Philly Friendship Circle Annual Gala '25
We dedicate this evening to the Rebbe’s legacy.
RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON
The Rebbe’s unconditional love of people knew no bounds. To the Rebbe, all belonged.
It is this belief in Jewish unity, the notion that not one of us is complete unless all of us are included, that goes to the very core and essence of the Rebbe’s teaching. It is this concept that motivates and guides 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 offerings.
Inspired by the power of genuine friendship, our youth cultivate understanding, kindness and responsibility while ensuring a caring and inclusive community.
Philly Friendship Circle’s YOUTH
PROGRAMS
Children & Teen Programs
• Mitzvah Volunteer Program (MVP)
• Sunday Circle
• Friends@Home
• Teen Leadership Board
• Fellowship Awards
• Family Support
• Community Events
Young Adult Programs
• Virtual Happy Hour
• Group Meals
• Outings & Trips
• Inclusive Birthright Israel
• Service Opportunities
• Family Support
• Community Events
• Alumni & Young Professionals Programs
Philly Friendship Circle’s
PARENT PROGRAMS
• Parents’ Lounge at Sunday Circle and Young Adult Group Dinners
• Parent Seminars
• Parents’ Nights Out (and In)! Nosh. Connect. Schmooze.
• Family Trips
Co-Hosts
Alicia Felton & Sherrill Neff
Philly Friendship Circle Parents
Co-Hosts
Sara Abramson & Jesse Bernstein
Philly Friendship Circle Alumni
Youth Co-Chairs
GALA AMBASSADORS
Vicki & Gary Erlbaum
Simone & Brian
Nadav
Lewis Gantman
Claire Raab
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
Kelly Barrie & Debbie Blume
Rachel & Shimi
Mandelbaum
Jordan Goldhammer & Ali & Lee Sussman
NOTE WRITING CHAIRS
Freda Pepper & Howard Bernstein
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sharon Levin
President
Howard Levin
Treasurer
Seth Feldman
Secretary
Ilana Illfelder
Teen Board Liaison
Julie Axelrod
Eric Berger
Jaime Gordon
Sammi Levin
Deborah Livingston
Deborah Siegel
Alumni Leadership Committee
Sara Bergmann • Jonah Katz • Sammi Levin • Ben Miller • Ben Wolf
OUR STAFF
Chani Baram
Chief Relationship Officer
Zev Baram
Chief Executive Officer
Cait Gilmartin
Lead Behavioral Specialist for our Team of Friendship Experts
Meryl Sussman
Chief Operating Officer
Michael Bouchier
Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
Emily Coplon Office Administrator & Executive Support
Samantha Holzer Programs Manager
Maria Phillips Art Studio Host
Laurie Sked
Member Support Coordinator
Rachel Wener
Web Developer & Designer
Our 2025 TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT HONOREES
Proudly representing 40+ local schools in our community
Teen Leadership Board
Mentors
Solomon Fishman
Izzy Greenberg
Talia Hurtig
Carolyn Kelly
Izzy Sussman
Aiden Yanoff
Executive Board
Gavriella Adelman
Benjamin Berger
Rachel Schneider
Aaron Silber
Robbie Stutman
Rikki Teicher
Ilana Illfelder • Teen Board Liaison
General Board
Ella Anderson
Dani Bard-Maizel
Evan Berman
Alexis Brady
Ilana Fink
Ezra Ftaiha
Samantha Kopelman
Max Livingston
Ethan Rosenberg
Ella Ross
Hannah Rubin
Janie Silverman
Alexandra Tapper
Alana Ufberg
Ella Ufberg
Charley Ufberg
2024 GRADUATED SENIORS
Ayelet Cooperberg
Justin Glozman
Sadie Gorberg
Sofie Jubelirer
Zachary Markizon
Noah Matunis
Avery Meyer
Gideon Wolf
Skylar Zeaman
Dovi Baram
Chaya Baum
Nave’ Ben David
Hannah Berman
Reese Brodie
Emil Brody
Genayah Brown
Eve Cohen
Betsy Cooper
Avi Cooperberg
Elad Daniel
Sarel Daniel
Ayala Daniel
Aviya Daniel
Liya Daniel
Rezi Danilewitz
Teen Honorees
Gabe Deringer
Gabriela Ehrlich
Mia Elkins
Brooke Engle
Tali Erlbaum
Eytan Felix
Max Frager
Nathan Frazer
Ella Friedman
Yael Friedman
Maya Goldberg
Yaffa Goldfuss
Izzy Goldfuss
Benzion Harris
Chloe Hedaya
Mia Hedaya
Ella Hedaya
Sean Herrmann
Talia Hirsch
Emily Hoffman
Abby Joshowitz
Tamar Keleti
