On the first night of Chanukah, close to 700 people filled the halls of Beis Rivkah for the Friendship Circle of Brooklyn Chanukah Bash.
Parents, siblings, children and adults with special needs, and devoted volunteers all put on their FC t-shirts and light-up bracelets, coming together to celebrate as one community.
After the Chanukah event, a mother shared the following: “Chani, how is it possible that Moshiach hasn’t come yet? Did you see that room? So many people. Mothers beaming as they watched their children having the time of their lives. For a short while, stress and worries were packed away. Teens dancing like they had no cares in the world—reaching out to children who needed someone to look out for them, including them, loving them. How is it possible he isn’t here yet? You could feel the kedusha in the room.”
A band member expressed similar sentiments. After the event he shared: “I’ve been to many concerts, events, and camps serving people with special needs, but tonight was different. I felt the Rebbe in the room. Do I sound crazy? Maybe. But I felt it. He was there. This event was something different.”
And really, that was it.
Children with special needs stood front and center – dancing, singing, glowing. Volunteers surrounded them, meeting each child exactly where they were. Parents watched as their children were not on the sidelines, but fully included, right in the heart of the room.
Yes, there were Chanukah t-shirts, light-up swag, donuts, and carefully chosen toys waiting at the end of the night. Yes, the energy was high and the music was incredible.
But what lingered was something quieter and far stronger.
The knowledge that this is the Rebbe’s community.
These are the Rebbe’s generals. Moshiach times. Holy neshamos.
