This belief in Jewish unity—that we are only whole when everyone is included—stands at the core of the Rebbe’s teachings and guides everything we do at Philly Friendship Circle.
Our Mission
Philly Friendship Circle connects teens and young adults to youth with special needs and their families through a full range of social o!erings. Inspired by the power of genuine friendship, our youth cultivate understanding, kindness and responsibility while ensuring a caring and inclusive community.
18-40 Young Adult Programs
• Virtual Happy Hour
• Group Meals
• Outings & Trips
• Inclusive Birthright Israel
• Service Opportunities
• Alumni & Young Professional Programs
18 & Under Children & Teen Programs
• Mitzvah Volunteer Program
• Sunday Circle
• Friends@Home
• Teen Leadership Board
• Fellowship Awards
Parent & Community Programs
Parent Seminars
Parents’ Nights Out & In
Family Trips
Parents’ Lounge
at Sunday Circle and
Young Adult Group Dinners
Community Events
Board of Directors
Sharon Levin, President
Deborah Siegel, Secretary
Adam Illfelder, Treasurer
Melissa Glozman, Associate Treasurer
Julie Axelrod
Eric Berger
Seth Feldman
Sammi Levin
Deb Livingston Freda Pepper
Claire Raab
Alumni Leadership Committee
Jonah Katz, Co-Chair
Sammi Levin*, Co-Chair
Sara Bergmann
Ben Wolf
*Board Member
Our Sta
Chani Baram
Chief Relationship Officer
Cait Gilmartin Lead Behavioral Specialist for our Team of Friendship Experts
Maria Phillips Art Studio Host
Zev Baram
Chief Executive Officer
Michael Bouchier Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
Laurie Sked
Member Support Coordinator
Jackie Weiss Inclusion Program Coordinator
Meryl Sussman
Chief Operating Officer
Bryna Brownstein Administrative/Executive Support Assistant
Rachel Wener
Web Developer & Designer
Gala Host Committee
*Board Member
Jennifer Abramson
Jan & Pete Albert
Melissa & Paul Anderson
Julie* & Rob Axelrod
Caren Barnet & Steve Abramson
Nancy & Martin Black
Sylvia Blume
Mindy & Evan Brodie
Malka & David Caroline
Holly Cohen & Leib Meadvin
Liz Cohen & David Whellan
Devorah & Shaya Deitsch
Joan & David Denenberg
Amy & Andy Dorfman
Leeann & Scott Erlbaum
Amy & Daniel Erlbaum
Maria & Tom Federman
Jill & Lenny Feinberg
Pam & Scott Feldman
Darien Finder
Lauren & Jeff Gladstone
Paula & Bill Glazer
Melissa* & Michael Glozman
Laurie & Howard Goldstein
Judi & Mark Goldstein
Jaime Gordon
Abby & Nate Greenberg
Karen & Curt Heffler
Linda Heller & Zachary Weiss
Joy & Ryan Hoff man
Cristy & Mitchell Hollin
Danielle & Adam* Illfelder
Helene & Greg Jaron
Beth & David Joseph
Simi Kaplin Baer & Marc Baer
Kimberly & Larry Kimmel
Gala Host Committee
Myriam Klotz & Margot Stein
Amy & Michael Kopelman
Hadassa & Emanuel Korn
Chaya & Yisrael Kotlarsky
Nancy Koutcher & Abraham
Ftaiha
Eve & David Kovsky
Elizabeth Kramer & Michael
Golinkoff
Chana Lane
Sharon* & Jonathan Levin
Michele & Robert Levin
*Board Member
Deborah* & Mark Livingston
Rachel & Shimi Mandelbaum
Simone & Brian Nadav
Dara & Andrew Newman
Gail & Elliot Norry
Claire Raab* & Jordan
Goldhammer
Abby & Dave Rankin
Lauren & Scott Ravitz
Jill & Brian Rosen
Samantha & Evan Rosenberg
Erika & Chad Rubin
Eydie Rudman & Howard Levin
Shari & Stuart Rudoler
Julie & Andrew Schultz
Hilde & Bruce Sham
Gail Simon
Jodi & Dan Singer
Danielle Tapper
Janie & Aaron Ufberg
Elissa & David Waldstein
Jennifer & Michael Willner
OUR 2025
Teen and Young Adult Honorees
Proudly representing 30+ local schools in our community
2025 Graduated Seniors
Elad Daniel
Tali Erlbaum
Ezra Ftaiha
Izzy Greenberg
Talia Hurtig
Ilana Illfelder
Carolyn Kelly
Rachel Schneider
Izzy Sussman
Aiden Yano!
