Published•
Thu, Sep 24, 2026
I was so excited to read of Friendship Circle’s expansion to Circle Houston [“FULL CIRCLE: 2 decades of inclusion work expands into 4 initiatives serving Houston’s Jewish community from cradle to elder years,” JHV, Sept. 17].
Friendship Circle Houston has been well known as wonderfully empowering for its service to young people with special needs. By continuing to do what they have been doing, they are strengthening their presence by also focusing on elders, mental health and rehabilitating former prison inmates.
Rabbi Dovid Goldstein’s leadership for more than 20 years creates a unique environment for our community. Not only does it benefit these four different, but related populations; it exposes the more neuro-typical population to awareness of what we all can do to help people feel less like outsiders and more in the “circle” of the Jewish community.
By providing mitzvah opportunities for people helping people, Circle Houston enhances our whole community. The many volunteers become as enriched as the participants.
Kol ha-kavod to Rabbi Goldstein for his initiative and ongoing leadership; to Rabbi Zally and Esti Lazarus for shepherding Friendship Circle for 14 years; to Rabbi Dovid and Chana Breken for their enthusiasm in taking over the youth division; and to the countless participants and volunteers who make this program a beacon of light for the Jewish community of Houston.
With its spirit of inclusion for the four different populations and four areas of volunteers, this program is one that reflects the ultimate in Jewish values.
– Rabbi Dan Gordon, Temple Beth Torah