Dylan Khan
Juliette Kimmel
Ella Kleinmann
Goldie Kovsky
Ezra Kovsky
Emma Lazovitz
Becca Levi
Zach Levin
Aryeh Levine
Leah Levitt
Rebecca Lobman
Logan Mayer
Benjamin Miller
Theo Miller
Bayla Nadav
Charles Nathans
Lillian Nathans
Sophie Newman
Hudson Novodor
Esther Obstfeld
Teen Honorees
Reese Rankin
Valentina Rash
Alden Ravitz
Sophia Rose
Hannah Rose Brophy
Evan Rubin
Chana Runyan
Gavriel Sabag
Aidan Sapone
Kayla Sapone
Daniel Schneider
Menucha Schneider
Riley Schultz
Yisroel Sherman
Alexa Shurman
Alex Siegel
Hadar SimonHazani
Anaelle Snitman
Golda Snyder
Sam Sorokorensky
Eliana Sorokorensky
Ezra Steinerman
Jason Stutman
Jordan Thur
Allyson Abramson
Leon Abramson
Elisheva Apple
Jacob Arnon
Nicole Banner
Logan Bass
Steven Bomze
YOUNG ADULT HONOREES
Rebecca Bricklin
Joshua Brugger
Ethan Chalker
Eric Cohen
Benjamin Dantzic
Marcelo Delgado
Avi Eckstein
Jonathan Evans
Devak Gandhi
Kyle Glover
Jake Goldstein
Hunter Grauman
Nathan Horwitz
Nikki Iorio
Ilana Isenberg
Michael Joseph
Quinn Knittel
Jessica Krupit
Asher Landrecht
Gavi Littwin
Luke McGivern-Cowan
Aaron Nachlis
Michael Neff
Dean Nelinson
Robert Nevison
Scott Nicgorski
Ryan Nissenbaum
Tyler Orens
YOUNG ADULT HONOREES
Zach Paikoff
Jayden Pappa
Sahil Patel
Shosh Paul
Yasmine Pomerantz
Brooke Salon
Yossi Schmidt
Randy Shapiro
Ethan Silber
Ryan Singer
Adam Sklar
Mark Smith Jr.
Raffi Stein-Klotz
Bobby Taieb
Estey Tayar
Shaquira Taylor
Vincent Thaemlitz
Aubrey Tillman
Riffy Wolpert
Avi Wood
Carly Zeitzer
Fallyn Zeitzer
Chaim Zellis
Jennifer Abramson & Mike Zoto
Jan & Pete Albert
Melissa & Paul Anderson
Julie* & Rob Axelrod
Caren Barnet & Steve Abramson
Kelly & Michael Barrie
Melissa Lerman & Eric Berger*
Nancy & Martin Black
Debbie Blume & Steve Stutman
Mindy & Evan Brodie
Mara & David Caroline
Temma & Mendy Cohen
Holly Cohen & Leib Meadvin
Liz Cohen & David Whellan
Jordana & Benjamin Cooperberg
Tamar & Dovid Daniel
HOST COMMITTEE
Sondra Dantzic & Doug Wayne
Devorah & Shaya Deitsch
Joan & David Denenberg
Amy & Andy Dorfman
Amy & Daniel Erlbaum
Leeann & Scott Erlbaum
Jill & Lenny Feinberg
Pam & Scott Feldman
Darien Finder
Amy & Scott Fink
Jill & Mark Fishman
Tracy & Jon Friedman
Tracy & Scott Gindea
Paula & Bill Glazer
Melissa & Michael Glozman
Stacey & Amir Goldman
Laurie & Howard Goldstein
Judi & Mark Goldstein
Reeva Golub & Dan Benau
Tracy & George Gordon
Abby & Nate Greenberg
Dini & Zushe Gurevitz
Karen & Curt Heffler
Linda Heller & Zachary Weiss
Joy & Ryan Hoffman
Cristy & Mitchell Hollin
Ruth & Richard Horowitz
Danielle & Adam Illfelder
Helene & Greg Jaron
Beth & David Joseph
Simi Kaplin Baer & Marc Baer
Debbie & Paul Kelly
*Board Member
Kimberly & Larry Kimmel
Kimby & Wayne Kimmel
Amy & Michael Kopelman
Hadassa & Emanuel Korn
Chaya & Yisrael Kotlarsky
Nancy Koutcher & Abraham Ftaiha
Eve & David Kovsky
Elizabeth Kramer & Michael Golinkoff
Chana Lane
Michele & Robert Levin
Sharon* & Jonathan Levin
Deborah* & Mark Livingston
Jennifer & David Matunis
Stephanie & Michael Miller
Pninah & Marc Miller
Jodi & David Miller
HOST COMMITTEE
Dara & Andrew Newman
Gail & Elliot Norry
Erica & Alex Picker
Bonnie & Jonathan Pontell
Naomi Prusky & David Levin
Abby & David Rankin
Jill & Brian Rosen
Samantha & Evan Rosenberg
Stephanie Rosenfeld
Meegan Rubin
Erika & Chad Rubin
Shari & Stuart Rudoler
Julie & Andrew Schultz
Jonathan Schwartz
Susan & Jeffrey Schwartz
Danielle Selber
Hilde & Bruce Sham
Michal & Shraga Sherman
Deborah Siegel*
Gail Simon
Jodi & Dan Singer
Staci & Mitch Sklar
Jessica Slutsky
Myriam Klotz & Margot Stein
Rebecca Stein & Steven Matthews
Danielle Tapper
Jordanna & Paul Ufberg
Janie & Aaron Ufberg
Elissa & David Waldstein
Jen & Mike Willner
Dava & Eric Yanoff
*Board Member
In recognition of our fellow Shluchim and Shluchos of Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, 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
