An Unforgettable Birthday Celebration

Over 70 people, including children with special needs, their parents, and their devoted volunteers of this year, gathered for an appreciation barbecue to celebrate another successful year of the South Jerusalem Friendship Circle and Hallel Markowitz’s seventh birthday.

The mood in the Markowitz garden was especially joyous and festive, as Hallel welcomed each guest with exclamations of, “Today is my birthday!”

Hallel has downs syndrome and she has been part of the South Jerusalem Friendship Circle for five years now. Gaby Markowitz, Hallel’s mother, was proudly taking pictures and videos and beaming with pleasure at the sight of her daughter, shining in the limelight.

Through much effort and perseverance on the part of her family and others, Hallel has mainstreamed to a typical preschool and is, thank G-d, thriving in her learning and development.

She led her friends in game and song and asked to deliver a speech, which she executed beautifully to the sound of enthusiastic applause.

The Friendship Circle volunteers were thanked with gifts and heartfelt praise from the parents and staff. Their dedicated visits each week, lasting one and a half to two hours long, provide much needed respite to the parents of children with special needs, while giving the children and their siblings extra love and attention.

Hadass P., a busy single mom, said with tears in her eyes, “These were my two angels,” referring to Sarah and Ariella, who visited from MMY seminary each week. “I managed to accomplish the world during those two hours every week, while the girls entertained Neta and Noya and bonded with them.”

Neta just turned 12 years old and has downs syndrome. Her Friendship Circle volunteers worked hard to prepare Neta for her Bat Mitzvah and helped lead the beautiful celebration that was held in her honor.

Rachel M., whose daughter Ruti has more severe special needs, noted that she manages to cook her entire Shabbat menu while the Friendship Circle volunteers take Ruti out for a walk.

At least as touching as the gratitude from parents was the appreciation that the volunteers expressed. Nechama Dina Hendel, director of the South Jerusalem Friendship Circle, received the following email, “Thank you so much for running this incredible program. I can not even begin to describe how much volunteering has enriched my year. With SO much appreciation, Sarah.”

The South Jerusalem Friendship Circle is a branch of Chabad of Baka and has been servicing children with special needs and their families for almost eight years now. The volunteers are mainly from the Mayanot women’s seminary, MMY, and Lindenbaum, in addition to individual high school and college students who participate in the program.

The maturity and commitment of these young women is touching to see. They have full time learning schedules at their seminaries, and yet they take the time each week for chesed. The love and selflessness that they exhibit and their consistent visits, rain or shine, are commendable and worthy of recognition.

Members of the warm, English-speaking Chabad of Baka community, directed by Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Dina Hendel, also volunteered at the appreciation barbecue.

Amy Schwartz played the guitar and engaged the children in lively singing and dancing. Tamir Goodman used his basketball talent to direct sports activities, which thrilled the children, while building their self-esteem. The Chikly family worked tirelessly to grill the meat and helped the program run smoothly.

It is gatherings like these which energize the staff at the Friendship Circle to continue their important work.

Gaby Markowitz’s feedback after the appreciation barbecue and birthday celebration was particularly heartwarming.

In a letter to Mrs. Hendel, she wrote, “How to give thanks for today? It was beyond the beyond! The party was a celebration of living Torah and of community, and what better way to acknowledge that when it was happening full blast in front of our eyes?! A community of children and families….with disabilities and without. … celebrating and having fun together.

Yasher koach, Nechama Dina and Friendship Circle, for another amazing year and your unceasing love and support. And thank you from Hallel for the best day of her life! In appreciation always, Gaby.”

As Marisa, one of the Mayanot volunteers, exclaimed, “This is the best birthday celebration I’ve been to all year!”

*To volunteer in the South Jerusalem Friendship Circle or for other inquiries, you can email [email protected] or visit www.chabadofbaka.com.