Friendship Circle’s annual Purim Carnival

In my pressed blue shirt and grey suit I was well-prepared to join the festivities at the Friendship Circle’s annual Purim celebration. Or so I thought. The wafting smell of fresh popcorn was my first inkling that I was dressed for the wrong kind of party.

As I stepped through the doors of the Jewish Children’s Museum social hall, the objective of this party became instantly clear to me: The FC directors were going to make sure that each and every child with special needs was able to celebrate Purim to the fullest.

Fear not directors; you more than succeeded!

I had been invited to the party by Tzirl Goldman, director of the Circle. “Come by on Sunday, March 12, at 3pm.” She had said. Tzirl assured me I would feel inspired.

More than one-hundred special-needs kids were in the room when I arrived. I walked passed a costumed “Pizza Guy” in search of Goldman. I spotted her dancing with a small girl in the far corner of the room – in an “Uncle Sam” costume no less. Oh well, I’ll catch her later. Let’s party!

Kids and volunteers were on their feet throughout the spacious room, playing at any of 10 different carnival booths, and dancing to live music. It took mere seconds until I was caught up in the spirit. I was grabbed by a 14 year old boy. “What’s your name?” he asked me. “Shlomo” I replied. He smiled ear to ear and said: “I’m Shimon and I’m from Brooklyn. Let’s dance.” How could I refuse?

The Friendship magic continued to spread throughout the afternoon. Where the average moon-bounce attendants stand tiredly helping kids on and off, I watched the “bounce-man” at this party – hesitantly at first – jump inside with the children, showing them tricks to enhance their enjoyment.

Some highlights of the event were the thrilling performance by “Loony Toony” the clown and the live music.

Maybe due to the special connection children feel with each other, the music was provided by 10 year old Shmuli Bronstien playing keyboard. “You know you play exceptionally well” I said to Shmuli in between “sets”. “Thank you” he smiled shyly. “The kids seem to really enjoy your music” I mentioned. He smiled again. “I’m happy to help” he seemed to say.

Someone pointed out the energetic young organizer of the event Henni Halberstam. Halberstam, who was there with her husband Mendy was tending to all sorts of little party details. As the Museum is in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn I wondered if the children were all locals. “Are you kidding?!” Henni asked when I finally caught up to her. “There are kids here from Flatbush, Boro Park, Williamsburg…group homes from all over the city…” and off she went to bring joy to some more children. God knows they can use it.