TEEN BOARD LIAISON
Solomon Fishman
‘25-’26 LeadershipTeen Board
MENTORS
Gavriella Adelman
Evan Berman
Benjamin Berger
Ilana Fink
Aaron Silber
Robbie Stutman
Rikki Teicher
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Dani Bard-Maizel
Alexis Brady
Max Livingston
Hannah Rubin
Alexandra Tapper
Alana Ufberg
GENERAL BOARD
Ella Anderson
Reese Brodie
Ryan Fink
Maya Friedman
Daphne Ftaiha
Isabelle Illfelder
Abby Joshowitz
Samantha Kopelman
Benjamin Miller
Bayla Nadav
Asher Natko
Sophie Newman
Valentina Rash
Ethan Rosenberg
Ella Ross
Gavriel Sabag
Janie Silverman
Anaelle Snitman
Jason Stutman
Jordan Thur
Charley Ufberg
Ella Ufberg
Teens A-L
Mitchell Barg
Batya Barkai
Chaya Baum
Emil Brody
Liya Daniel
Rezi Danilewitz
Simon Davidson
Zachary Dershowitz
Gabriela Ehrlich
Meira Elkaim
Lexi Elkins
Remi Feldman
Nicholas Fernandez
Tobey Fink
Emma Frazer
Ella Friedman
Maya Goldberg
Izzy Goldfuss
Ya!a Goldfuss
Simone Goldhammer
Nico Gordon
Noah Greenbaum
Chana Harris
Asher Harwitz
Sean Herrmann
Caroline Hill
Gigi Hill
Zach Hirsch
Emily Ho! man
Ben Illfelder
Dylan Khan
Juliette Kimmel
Janice Kincade
JJ Kirschner
Elianna Kirschner
Ella Kleinmann
Max Koffler
Zach Levin
Teens L-Z
Ava Levin
Ari Livingston
Simon Livingston
Rebecca Lobman
Lexie Magerman
Logan Mayer
Theo Miller
Sammy Moster
Charles Murphy-Jones
Lev Nadav
Tikvah Nyer
Esther Obstfeld
Reese Rankin
Nicholas Rochwerger
Sophia Rose
Eli Rose
Emma Roseman
Benjamin Rosenberg
Joanna Rosetti
Jules Rostolsky
Yisroel Meir Rudin
Chana Runyan
Jude Safier
Annael Saiman
Menucha Schneider
Riley Schultz
Max Siegel
Golda Snyder
Jacob Susser-Stein
Annabelle Sved
Tova Turner
Abe Twersky
Benny Uram
Aaron Wolpaw
Lillian Workman
Maya Workman
Gideon Wrigley
Ezra Yano!
Young Adults A-L
Jacob Arnon
Nicole Banner
Logan Bass
Steven Bomze
Rebecca Bricklin
Nicholas Campson
Eric Cohen Benjamin Dantzic
Avi Eckstein
Jonathan Evans
N’Rae Fennell-
Ponds
Allyson Abramson
Leon Abramson
Elisheva Apple z’l
Ian Capacio
Mariah Cedeno
Ethan Chalker
Matthew Freed
Justin Gabor
Kyle Glover
Jake Goldstein
Joseph Hartman
Daniel Heffler
Ilana Isenberg
Quinn Knittel
Jessica Krupit
Gavi Littwin
Young Adults L-Z
Lindell Lowe
Luke McGivernCowan
Michael Ne!
Dean Nelinson
Robert Nevison
Tyler Orens
Jayden Pappa
Yasmine Pomerantz
Matthew Reiss
Brooke Salon
Yossi Schmidt
Tahani Shaat
Randy Shapiro
Ryan Singer
Ethan Silber
Adam Sklar z’l
Mark Smith Jr.
