my
e
friend. H
.”
y
r
Grego
Raphy.
Friends at Home Program,
1580 hours through the friendship
105 Holiday gifts at home together.
TEEN VOLUNTEER CLUB MEMBERS
164
101
117
A Volunteer
Experience
42
2004
2005
2006
2007
3
The Friendship Circle’s
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
allow the entire family to celebrate together i a
comfortable environment. Volunteers are on hand to
ensure that the event meets the specific needs of each
child. Innovative activities bring the warmth,
meaning and joyous spirit of the
holidays to life.
VOLUNTEER CLUB
The Friendship Circle provides year round
social and educational seminars for teen volunteers to
meet, exchange ideas and just hang out. The volunteers’
commitment and willingness to give of their time
truly makes the children feel special. While our
volunteers help others, they are rewarded
and have a lot of fun.
SUNDAY CIRCLE
is a respite program held on 14 Sundays
throughout the school year, where educational
and recreational activities are provided. Qualified
professionals work side by side with volunteers,
while parents and families
enjoy a respite.
CLUB KUNG FU
The brand new Club Kung Fu meets Monday
evenings. This program is for children who have
difficulties socializing due to behavioral and emotional
challenges or severe learning disabilities. Together with
teen volunteers they develop social skills, increase
self esteem, exercise and learn self defense in
a warm, fun filled atmosphere.
WINTER CAMP
The Week In Review
December 26
December 27
December 28
6
December 29
Scroll of Honor
Thank you for your support!
Together we can make a difference!
7
I need some
help from
you...
9581 West Pico Boulevard,
Suite #102
Los Angeles, CA 90035
But to learn
how to
hang out,
THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
I’ve learned how to dress myself,
feed myself, and write my own name.
Other volunteer opportunities include a
Sunday Circle, Club Kung Fu, Jewish holiday
festivals, and much more.
[email protected]
www.friendshipcircle.com
So if you have an extra hour a
week, please consider joining the
Friendship Circle. Because lesson
#1 in hanging out is that you can’t do
it alone.
PH: 310.277.3252
Fax: 310.277.3251
Through this program, you and a
friend will be matched with a child
who has special needs in the
Jewish community. Every week,
you’ll go together to visit the child
at home. Through simple activites,
and just being there, you’ll make a
difference in a child’s life.
Some benefits include a training
session before your first visit, which
will give you all the information you
need. Plus, social outings and activities
throughout the year will give you a chance
to meet and talk with other volunteers.
9581 West Pico Boulevard,
Suite #102
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Some friendships matter more than others.
By being a friend to a child who has special
needs, you can make a huge difference in
their life---and yours. That’s the idea behind
the Friendship Circle, a unique volunteer
opportunity for teens.
MAILING ADDRESS
Give a child an hour a week and change a life forever.
President
(323) 934-8160
Fax (323) 934-8170
7681 Beverly Boulevard, Suite 306
Los Angeles, CA 90036
[email protected]
8
Program Coordinators
Yossi Schneerson
ZELDY BLESOFSKY
ESTY GOLDSTIEN
CHAYA ROCHEL STROLL
License #0C79888
Director
INSURANCE SPECIALISTS
The Friendship Circle would
like to thank all of our
generous sponsors:
Simon’s La Glatt Caterers
On Demand Printing Center
Trader Joe’s
Ralphs
Western Kosher
Computer Boy.
MIRIAM RAV-NOY
Shomer Insurance Agency, Inc.
Executive Director
310.277.FCLA
or email [email protected]
RABBI MICHAEL RAV-NOY, MA
For more information call