Thanks to each and every one of you, Philly Friendship Circle continues to grow and flourish. Your dedication, skill, and teamwork make it possible for friendships to bloom and connections to thrive.
Meryl: Your leadership keeps everything thriving, making sure each part of Philly Friendship Circle is tended to with care and purpose and grows in harmony. We hope you take pride in how much continues to blossom under your guidance.
With thanks,
Chani & Zev
Mike: Your hard work and steady presence nurture the friendships that make our community thrive. Through your thoughtful attention, every friendship has the space to blossom—welcoming both new and longtime friends to feel valued, included, and free to be themselves. We’re so grateful to have you with us full-time!
Laurie:
Emily:
With humor and flexibility, you create an environment where learning and connections happen naturally—whether it’s the next generation learning about inclusion, providing a steady, supportive presence for families, or new friendships budding at home. Maria:
The foundation of so much of what we do is built on the strong, steady roots you’ve helped establish. We appreciate the time and care you put in, ensuring all our work is grounded and able to flourish.
As the art studio host, you nurture expression and creativity—from little kids to teens, young adults, and parents. We are so grateful for the variety of opportunities you create, bringing out something special in each of us.
Rochel:
From the sponsorship campaign & event website to this beautiful Ad Journal, your skill & creativity shape the way we present ourselves to the world. We appreciate your sense of humor and adventurous spirit in exploring and problem-solving while juggling so many creative projects.
Samantha:
Your thoughtful planning and inclusive approach ensure that friends, adult volunteers, facilitators, and everyone involved feel valued, seen, connected, and at ease. No matter the setting, you bring your signature warmth and love, creating a space where friendships take root and flourish.
TO THE TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS OF FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
You are living the Philly Friendship Circle life, bringing the rules of being yourself and having fun to everything you do!
Even though we have been doing this for many years, it never “gets old” seeing each of you with friends at Philly Friendship Circle.
Watching you mature as friendships develop, Enjoying all the fun and silliness, Being there as each of you has grown It is truly an honor!
CHANI & ZEV
ALICIA & SHERRILL, SARA & JESSE
Thank you for helping friendships bloom and grow in our community!
Your trust in us and the impact Philly Friendship Circle has had on your life mean the world.
It’s an honor to work with you as you take on this role, shaping the next generation of families and teens. Your dedication nurtures not just this Circle but the many friendships still to come.
May the seeds you’ve planted bring abundant blessings into your lives.
With so much gratitude,
CHANI & ZEV
To Cait & the entire team of Friendship Circle Support Staff AKA Friendship Experts
Aislinn, Anja, Avi, Caitlin, Elizabeth, Gina, Jackie, Kaitlyn, LeighAnn, Meghan, Mike, Natalie, Steph
You all are the essential sunshine and rain helping friendships bloom! Thanks for nurturing a space where everyone can be themselves and grow—we couldn’t do it without you!
With much thanks and deep admiration, Chani & Zev
To our dear Youth Co-Chairs: Aidan, Izzy & Izzy
Thank you for leading the way and putting so much heart into this gala! It’s a joy to plan with such an amazing, dedicated group.
You’re a huge part of the Philly Friendship Circle family, and we’re so grateful to have you in our Circle!