Daniella Standridge
Estey Tayar
Shaquira Taylor
Aubrey Tillman
Ri!y Wolpert
Avi Wood
Fallyn Zeitzer
Carly Zeitzer
Chaim Zellis
Thank You to Our Host Locations
In recognition of our fellow Shluchim and Shluchos of Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties.
May we continue to work together to bring the Rebbe nachas, and may you all have bracha v’hatzlacha ad bli dai.
Chani & Zev
The Friendship Experts
To Cait and the entire Philly Friendship Circle Support Sta!:
Thank you for creating a space where everyone can be themselves, have fun, and truly experience a sense of belonging. You are at the heart of what makes Philly Friendship Circle feel the way it does. We couldn’t do it without you.
Much appreciation,
Chani & Zev
Leadership with Heart
To our dear Youth Co-Chairs:
Aaron, Ben, Rikki, Robbie
Thank you for putting so much heart into this gala. It has truly been a pleasure working together with each of you — and we’re already going to miss you as you head o! to your next adventures next year.
With so much thanks,
Chani & Zev
At the Heart of It All is each of you
To the Teens and Young Adults of Philly Friendship Circle,
You are living the Philly Friendship Circle life — bringing the simple but powerful idea of being yourself and having fun into everything you do.
Even a er all these years, it never gets old. Seeing each of you with friends, watching the friendships grow, being part of your journey, and sharing in all the fun and silliness — It is truly an honor.
Chani & Zev
Making It Happen Together
To our amazing Co-Host Couples:
Kelly & Michael, Debbie & Steve,
Melissa & Eric, Nadine & Noel
Thank you for stepping up in such a big way to help make this evening a success. Each of you plays such an important role in the Philly Friendship Circle community, and it is so special to see your families — and your incredible kids — growing within it. We are so grateful to be doing this together.
Chani & Zev
The Personal Touch
A huge thank you to our incredible Note Writing Chairs:
Freda & Howard
We so appreciate being able to rely on you and lean on you as longtime friends and supporters. Your partnership truly helps carry the load of the gala, and we are so grateful for the time and heart you put in — always leading by example.
Thank you for your time, e!ort, and heart in helping make this event a success. Through your outreach and care, you’ve helped bring more people into the circle and share the joy of Philly Friendship Circle with others.
With friendship & gratitude,
& Zev
Chani
To our Board of Directors,
Thank you for your foundational support, your time, and your dedication to Philly Friendship Circle.
With Sharon’s leadership, and with each of you bringing your heart into this work, we are able to continue building and growing together. We are so grateful.
& Zev
Chani
Continuing the Connection
To our incredible Alumni Leadership Committee: Jonah, Sammi, Sara & Ben
Thank you for continuing to grow alumni experiences each and every week.
It is amazing to see the way you stay connected and continue to give back to this community. We hope you have so much nachas from all that you do.
& Zev
Chani
Making It All Happen
We are blown away by your hard work, dedication, and sense of humor. You are truly the jack of all trades — the Swiss army knife of the nonprofit world
— always there for us in every way, whether it’s for the gala or big picture. Thank you for always being willing to roll up your sleeves and do whatever needs to get done, and for spearheading this event and making it all happen from A to Z. We are so grateful and so blessed. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Chani & Zev
Our Team
To our Philly Friendship Circle team,
Thank you for everything you bring — your heart, your care, your expertise, and the way you show up for this community every day. The behind-the-scenes planning, the follow-through, the constant checking in — the details that don’t get seen but are felt in every program and every friendship — that’s what makes this all work.
Chani & Zev
The direction and clarity you bring through your leadership shape so much of what we all do. We admire and learn from you — from big picture vision to the day-to-day — and are so grateful to be building this together.
At the core of so many friendships. From managing matchups, to ongoing communication, to making sure every person is responded to and cared for — you ensure that everyone feels seen, included, and looked a er. Shout out to the new Game Night program that you jumped in and embraced.
Our data and report queen — you help us stay thoughtful, organized, and always improving. From the Gala (sticky notes, invitations, all the details), to Walk setup and cleanup crews, and countless other ways — you are an amazing friend!
The studio and art show are awesome with you at the helm! You bring out expression and creativity across all ages, and create opportunities for all people to connect in their own ways.
