Photos: Chanukah on the Court with Friendship Circle

Children with special needs, their siblings and parents gathered on the first night of Chanukah for the Friendship Circle of Brooklyn’s annual Chanukah Celebration. The party brought together nearly 400 men, women and children from across the spectrum of the community, all celebrating the holiday of lights – at a place where all children are able to shine!

The full court basketball experience was kicked off with a rendition of the “national anthem,” with in-house cantor Yehuda Reichman singing Yehi Ratzon and Sheyiboneh. Headlining this year’s event was Jack Ryan, ‘The Hoop Wizard,’ and Uncle Moishy and the Mitzva Men.

The evening began with Jack’s amazing basketball performance, which entertained and dazzled both the children and adults alike. Uncle Moishy had all the boys and girls – and their parents – ‘hopping, jumping never stopping’ to all his famous songs and rhymes. The lighting of the Menorah followed, lit by the FC’s own, Chazzan Yehuda Reichman.

On their way out, each child received a personalized and wrapped Chanukah Gift. Each child also received a crisp $1 bill as Chanukah Gelt.

The Friendship Circle Toy Drive was sponsored in part by “Toys for Hospitalized Children,” a division of the NCFJE, Mr Eli Weinstock and family, and dozens of individual gift donations from generous community members.

The winners of the Friendship Circle’s Raffle campaign were drawn at the event:

$10K: Rabbi Menachem Schochet
$1000: Tzfasman Jewelers: Fruma Kraus
$500: CASH: Pacey Lipkind
$150 CH Cycles: Mendel Groner

The Friendship Circle would like to thank the sponsors of the event: Mr. and Mrs. Dovid and Malki Smetana, Mr. and Mrs. Shai and Brushie Denburg, Mr. and Mrs. Osher and Rivka Karnowsky, the Nelco Foundation, Yossi Langsam of United Lubavitcher Yeshiva, Benz’s Gourmet and many others. Thank you for your ongoing friendship and support!

The Chanukah Celebration would not have been possible without the help of the caring and dedicated FC team: Staff and volunteers headed by Chumi Levin and Sheina Chincholker. Sound and Lighting: Benshimon Music Graphic Design: PGraphics Decor: Mushki Tenenbaum. Photo: Jakub Redziniak Video: CJ Studios and Moshie Lew. Logistics: Binoymin Lerner.

A special thank you to CTeen for allowing the use of their Basketball Menorah.