Chani & Zev
Huge shoutout to our COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
Kelly Barrie & Debbie Blume,
& NOTE WRITING CHAIRS, Freda Pepper & Howard Bernstein!
Your dedication and hard work helped this event bloom into something truly special. We’re so grateful for the care you put into making our community flourish.
Thank you,
CHANI & ZEV
TO OUR GALA AMBASSADORS
Vicki & Gary Erlbaum
Simone & Brian Nadav
Lewis Gantman
Claire Raab
Jordan Goldhammer &
Rachel & Shimi Mandelbaum
Ali & Lee Sussman
Thank you for your hours of dedicated hard work in helping friendships bloom and sharing the joy of Philly Friendship Circle. Your efforts have nurtured this event’s success, and we’re so grateful for all you’ve done to help our Circle grow.
With friendship and gratitude, Chani & Zev
DEAR TEAM,
Chani, Zev, Emily, Samantha, Laurie, Mike, Maria, Rochel, Cait and her team of Friendship Experts
Thank you for everything you do individually and as a team.
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 all of you as we plant and nurture seeds of inclusion and friendship, tending a garden full of people being themselves and having fun.
MERYL SUSSMAN
One day, he was walking along the road when he saw a certain man planting a carob tree. Honi said to him: This tree, after how many years will it bear fruit? The man said to him: It will not produce fruit until seventy years have passed. Honi said to him: Is it obvious to you that you will live seventy years, that you expect to benefit from this tree? He said to him: That man himself found a world full of carob trees. Just as my ancestors planted for me, I too am planting for my descendants.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HONOREES ON THIS SPECIAL NIGHT!
A big thank you to the community for coming together in support of such an amazing cause and for fostering inclusive friendships.
Chani & Zev – Mazel Tov on another successful year of creating spaces where friendships can flourish at every level. Thank you for your endless care in making our world a brighter place.
Laurie Sked
To the Philly Friendship Circle Staff:
I am honored to work with and bend timelines for you all who work so tirelessly and passionately for your community, in the face of many challenges. You’re all incredible at what you do and it’s so special to me bringing all your [sometimes wild but always impressive] ideas to life.
To Chani & Zev:
Thank you for letting me join you on your creative journey to strengthen Philly Friendship Circle’s brand. Our brand’s identity is a testament to Chani’s creativity, passion for this organization, and dedication to excellence; even when time and resources can be challenging.
To Sam: It’s nothing short of a blessing working and collaborating with a bestie like you. I cherish our time working together and I’m so grateful I met you working here.
It has been a privilege to work with you, be challenged by you, inspired by you, you have helped me grow immensely. You have both become more to me than work colleagues, your family and home is the connection to Yiddishkeit and general awesomeness that I need in my adult life.
ROCHEL BAYLA
I would like to thank my parents for being my biggest cheerleaders and supporters during my Friendship Circle journey and always being there for me every step of the way. Thank you so much to Chani and Zev for everything you do for Philly Friendship Circle. It has been a privilege having you both watch me grow and make certain I will always have my Philly Friendship Circle family no matter where I go.
Co-Chairing the Gala this year is such an honor, and being a part of Friendship Circle has taught me to be a leader and a true friend. I am so lucky to be a part of an amazing community where I can be myself and continue to grow!
IZZY SUSSMAN
I feel such a sense of pride and honor for the opportunity to co-chair this incredible event and be a part of this amazing community that has provided me with such a feeling of belonging.
I would like to thank all of the friends I have made while being at Friendship Circle. This community is something that I hold very dear and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for what I know will be many incredible years of friendship to come.
Thank you to my parents for encouraging me to pursue a path in Philly Friendship Circle. Without your support, I would not be where I am today.
AIDEN YANOFF
Philly Friendship Circle has helped me evolve into the best version of myself. It is through these programs that I have learned how to be an inclusive, accepting and upstanding person.
I am forever grateful for the opportunities I’ve been able to take and the friendships I have built.
Thank you Chani and Zev for always encouraging me to be a leader and to set an example for others.
It is your leadership and dedication to friendship that has inspired me so much over the past 6 years.
To my parents, thank you for constantly pushing me to put my best foot forward. Without your support I would not be here today as the person that I am.
I am grateful for all the time and effort you have given to support my time at Friendship Circle.
IZZY GREENBERG
Mazal Tov to Alicia & Sherrill, Izzy, Izzy, Aiden, Ben, Chani & Zev, and every single person who makes Friendship Circle what it is.
SARA ABRAMSON & JESSE BERNSTEIN
Mazel Tov
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is proud to support Philly Friendship Circle’s mission to create a welcoming community where all are accepted and feel a sense of belonging.