Such a steady, supportive presence for families. From Friends@Home to Moms’ Night Out, and taking on new things this year — pushing your limits with creativity — all while being a super mom yourself, juggling so much with heart, care, and your signature upbeat spirit.
Meryl
Emily
Maria
Laurie Mike
Your creativity shapes so much of how PFC shows up. From the sponsorship campaign to the website to this journal — thank you for bringing ideas to life and for always approaching things with creativity and openness.
Thank you for keeping us organized, on track, and supported behind the scenes in so many ways. And a big mazal tov on this exciting new chapter.
So glad we’re working closely together again. You bring such a grounded and fresh perspective, always coming in with new creative ideas while helping us continue to grow and think bigger.
Jumping right in and already bringing so much thoughtful planning and hands-on, meaningful experiences into programs. We’re so happy to have you on the team — and at your first Gala!
Rochel
Alexa
Jackie Bryna
Dear Team, Chani, Zev, Bryna, Emily, Jackie, Laurie, Mike, Maria, Rochel, Alexa, Heather, Cait and her team of Friendship Experts, with deep appreciation for everything you do individually and as a team.
Pirkei Avot 2:9: He [Rabban Yohanan] said unto them: go forth and observe which is the right way to which a man should cleave? Rabbi Eliezer said, a good eye; Rabbi Joshua said, a good companion; Rabbi Yose said, a good neighbor; Rabbi Shimon said, foresight. Rabbi Elazar said, a good heart. He [Rabban Yohanan] said to them: I prefer the words of Elazar ben Arach, for in his words your words are included. Rabban Yohanan prefers the words of Rabbi Elazar “a good heart” because one who has a good heart will be all of the other things mentioned by the other students. He will be a good friend, a good neighbor, generous to his fellow human beings and he will think his actions through to the end.
Philly Friendship Circle - Sunday Circle, YA events, MVP, Friends@Home, Teen Leadership Board, Parent Room “seminars,” Parents Nights Out, Family Events, The Walk, The Gala, The Art Show, Birthright does not happen without each of you. I am blessed to work with you all who bring your hearts to “the heart of it all” to create an inclusive community grounded in deep values,intentional planning, and genuine connection for youth with and without disabilities. According to the Rabbis - the heart includes it all - constructive thinking, emotional connection, fellowship, and generosity.
To Maria Thank you for showing me my creativity.
To Chani & Zev Mazel Tov to another successful year of providing a supportive space, both for us sta! and for our community.
Love, Laurie
To Our Teens and Young Adults Congratulations on being honorees! There would be no programs without you!
To the Philly Friendship Circle Sta! Great job for another year with lots of pivots!
Dancing in Jerusalem on Birthright '23!
Congratulations to the Philly Friendship Circle sta!, Friendship Experts, volunteers, board members, participants, families and to everyone that make Philly Friendship Circle great, and especially to Chani & Zev, and the entire Baram family, who dedicate their lives to this amazing mission, on another fantastic year.
Rochel Bayla
P.S. Was that a run on sentence?
I’m so grateful to Philly Friendship Circle for being such a meaningful part of my life and my family’s.
It’s given me and my brother Ethan so many opportunities to grow, and the leadership experiences have helped me build confidence and connect with others.
The friendships we’ve built — especially between my brother Ethan and Michelle, and me with Cole and Micah- which are still strong today — mean so much to us.
It also meant a lot to have Friendship Circle be part of my brother Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah.
I’m truly thankful for the lasting impact Philly Friendship Circle has had on who I am today.
Aaron Silber
Aaron & Ethan
We are so proud of you both. It has been wonderful watching you grow up with Friendship Circle.
Love, Mom & Dad
Nadine & Noel Silber
Thank you to my parents for always encouraging me to get involved with Philly Friendship Circle and supporting me every step of the way. I truly would not be where I am today without your constant love and guidance.
- Robbie Stutman
I feel incredibly honored to serve as a co-chair for this year’s gala and to be part of such a meaningful and inspiring community. Friendship Circle has given me the opportunity to build genuine connections and experience a true sense of belonging that I will always value.
In honor of Robbie and Jason Stutman for their commitment to Friendship Circle.
And a big thank you to Chani, Zev, and the whole team for creating an amazing community where everyone can have fun and be themselves!
