Chanukah of FriendshipThe 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 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.

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.

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NEWSLETTERppp gggg

CClub Kung Fulub Kung FFuuBY: Leah & Benyomin Hoffman

Our son, Akiva, has been involved in the Friendship Circlefor 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 themost 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 wantto miss a single session. When my husband and I had totravel 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 socialexperience. In addition, he has had the opportunity to excel in a sport, perform a leadership role, and mostimportantly, 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.

Akiva will be sad when Club Kung Fu ends its second session. He is looking forward to its speedy return.

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“The Governor gave Benny many gifts

Akiva practicing with Noah, a teen volunteer.

and showed a lot of love towards him”.

Chanukah of Friendship

(cont)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.

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.’

Brian Sobol Friends

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS...

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“This was an experience of a lifetime forBenny. He was all smiles the entire time!”

“The environment, the people, the

coordination was extraordinary.”

Thanks to the Brian Sobol40 children benefitted from

of 80 volunteers & they enjoyed

In memory of Brian Moshe

“Jon Voight sat next to Benny and really had a conversation with him.They did a beautiful menorah project together for half an hour.”

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“Esti was thrilled to get mail with her name on it!”

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The Friendship Circle’s

HOLIDAY PROGRAMSallow 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 CLUBThe 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 CIRCLEis 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 FUThe 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.

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December 28 December 29December 27D

ecember 26

WINTER CAMPThe Week In Review

Scro l l o f Honor

Thank you for your support!Together we can make a difference!

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Shomer Insurance Agency, Inc. INSURANCE SPECIALISTS License #0C79888

Yossi SchneersonPresident

(323) 934-8160 Fax (323) 934-81707681 Beverly Boulevard, Suite 306

Los Angeles, CA 90036

joseph@shomerinsurance.com

The Friendship Circle would like to thank all of our

generous sponsors: Simon’s La Glatt Caterers

On Demand Printing Center Trader Joe’s

RalphsWestern KosherComputer Boy.

I’ve learned how to dress myself,feed myself, and write my own name.

Give a child an hour a week and change a life forever.

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.

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.

Other volunteer opportunities include a Sunday Circle, Club Kung Fu, Jewish holiday

festivals, and much more.

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.

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.

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But to learn how to

hang out,I need some help from

you...