Thank you to all those who dedicate their time to actualizing this vision of inclusivity by nurturing meaningful friendships for youth with special needs.
CLOSE COMPANIONS
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 heros 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 & FAMILY
BEST FRIENDS FOREVER
THANK YOU MICHAEL NEFF FOR BEING YOU!
ALICIA FELTON & SHERRILL NEFF
CHERISHED CHAVERIM
Mazal Tov to our children
Sara Abramson & Jesse Bernstein on your dedication to Philly Friendship Circle and its meaningful work.
We’re so proud of your commitment to making the world a better place.
DAD & CAREN
CHERISHED CHAVERIM
Mazel Tov Ilana and the entire Teen Leadership Board! We are so proud of all you have accomplished!
LOVE, THE ILLFELDER FAMILY
The only way to have a friend is to be one ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Kol HaKavod to All the Teens and Young Adults who strengthen Friendship Circle through their commitment to this amazing organization!
PERFECT PALS
A shout out to our favorite Friendship Circle Board Member:
Sammi Levin Mom, Dad, Jake & Andrew
PERFECT PALS
Mazel Tov, Sara and Jesse!
We are thrilled to celebrate you and all the incredible work you do.
Your dedication and kindness truly make a difference!
A huge thank you to Chani and Zev for your unwavering commitment to Friendship Circle.
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 & DAVID JOSEPH
The Cozen Family and the Samuel D. Cozen Memorial Fund continue to love and support Philly Friendship Circle and all that it does!
PERFECT PALS
PERFECT PALS
We are so proud of you Raffi Stein-Klotz!
You and the Philly Friendship Circle have grown up together!
With much gratitude to Chani and Zev Baram and the whole team who make a huge difference in the lives of so many families.
MARGOT STEIN & MYRIAM KLOTZ
BEST BUDS
In honor of Samantha Kopelman for her passionate commitment to Philly Friendship Circle.
Love,
Rena, Josh, Elana & Jacob
BEST BUDS
Thank you tothe volunteers who give us confidence in the future, the well deserving honorees, the fantastic staff of Philly Friendship Circle, and Chani & Zev for continuing to inspire the Philly Friendship Circle community and raise the bar. And not least of all the Philly Friendship Circle Alumni Co-Chairs - Jesse and Sara! Together may we all go from strength to strength
HOWARD, FREDA, AARON & BEN
BEST BUDS
Thank you for all you do to support the community.
JILL & MARK FISHMAN
BEST BUDS
Mazel Tov Izzy, Your leadership, commitment and dedication to Philly Friendship Circle make us so proud!
Giving back was part of your DNA from a very young age. You knew and were connected to Philly Friendship Circle's mission, friends and programs early on.
We love you and are so excited to see what the future has in store for you!
LOVE, MOM, DAD & MAC
BEST BUDS
May Friendship Circle continue to go from Strength to Strength!
Thank you for all that you do for families with special needs & the entire community.
GAIL & ELLIOT NORRY
BEST BUDS
Congratulations to Chani and Zev and all of the Philly Friendship volunteers for planting the seeds to nurture amazing friendships.
Wishing you all a wonderful evening.
With love and gratitude,
THE DORFMAN FAMILY
BEST BUDS
Yasher Koach Friendship Circle Staff, Friends and Supporters! Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our community, and best wishes for continued success.
THE GLOZMAN FAMILY MELISSA, MICHAEL, LUCAS & JUSTIN
Mazal Tov to Emma and all 2024 Honorees
ALYSON SIMPSON & JOEL LAZOVITZ
BEST BUDS
THANK YOU TO ALL THE WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE VOLUNTEERS!
THE RUDOLER FAMILY
SHARI &
STUART,
JEREMY, JOEY & HELEN
Mazel Tov, Philly Friendship Circle, and the Teens and Young Adults.
Thank you to Co-Hosts Alicia Felton and Sherrill Neff for your outstanding work in our community. May you all go from strength to strength.
SUSANNA LACHS & DEAN ADLER BEST BUDS
BEST BUDS
Continued hakaras hatov to all who drive this most spectacular organization, particularly Chani and Zev, who put their hearts into it every day. We are thrilled to see the Circle continuing so successfully!
WITH LOVE, AMY & DANIEL ERLBAUM, TAMAR & NOAM, DAFNA
AND GAVRIEL
Yasher koach to all of the friends who bring light into the lives of so many, in particular, our daughter, Tali Erlbaum, and our cousin, Izzy Sussman – both graduating seniors.