Debbie Blume & Steve Stutman
And Sivy Blume
Co-Chairing the gala is something that I have wanted to do for many years.
I am very happy and grateful for having this opportunity.
However, I would not be in the position I am today in Friendship Circle without the help of Chani and all of the Friendship Circle sta!.
Ben Berger
So I would like to thank all of them for all that they do for this great organization, but also all that they have done for me, for helping make me one of the best versions of myself that I am today.
I hope that Friendship Circle continues to thrive for many years in the future because its mission is very important to making this world a better place for everyone.
Lastly, I want to thank my parents for pushing me to do Friendship Circle in the first place.
Thank you to Philly Friendship Circle for promoting connection in a world plagued by so much disconnection.
Thank you Benjamin for sharing your spirit with the wonderful people of Philly Friendship Circle and, of course, your family.
We love you and are so proud of you!
Mom and Dad
Eric Berger and Melissa Lerman
I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such an amazing community like Philly Friendship Circle. A er every Sunday Circle, I come home with a huge smile, excited to share my experiences with my family, it truly feels like a blessing. I’m deeply grateful to my parents for their constant support, whether it’s driving me to meetings, encouraging my friendships, or being there for Sunday Circle and everything in between. Thank you for always standing by me and supporting my journey in this program.
I also want to thank Chani, Zev, and everyone involved in this community. You’ve given me so many meaningful opportunities to grow, develop my leadership skills, and become a better version of myself. I’m incredibly thankful to have such a strong and supportive community behind me.
I hope everyone can feel this type of love and support Philly Friendship Circle gives to me.
Rikki
Teicher
Mazel Tov Rikki!
Starting your journey as an MVP and continuing your passion and dedication on the Executive Board and as a Mentor, your heart has always been aligned with the mission and greatness of the Philly Friendship Circle. We are so proud of you!
With much gratitude to Chani, Zev and the whole team who continually make a huge impact on the lives of so many families.
Kelly
&
Michael Barrie
Mazel Tov to the Teens & Young Adults of Philly Friendship Circle.
We are inspired by your commitment, your energy, and your bountiful hearts. With special love, admiration and best wishes to our heroes and dear friends,
Chani & Zev
The incredible beauty of Friendship Circle is a true reflection of your vision, dedication, heart, and soul.
We are proud to have a place in the circle with so many wonderful people.
Vicki & Gary Erlbaum
and Family
Isabelle and Ben
We are so proud of you for your leadership and involvement in the Philly Friendship Circle!
Thank You to All the Wonderful Friendship Circle Volunteers!
The Rudoler Family
Shari & Stuart, Jeremy,
Joey & Helen
Cherished Chaverim
Mazal Tov to our Teens, Friends, Board and Volunteers.
You are the HEART of Philly Friendship Circle.
Special Gratitude and Kavod to Chani and Zev.
You are our SOUL.
Love, Sharon & Jonathan Levin
Perfect Pals
Perfect Pals
Congratulations to the well deserving honorees, the fantastic volunteers and the amazing sta!.
Chani and Zev thank you for your friendship and the example that you set for our family and our community.
May you go from strength to strength.
Howard, Freda, Jesse, Sara, Aaron and Ben
Friendship Circle Community is one of a kind
Congrats!
Jill & Mark Fishman
Perfect Pals
Thank you to Philly Friendship Circle for keeping friendships at the heart of it all! Our gratitude to Rabbi Zev and Chani and the entire Philly Friendship Circle sta!.
A special thanks to the Silber, Barrie, Stutman and Berger families for their long-standing leadership.
Congrats to Samantha Kopelman and the dozens of young adults who make the Friendship Circle's mission a reality each and every week.
Amy & Michael Kopelman
Pals
Thank you Chani, Zev and the entire Philly Friendship Circle family for all you do for our community! Your passion, energy and love bring so much joy and connection to so many. Together you are building a more inclusive and compassionate world-- one friendship at a time.
Beth and David
Perfect Pals
Joseph
Congratulations Vicki & Gary
On all of your success
On behalf of Philly Friendship Circle
Stephen Klein
Mazal tov!
May you go from strength to strength.
