Hundreds of men, women and children visited the Friendship Circle of Brooklyn’s first ever art gallery titled “The Art of Friendship.”
Children and young adults with special needs in the Brooklyn, NY area worked very hard in creating their very own artistic masterpieces, and after months of preparation, family, friends and supporters gathered this past Sunday for a unique art gallery, featuring the artwork of the children with special needs.
Beautifully laid out, the gallery took place in the Jewish Children’s Museum under the direction of Rabbi Yerachmiel Benjminson who spearheaded the Friendship Circle in Brooklyn nearly 11 years ago.
“The space is perfect,” said Mr. Joseph Sprung of the Bear Givers foundation, who sponsored the event, adding, “the Museum’s amenities are just what’s needed to complete the perfect party.”
Over hors d’oeuvres and drinks, a steady stream of visitors viewed the displayed artwork and many purchased their favorite pieces.
The gallery was visited by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke who addressed the crowd and reaffirmed her support to families and children with special needs.
Many elected officials sent their greetings, including Assemblyman Karim Camara who had his liaison to the Jewish community, Mr. Shea Halberstam attend the gallery.
Brooklyn’s newly elected Borough President, Mr. Eric Adams, who is a long time friend of the special needs community and especially the Friendship Circle, proclaimed the day of the event, May 4, as “The Friendship Circle Day” in Brooklyn, USA.
In a speech, director of the Friendship Circle, Rabbi Berel Majesky, remarked, “The Friendship Circle, though it may be called ‘Friend’ship circle, it is truly an organization comprised of 100 percent good hearts, starting from its founders Mr. and Mrs. Shmuly and Tzirl Goldman, and past directors Levi and Chayle Eckhaus, the Friendship Circle brings happiness to the lives of children and young adults with special needs and their families 365 days a year.
“The over 300 volunteers, young men and women, give of their free time to bring the same excitement that any teenager would have with their friends, and create true long-lasting friendships with children with special needs. We don’t like using the term ‘volunteers’ rather, just ‘Friends’.”
Rabbi Majesky thanked Mr. Joseph Sprung and Mrs. Diane Lempert of the Bear Givers and EmpowerArt programs, and artists Michoel Muchnik and Estee Klein who respectively took on the task of helping the older boys and girls divisions in creating truly unique and beautiful pieces of art. He also thanked COLlive for getting the word out for this event, and throughout the year.
A number of pieces remain for sale, support the Friendship Circle with your purchase. View them here.
THE BEST!!!!
hey Chaim, great stuff you did there. nice pics of you too. regards from your cousins in Africa.
Contact the friendship circle office if you wish to purchase the book of all the art.
[email protected]
You amaze me.
Such a special couple.
Der E-r should give you kochos till 120.
Beautiful event! Thank you Majeskys and all the amazing people involved!!!
I noticed in one of the pictures, a book was created full of FC art. Is this available for sale?
in two short years, this couple took a small organization, and made it one of THE organizations.
Hatzlocha in all, and may we never need your services….with the coming of moshiach
What a beautiful organization!!! Tizku L’Mitzvos!
So amazing what Berel & Chani made of the FC Brooklyn since they took it over!
u rock it girl
Berel and Chani. You have no idea how proud of you we are. A fantastic idea which Boruch Hashem came off as a fantastic success. You are true ambassadors of the “Art of Friendship” for these special children and all of us.
Keep up the good work! Hatzlocho in all your projects. May you grow from strength to strength.
Totally love your art work.
This made my heart melt in the most amazing way!
Keep up the great work!
What a genius idea
You r so lucky to have the most loving family in the world!
Love your cousins from CT!
Majeskys you are a huge brocho! These parents familes huge brochas.
Awesome job w the vid Chaim h.!!!
Hi Ari and Mussia xx
Artwork can be bought at the FC office: [email protected]
You rock.
Was an absolutely beautiful and heart warming event!!,
What an incredible event that was. The children of the friendship circle were so proud and we’re shining stars.
Where can we purchase the remaining pieces?
Thanks for everything you do for our community. Can’t wait for next years gallery
Boruch Shneur, Shmu says “hi”!
Nice to see you. You look just as young as your daughter.
amazing event it was so nice
They did it again what a beautiful event so inspiring me go from strength to strength may you have your own friendship circle of Brooklyn building good luck😀
Yahsar Coach! Chanie, why is your name not on certificate?? You are also the director?!!
very proud of all my boys!
and well done berel and chanie 🙂
ot 73
amazing and remarkable. Our community made this happen. We should be so proud! kol hakovod to all those involved.
Uncle Shimmy and Aunty Ruchie,
We miss you –
Amazing