BUDS
Thank you to Philly Friendship Circle for blooming so many wonderful friendships!
Our gratitude to Rabbi Zev & Chani, the entire Philly Friendship Circle staff, Alicia Felton & Sherrill Neff, and Sara Abramson & Jesse Bernstein 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
BEST BUDS
Mazel Tov to our wonderful Teen and Young Adult Honorees, the Hosts Alicia Felton & Sherrill Neff - our inspiration,
Sara Abramson & Jesse Bernstein - our future.
Yasher Koach to the staff and board of Philly Friendship Circle and to Chani & Zev - the driving force behind all that we do.
With admiration,
SHARON & JONATHAN LEVIN
BEST BUDS
Mazel Tov to the wonderful participants in the Philly Friendship Circle.
Special shout out to Rabbi Zev & Chani Baram and Sharon Levin!
GAIL SIMON
Thank you to Rabbi Zev, Chani, and all the Philly Friendship Circle team members, for keeping friendship in bloom!
REBECCA STEIN & STEVEREBECCAMATTHEWSSTEIN & STEVE MATTHEWS
BUDS
PHILLY FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE IS ALWAYS IN BLOOM
SUSAN & LEWIS GANTMAN
BEST BUDS
To Chani, Zev, and the whole Philly Friendship Circle community, We are so grateful to be part of this beautiful and inclusive community where we get to be ourselves and to have fun!
Love & Hugs, THE
KELLY FAMILY
PAUL, DEBBIE, MICHELLE, & CAROLYN
We are beyond grateful for the Philly Friendship Circle, an organization that embodies the true meaning of inclusion, friendship, and community. The love and support they bring to so many lives is nothing short of extraordinary, and we are honored to be part of such a special mission.
A heartfelt thank you to Chani and Zev and the entire Philly Friendship Circle staff for your unwavering dedication, kindness, and commitment to creating a world where everyone belongs. Your work builds bridges of friendship and fosters a community filled with love and acceptance—we are deeply inspired by all that you do!
Mazel Tov to all of tonight’s honorees—your dedication and passion make such a profound impact and to our incredible daughter, Izzy, for her commitment to spreading joy, friendship, and inclusion through this amazing organization. We are endlessly proud of you!
With love and gratitude,
THE SUSSMAN FAMILY
BEST BUDS
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, our Rebbe and the world.
We love you, HOLLY
& LEIB MEADVIN
AWESOME ALLIES
To our esteemed Co-Hosts
Alicia Felton & Sherrill Neff,
Sara Abramson & Jesse Bernstein
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.
ELLEN & HARRIS FISHMAN
Mazal Tov!
AWESOME ALLIES
As the season of renewal and growth blossoms around us, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of the honorees.
Your commitment to friendship and inclusion nurtures hearts and strengthens bonds.
WITH GRATITUDE & ADMIRATION, JILL & BRIAN ROSEN
AWESOME ALLIES
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
AWESOME ALLIES
AWESOME ALLIES
In Honor of Sara Abramson & Jesse Bernstein who are proud alumni of Philly Friendship Circle
RUTH AND RICHARD HOROWITZ
AWESOME ALLIES
Kol Hakavod to Rabbi Zev & Chani, the honorees and to the entire Friendship Circle Family.
WITH MUCH LOVE, MIRIAM & BRUCE TAUBMAN
AWESOME ALLIES
Thank You to all of our friends at the Philly Friendship Circle for making such WITH LOVE, THE ROBIN & STEVEN KATZ FAMILY
AWESOME ALLIES
We are proud to support the wonderful work of the Philly Friendship Circle.
NANCY & MARTIN BLACK
AWESOME ALLIES
Mazal Tov on another extraordinary year!
NAOMI PRUSKY & RABBI DAVID LEVIN
AWESOME ALLIES
Mazel Tov to Izzy, Jesse and Sara.
You are all amazing young adults; keep impacting the world in great ways.
HELENE & GREG JARON
AWESOME ALLIES
Thank you Vicki & Gary, Rachel & Shimi for all the good work you do for the Philly Friendship Circle. It is an honor to be your friends.
SETH ZWILLENBERG & RENE RUBIN
AWESOME ALLIES
We proudly salute CHANI & ZEV BARAM for their passion and dedication to
PHILLY FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
Your leadership and commitment to the Jewish community is an inspiration to us all.
& JEFFREY HONICKMAN
MARGIE
AWESOME ALLIES
IN
HONOR
OF CAROLYN KELLY LOVE, NANA
Thank you to Chani & Zev for promoting friendship and building community for two decades!