All our love,
Margot Stein,
Myriam Klotz & Ra" Stein-Klotz Perfect
With gratitude to the sta! of Friendship Circle who’s work and dedication is
Rebecca Stein & Steve Matthews Perfect Pals
Chani and Zev, Your commitment and devotion to this idea enriches the lives of all who are blessed to know you and love you.
May the Philly Friendship Circle and all the people who make it so amazing know only continued success in your service to the community and in bringing great Nachat to your families, the Rebbe and the world.
Leib
Best Buds
At the heart of it all is the love and connection that define Philly Friendship Circle. We are deeply grateful to be part of a community that so powerfully reflects inclusion, friendship, and belonging.
Thank you to Chani and Zev and the entire Philly Friendship Circle sta! for your dedication, care, and vision. You create a space where friendships flourish and every individual and family feels truly seen and valued.
Mazel tov to tonight’s honorees—your heart and commitment make a meaningful and lasting impact.
With love and gratitude,
The Sussman Family
Best Buds
Congratulations to Philly Friendship Circle! With deep gratitude, we thank the incredible sta!, volunteers, and Gala leadership for your unwavering dedication and commitment to building a truly inclusive Jewish community where everyone belongs.
Jill, Brian, Sam & Josh Rosen
Philly Friendship Circle
May you Go From Strength to Strength
Your Loyal Supporters
Susan & Lewis Gantman
Thank You to all of our friends at the Philly Friendship Circle for making such a positive impact on our community.
Best Buds
With Love,
The Robin & Steven Katz Family
Best Buds
We are so grateful to Chani and Zev for their tireless e!orts to support the special needs community in Philadelphia! May you go from strength to strength!
Gail & Elliot Norry
Wishing all in the Friendship Circle Health, Fulfillment and Many Berachot. May you all continue to go from strength to strength.
Sunnie & Ken Rosenstein
Best Buds
Yasher Koach to Chani and Zev and to Sharon Levin and to all the dedicated board members and to all the participants and volunteers, past and present. Together we all make a wonderful Friendship Circle!
Gail S. Simon
Buds
Thank you to Philly friendship Circle for all you do for our community and congratulations to the Honorees!
Lachs
Adler & Dean Adler
Susanna
Mazel tov to Ben Berger and Rikki Teicher for their leadership and a special congratulations to our friends Melissa and Eric for all they do for the community.
The Eisenstadt/Musher Family
"Every life is a structure under construction. Torah gives us the blueprint."
RABBI DAVID LEVIN
Spiritual Architect
Ancient blueprints. Modern lives.
What would it look like to live with intention, build relationships that last, and leave something behind that matters? That's the work.
Here’s to another fantastic year of brightening our community through meaningful friendships and opportunities for everyone to have fun and be themselves!
Big thanks to the visionary leadership of Chani and Zev, Meryl and the awesome Philly Friendship Circle sta!!
Rob, Julie, Gila,
Andrew & Claire Axelrod
The strength of Friendship Circle is not just in what it creates today, but in the community it sustains for years to come.
As alumni, we are proud to carry forward a community rooted in connection, compassion, and purpose.
Philly Friendship Circle Alumni Friendship Network
What an incredible year at Philly Friendship Circle!
We are so proud of the Livingston boys and may you always hold each other and everyone up in your communities!
Deborah & Mark Livingston Awesome Allies
Awesome Allies
If you have an opportunity to be nice to someone
“Do It”
You’ll feel good and you’ll help someone else
Try it, it’s contagious!
Susie & Paul
Mazel Tov to All the Honorees!
Special Congratulations to Chani and Zev for all the years working on behalf of our Special Families.
Gabe Tayar (z"l) Memorial Fund
Proud to support the exceptional work of Philly Friendship Circle
Dotty & Larry Brown
We are proud to support Philly Friendship Circle's meaningful mission and the impact it created in our community.
To our esteemed Community Awardees, We admire and respect your dedication to ensuring the success of The Friendship Circle.
May your family, friends and the entire community follow in your footsteps to help perpetuate the great work of The Friendship Circle.
Mazal Tov!
Ellen & Harris Fishman
Awesome Allies
Finders for Friendship Circle!
Darien Finder
Awesome Allies
Congratulations to all the teen and young adult honorees. Thank you to everyone at Philly Friendship Circle who make it possible to be at the heart of it all for the whole community.
