Friendship Circle CH’s Chanukah Party Was the Largest Ever

Photos by Rebecca Howard and Yosef Fajnland

In the spirit of Hakhel, Friendship Circle in Brooklyn hosted the largest-ever family Chanuka party in Brooklyn. The event featured performances from Lipa Schmeltzer and Choni Milecki as well as activities and Chanukah foods.

In the spirit of Hakhel, Friendship Circle in Brooklyn hosted the largest-ever family Chanuka party in Brooklyn.

Growing from 495 reservations last year to 667 this year, this annual event was for Friendship Circle families only and went down as the largest-ever Chanukah Party in FC history!

FC families enjoyed an exclusive concert featuring Lipa Schmeltzer accompanied by Choni Milecki and
co. Complete with customized FCBKLN Chanukah t-shirts, a step-and-repeat photo booth, and a giant DIY Menorah, every detail was thought through and organized. From massive light-up balls to a delicious buffet of Chanuka treats, it was a night of pure joy and unity among the families.

It’s not a Hakhel without the 12 Pesukim; parents looked on as their children with special needs were
each called up by FC Director Rabbi Berel Majesky to recite the Pesukim and give Tzedaka. The Menorah was then lit by Friendship Circle’s own FC Minyan Chazzanim – Levi Harlig and Boruch Schneur Chein. 

At the end of the night, every FC child and their siblings were presented with a crisp dollar bill and a
personalized gift prepared from a 2 month-long community-wide Toy Drive, held in Zchus of Yissi
Spiegel.

A huge thank-you to the dedicated FC team, staff, and volunteers headed by Rochel Karp, Ruta Cohen,
Sarah Thaler, Tzvi Gewirtz, and Noach Zeiler. Thank you to all the volunteers and school presidents who brought so much positive energy to the event. Thank you to Benz’s for the Latkes, Rabbis Sholom
Goldstein and Benny Wolf of Bais Rivkah, all the schools who graciously collected toys, and countless
others who contributed to and volunteered their precious time and expertise to make this all happen. The
toys were sponsored in part by Mr. Eli Weinstock and family, Mr. Marvin Feinstein, “Toys for
Hospitalized Children,” and dozens of individual gift donations from generous community members.

Videos by 321 Motion