Thank you to all the Friendship Circle parents carpooling to make programming happen!
Special shout out to Avi, Cait and all the support staff!
Shout out to Sienna and Benjamin! Olam! Ezra! Levi!
XOXO, THE KORN FAMILY
AWESOME ALLIES
The Nadav Family, with heartfelt thanks and gratitude, are so appreciative to Philly Friendship Circle.
Bayla and Lev are so lucky to be a part of this amazing organization!
SIMONE & BRIAN
The organization brings community together and teaches us all to be ourselves and have fun!
NADAV
AWESOME ALLIES
We are excited to honor Alicia Felton & Sherrill Neff and Sara Abramson & Jesse Bernstein and the incredible work done by the entire Friendship Circle Community. Kol HaKavod!
ELISSA & DAVID WALDSTEIN & FAMILY,
SOPHIA & SAM BLACK, ELANA & STEPHANIE
AWESOME ALLIES
MARCY GRINGLAS AND JOEL GREENBERG
SEED THE DREAM FOUNDATION
are proud to support Philly Friendship Circle and honor Vicki & Gary Erlbaum for their ongoing commitment to working with families with special needs
Shop Kosher
Shop Kosher
We wish a hearty Mazel Tov to the honorees, teens, and staff at Philly Friendship Circle! May you go from strength to strength in your holy work!
In friendship,
RABBI ZALMAN & MIRIAM GERBER
RABBI YUDI & CHANA GERBER & THE ENTIRE GAN
ISRAEL STAFF
Jonathon Levine | President
Rivel | Chief Executive O cer
Elana
Chabad of the Main Line congratulates Philly Friendship Circle for all the goodness and kindness they bring to the world.
RABBI SHRAGA & MICHAL SHERMAN
RABBI MENDY & TEMMA COHEN
RABBI BARUCH SHALOM & BATSHEVA DAVIDSON
FAST FRIENDS
The Erlbaum Family is proud to be counted among the supporters of The Friendship Circle
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
Alicia Felton and Sherrill Neff and Sara Abramson and Jesse Bernstein.
We are so proud of our niece Izzy for her dedication as a Teen Leadership board mentor and thank you to Chani and Zev for all the goodness you spread in this world!
Love, Lee Ann, Scott, Mia, Jacob and Talia
FAST FRIENDS
Yasher Koach to all of the Philly Friendship Circle Gala Co-Chairs, Hosts and incredible volunteers. A special shout out to the dynamic Philly Friendship Circle leadership, especially Rabbi Zev and Chani. Friendship blooms in abundance because of your inspiring leadership!
JODI & DAVID MILLER REBECCA, BEN & JARED
FAST FRIENDS
Chani and Zev - Your dedication and devotion continues!
JULIE AND HARRIS MILLER
FAST FRIENDS
Todah Rabbah for all you do in bringing so many in our community together at a time when we so need such joyful connections. May you continue to go from strength to strength.
SUNNIE & KEN
ROSENSTEIN
FAST FRIENDS
Dava, Rabbi Eric, Ezra, Avi, and Anael Yanoff
Aiden, we are so proud of you and your work with Friendship Circle over the past six years.
Thank you to this wonderful organization
for being an important part of Aiden’s growth into such a mensch!
FAST FRIENDS
FAST FRIENDS
Mazal Tov to our friends
Sara and Jesse and Alicia and Sherrill. Thank you
Chani, Zev and staff for your incredible hard work and dedication to the community.
In honor of Rabbi Menachem Schmidt, Rebbetzin Chava Schmidt, Rabbi Zev Baram, Rebbetzin Chani Baram in recognition of their dedication and life’s work on behalf of the Jewish community.
SUSAN & GERALD POMERANTZ
LORI & RAY
LEVIN
FAST FRIENDS
Congratulations to Chani and Zev, the Staff, Volunteers, Teens and Youth, the Committee and all those who work sedulously to ensure that Philly Friendship Circle blossoms.
CHARNA
AXELROD AND HER CHILDREN, DAVID AXELROD AND KEIRA CHISM, REBECCA
Mazel Tov to all the Community Awardees
A pecial Shoutout to Je e & Sara!
Yasher Koach to all the Teen Volunteers for all the hours you have spent bringing smiles to the faces of so many children. May you go from strength to strength!
