volunteers with children with special needs,
brought 35 young adults from the United
States to Israel for the second time in as
many years.
Founded in Michigan more than 15 years ago, the Friendship Circle has garnered international attention for its home visit programs, workshops, and other initiatives that help individuals with special needs maximize their potential. Providing an outlet for Jewish learning and expression is a strong part of the Friendship Circle, explained Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, director of the Friendship Circle of MetroWest, N.J., so it was only natural that as the Birthright family of tours continued to grow, staff would look for ways to include the special-needs population.
“The mission of the Friendship Circle has always been to enable those with special needs to fully participate in the Jewish community and enjoy the same experiences that are available to the mainstream population,” said Grossbaum. “Why should the Israel experience be any different?”
Mayanot Tours Israel with Young Adults with Special Needs
volunteers with children with special needs,
brought 35 young adults from the United
States to Israel for the second time in as
many years.
Almost three dozen U.S. young adults with special needs wrapped up a unique tour of the Holy Land, the second time in as many years the Friendship Circle – a Chabad-Lubavitch network of programs that pairs teenage volunteers with children with special needs – has worked to make the free tours provided by Taglit-Birthright Israel available to its constituents.
Founded in Michigan more than 15 years ago, the Friendship Circle has garnered international attention for its home visit programs, workshops, and other initiatives that help individuals with special needs maximize their potential. Providing an outlet for Jewish learning and expression is a strong part of the Friendship Circle, explained Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, director of the Friendship Circle of MetroWest, N.J., so it was only natural that as the Birthright family of tours continued to grow, staff would look for ways to include the special-needs population.
“The mission of the Friendship Circle has always been to enable those with special needs to fully participate in the Jewish community and enjoy the same experiences that are available to the mainstream population,” said Grossbaum. “Why should the Israel experience be any different?”