Awesome Allies
Deborah Winokur & Hanan Fishman
Thank you to Chani and Zev for promoting friendship and building community for two decades!!
Thank you to all the Friendship Circle parents carpooling to make programming happening!
Special shout out to Avi, Cait and all the support sta!!
Shout out to Sienna and Benjamin! Olam! Ezra! Levi!
We salute Vicki & Gary
Erlbaum
For their vision, dedication & devotion to
Philly Friendship Circle
Margie & Je!rey
Honickman
To the Teen and Young Adult Honorees, Event Co-Chairs, and Dedicated Philly Friendship Sta!:
You are truly making a di!erence and we are proud to celebrate your role in creating a more inclusive community.
Tracey &
Shanin Specter Awesome Allies
Barrack prepares students in rades 6-12 with the tools to the next generation of Jewish leaders.
ur rigorous academic program is enriched hrough ewish learning a commitment to ntellectual curiosit and an inclusi e communit here our dedicated acult inspire students to ecome li elong learners with an understanding their place in histor
Jonathon Levine | President Elana Rivel | Chief Executive Ofcer
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At Jewish Learning Venture, we empower individuals, families, and communities to make Jewish life and learning more vibrant and meaningful. That’s why we’re honored to partner with Philly Friendship Circle — where connection and belonging don’t happen by chance, but are cultivated with care and intention. Together, we keep the heart of our community beating strong — ensuring that friendship, inclusion, and Jewish values continue to grow and endure.
In honor of Deborah Siegel, who gives so much of her time selflessly to the Friendship Circle, The Deborah Project, and the Jewish people.
Kol HaKavod Debbie!
Lori Lowenthal Marcus & Jerome Marcus
To Chani, Zev and all the Teens and Young Adults of the Philly Friendship Circle:
We are so grateful for your commitment to making the world a more loving place.
Fast Friends Fast Friends
Tracy & George Gordon
Congratulations to our very special grandson Benjamin Harry Berger
We are so proud of you.
We love you.
Fast Friends
Savta and Grandpa
Barbara & Allen Lerman
It is a priviledge to support this extraordinary organization.
Thank you for all you do.
Celebrating Friendship - at the heart of inclusion.
Fast Friends Fast Friends
Charna Axelrod
Allan, Sara & Ben Crimm
Much thanks to Chani, Zev, the Friendship Circle sta! and volunteers for all they do.
With admiration of Samantha Kopelman for her leadership role in the Philadelphia Friendship Circle
We appreciate you,
The Sklar Family
Fast Friends Fast Friends
Grandpa Richard & Carol
Dear Benjamin, Eric, Melissa and Ella, We are so proud of you for your dedication and commitment to Philly Friendship Circle!
Love, Your Philly Mishpacha
The Huroks, the Gerber-Schneimans & the Whitehorns
Fast Friends
We feel so lucky to have Ilana, Isabelle, and Ben in Eli’s life. The way you show up for him— with such kindness, patience, and genuine warmth—means more than we can fully express. Eli absolutely loves spending time with you, and it brings us so much joy to see the happiness you bring into his world. A very heartfelt thank you as well to Danielle and Adam. Your support and the way you’ve raised such thoughtful, caring kids does not go unnoticed. We are truly grateful for all of you.
Warmly,
The Nyer Family
Fast Friends
In honor of Freda Pepper & Howard Bernstein dear friends
Leonard Grossman
We are so proud of the LIVINGSTONS
Deb, Mark, Max, Simon and Ari.
We love your commitment!
The Florida Livingstons
Mazel Tov to everyone at Philly Friendship Circle for another wonderful year! Thank you to Chani and Zev for all that you do!
The Katz family
Marsha, Darin, Eli, Alyssa, & Jonah
Mazal tov to the honorees!
& Judah Bellin
Rebekah Blutstein
Thanks to Friendship Circle for what they do so well. Maddie & Herman Axelrod
Always so proud of Michael Ne!! Love, the Kollender family
Mazel tov to co-chair Ben Berger, co-hosts Melissa and Eric! Sharri + Mike
In honor of Charley & Ella Ufberg, my amazing granddaughters!
