Yom Kippur services offered to special needs children

In anticipation of the upcoming Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement service on Sept. 25, Chabad will open its doors to the Friendship Circle and provide Yom Kippur services for children with special needs. The services will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza in Westlake Village.

The Friendship Circle was established more than a year ago to help families in the Conejo, Simi and West San Fernando valleys who have children with special needs. Parents are provided much needed respite through weekly visits, exercise programs, sibling workshops, and family fun day events.

"This will be the first year a synagogue service for the Jewish children of the Friendship Circle will be offered," said Devorah Rodal, program coordinator. "We are so happy to provide services in warm and friendly atmosphere for these special children."

While parents attend the Chabad service, Friendship Circle teenage volunteers will be working with the children on a one-on-one basis, providing games, activities and prayers geared to their special needs. Everyone is welcome, free of charge, regardless of background or affiliation.

"According to our tradition, during the High Holidays the doors of heaven are open," said Rabbi Moshe Bryski, executive director of Chabad of the Conejo. "G-d accepts all prayers from anyone. The least we can do is open our doors to these children as well."

For more information, please call (818) 865-2233.