Lauren & Je Gladstone and Family
AXELROD COOPER AND MITCHELL COOPER FAST FRIENDS
FAST FRIENDS FAST FRIENDS
“Kindness and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed.”- Tehillim 85:11
VICKI & GARY
ERLBAUM
With love & admiration, AUDREY & MARTIN J. SILVERSTEIN
To The Friendship Circle Team, Chani & Rabbi Zev:
Thank you for providing inclusion, traditions and beautiful friendships for Brooke each and every year! SALLY & ROBERT
FAST FRIENDS
In Appreciation of The Teens & Young Adults of Philly Friendship Circl e
Mazal Tov to our dear cousin, Izzy Sussman, and all the honorees!
May you continue to be a guiding light in our community. Kol Hakavod to the Philly Friendship Circle for its incredible work.
In Appreciation of The Teens & Young Adults of Philly Friendship Circl e
Your devotion is inspiring and highly valued amongst our Jewish Community.
Your devotion is inspiring and highly valued amongst our Jewish Community.
Thank you for the tremendous work that you do.
JENIFER & MARTY WACHS, JACOB, EMILY, ERICA & ELI
Thank you for the tremendous work that you do.
Jennifer a and Micha el Willner
Jennifer and Micha el Willner
FAST FRIENDS
FAST FRIENDS
Thanks to Alicia and Sherrill for inviting us to be part of such a special circle of friends.
RICH & JACKIE
SHULMAN
FAST FRIENDS
Mazel Tov to cousin Izzy Sussman. Mazel Tov to Izzy Greenberg. Mazel Tov Ali and Lee Sussman and all the Gala Ambassadors.
MARGIE, JESSE, TALIA & AVA WARGON
FAST FRIENDS
Mazel Tov to all of the honorees! And a giant yasher koach to Chani and Zev for their dedication and tireless work.
EVE & DAVID KOVSKY
FAST FRIENDS
Heartiest mazel tov and yasher koach to all the honorees!
THE CAREL FAMILY
FAST FRIENDS
Please keep up the good work.
Madeleine and Steven Kessler
In honor of dear friends
Freda Pepper & Howard Bernstein! Leonard Grossman
Best wishes to Chani, Zev, and Friendship Circle for this coming year.
Maddie & Herman Axelrod and family
With gratitude for the honorees and all the people who work tirelessly to help our children and young adults.
Gail & Marty Twersky & Shani Savett
To the host and hostess with the mostest, Alicia and Sherrill, Congratulations on your involvement. Love and Misses, Mickey-Miles
Penny Bernick Sheldon Bernick, DDS
With admiration of Samantha Kopelman for her leadership role in the Philadelphia Friendship Circle
To Co-Hosts, Sara Abramson Jesse Bernstein and Note Writing Chairs, Freda Pepper and Howard Bernstein…thank you for all your hard work. Yasher Koach!!!
Grandpa Richard & Carol
Andy and Marji Goldman
Mazel Tov to the honorees and volunteers! Thank you to Chani & Zev for all that you do. The Katz family Marsha, Darin, Eli, Alyssa, and Jonah Katz
In honor of my wonderful familyRodney, Anne, Ross, Danny and and those to come.
Thanks for all the love and support.
Deborah Siegel
Mazel Tov to all!
Hedy & Morris Cohen
Mazels to Jesse and Sara!
And so proud of all the friends that make Philly Friendship Circle a beam of light.
The Resnick Family
Congrats Max L. - The Singers
We are so proud of our granddaughter, Ilana Illfelder who has lovingly devoted ten years to Friendship Circle.
- Gail & Douglas Volk With much love and appreciation! Tizku L’mitzvot! - Tante Chana & Uncle Billy
In honor of Board member Deborah Livingston. - Uncle Brian & Aunt Marsha Mazal Tov to my great niece, Izzy Sussman and all of the honorees.
- Sima Sussman Mazel Tov!
- Beth and Richard Reisboard Yasher Koach Sara & Jess
- Mark & Karen Bernstein
Tami and David Astorino
Marcy and Dan Bacine
Aaron Bernstein
Beverly and Toby Bernstein
Jill and Michael Blume
Sara, Allan and Ben Crimm
Jacqueline and Mitchell Dickman
Betsy and Michael Dubin
Jen and Fred Fox
Good wishes from...
Tracy and Scott Gindea
Carole Ginsberg
Manny Hoba
Lois Kaliner
Simi Kaplin and Marc Baer
Mona and Mark Kolko
Karen and Bill Kramer
Michael Krupit
Fran Lane
Ellen and Peter Livingston
Carol McMichael
Barbara and John Rosenau
Faryn Rudnick
Bette Samuel
Marla Segal
Judith Shrager
Cheryl and Joseph Soffer
Ronni and Shlomo Troodler
Janie and Aaron Ufberg
Terri and Matthew Whitehorn
Shira and Adam Wohlberg
