SPEECH HIGHLIGHTS
Dani Dacosta - Graduating CTeen President
I come from a multicultural, multi religious household. Like many, I went to Hebrew school and observed Temple Services during the High Holidays. When the time came, I was a Bat Mitzvah. By all accounts I’d done everything that “expected” of me.
In 8th grade, my brother asked me to attend a challah bake with him. Although it probably seemed like just another event to everyone else, it meant everything to me. Seeing kids who weren’t from the same “circles” but all connected through their faith resonated with me. I no longer saw the practice of my Jewish faith as a series of steps with a specific outcome, but a journey, which would allow a better understanding of myself.
At Shabbaton, I was fortunate to make friends with people from California, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and everywhere in between. It’s hard to describe Shabbaton. I hope you all get to experience how powerful and meaningful it is. It will truly change your life.
This spring, our community experienced a great tragedy and―without pause―Rabbi and Devorah knew they needed to help us through our grief. I will never forget how much being surrounded by loved ones helped me through this painful experience. For that one night, everyone in the community felt what I feel every time I attend a CTeen event. I’ve never felt more proud or more humbled to be part of this amazing community of teens.
Sarah Katz - Graduating CTeen President
I used to think I wasn’t “Jewish enough” to be a part of CTeen. But CTeen has shown me that every individual has a different relationship with their Judaism, and that unique relationship cannot be compared. Five years ago, I got a text from my friend Laci, telling me about some Challah bake. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into, but I saw the word Challah and said YES. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Afterwards, I began to attend more events, make friends, and allow myself to open up to this new community―a community I was soon-to-call family.
CTeen has been such a source of meaning, fostering a greater connection with my Judaism. At the yearly shabbaton, I’ve forged friendships with teens from South Africa, Australia, Canada, and throughout the U.S. These connections just show you the unique nature of CTeen―the way all kinds of Jewish teenagers can unite behind it.
Most of all, it’s here I’ve grown my passion for community outreach. Whether dropping off challahs to the elderly or delivering shabbat dinners to Holocaust survivors, I love and value every oppurtunity CTeen has given me to help othes and spread joy. Even in the smallest ways.
I wouldn’t be the person I am now without Devorah and Rabbi Shmuel. You have truly shown me the value of CTeen and have inspired me to continue my involvement in college. While it saddens me to leave Cteeen Suffern behind next year, I’m excited for the future of our chapter. I know the meaningful and inspiring nature of CTeen Suffern will only grow, and I can’t wait to see what it does next.
Laci Halperin - Graduating Friendship Circle President
When I joined the Friendship Circle seven years ago, I started to look at life a lot differently and became more grateful for everything given to me in life. I initially started working with kids in group homes each month and before my first visit to this group home, Devorah pulled us aside and had us do an activity with all the teens. All of us had to put on a button down shirt then put socks over our hands and we had to unbutton the shirt. This was supposed to simulate what some kids have to go through everyday and this was just a tiny look into how hard it is to not have certain abilities that we all take for granted.
As I continued my journey with Friendship Circle to high school, I began to make more one on one connections with my special friends. I would look forward to each monthly event whether it be a petting zoo, dance lessons, or karate where I would be greeted with love, hugs, and smiles from all. I also enjoyed my weekly at home visits with my forever friends Alexa Fields and Ari Burman where I would dance and make bracelets and play monopoly. Many people go into Friendship Circle thinking that they will impact others but spending time with all my new friends has given me a most rewarding experience.
Volunteering has brought out a deeper appreciation for all that I have in life. All the opportunities and abilities I have and others may not, makes me even more grateful. The rewarding experience of working with special needs kids through Friendship Circle is something I plan to continue after high school. Thank you so much Devorah Sirota and the Ganz family for providing this wonderful organization for our community.
Aden Halperin - Graduating FC President
First I want to thank Devorah Sirota and the Gantz family for giving me this award as well as throwing this amazing event. Throughout my years at the friendship circle I have met many new people and have made more friends than I could ever imagine. I have learned a lot about others and myself throughout my time at the friendship circle. I feel a responsibility to these children with special needs because of my own personal story. When I was just a couple of weeks old I was abandoned at a bus stop somewhere in China, I was sent to an orphanage where I would live until the age of 4, until one day I was adopted by my parents or as you know them Debbie and Scott Halperin. They took me in and accepted me as a part of their family. Because I was so lucky to get adopted, I felt that I needed to give back to others. And when I heard about the friendship circle I knew that this was my calling. Because the friendship circle is like one big family, I felt that when new people would come to the events that we would throw, it was like I was adopting others.
Sabrina Morea - Friendship Circle Parent
The Friendship Circle has been an integral part of our life for the past almost two and a half years. When we first began with Jess and Skylar for Josh, then Becca and Libby for Noah we didn’t realize how instrumental they would become to our family. For those of you who don’t know I am a mom of 3 amazing kids who all require a lot of “mommy time”.
Joshy, my oldest with a heart of gold, is diagnosed with severe anxiety, social anxiety, ADHD and is in the spectrum. When we moved to Rockland 3 years ago we had him in a private school because we knew that transitions are difficult for him. Unfortunately, about half way through the year he was being bullied so badly and another student told him he should kill himself. That’s what Josh wanted to do. It was such a scary time. And we ended up having to do a transition into a program in district. A short time after that Joshy’s “girls” came into our life. They will never know how much not only he needed them, but I needed them. They brought such an optimistic atmosphere and are so supportive. They have made such a positive impact on Josh. From coming to birthday parties, coming to his black belt test, coming to his school play, playing outside, to celebrating their anniversary, endless projects and cooking and more!! We love you ladies and are going to miss you so much more than you know! I want to wish you both the best adventure in your next phase of your educational career. You will always be a part of our family! We will enjoy our last few weeks with you and look forward to visits when you are home! Congratulations on your graduation!!!
Noah, my social butterfly was born very prematurely. He has endured 9 surgeries and multiple additional hospital visits to date. He has been a fighter since before he was born. He was not breathing when he was born at under 2 pounds, and has shown us daily what strength and determination are. He has overcome so many obstacles. All Noah wanted was his very own girls. He would partake in Joshys time with his girls, but that wasn’t enough for him. Becca and Libby came into our lives and he lives for his 1 hour a week with them. From learning lots of Minecraft and Among Us info to playing outside to chasing him around the house, they fulfill such a special mitzvah whenever they are together. Seeing his face light up when they are here makes my mommy heart full. We are fortunate enough to have another year with them before they leave for college. Noey loves pointing out on the calendar when his girls come.
We have attended many friendship circle events and are so fortunate to be a part of such a special community! I know that I always feel complete whenever I can participate in helping with dropping off challahs or Shabbat meals. I feel it in my soul and I always look forward to the next time. As a special educator, I know how fulfilling this must be for all of you. I thank you and speak on behalf of all the Mommies of children with any type of need… thank you for your time and dedication to our children. You will never know how your time and dedication to these children affect their lives in such a positive way.