The 53,000-square-foot Friendship Circle of New Jersey (FCNJ) is unlike anything I’ve seen before
I’ve been to many Chabad Houses and educational centers, but the 53,000-square-foot Friendship Circle of New Jersey (FCNJ) is unlike anything I’ve seen before — it’s practically a city unto itself! Although I was invited for an engaging Shabbos, I was also eager to see the weekday activities of this special enclave.
My guides, Rabbi Zalman and Rebbetzin Tova Grossbaum, founded FCNJ in 1996 when they arrived in Livingston, New Jersey, as standard shluchim, like thousands of other Chabad couples worldwide. Initially their work seemed typical — disseminating Torah and Yiddishkeit through educational programs, youth activities, and community events, as well as seasonal highlights, such as matzah baking, blowing shofar, and Shabbos and Yom Tov seudos. Soon, however, they identified an additional pressing need: New Jersey has the largest percentage of individuals on the autism spectrum, and one of the highest percentages of people with special needs.
What the Grossbaums lacked in experience with special education, they more than made up for with their deep sense of mission and passion to change the landscape.
After some initial investigation, they contacted the founders of the Friendship Circle in Michigan, Rabbi Levi and Rebbetzin Bassie Shem Tov. Inspired by their work, the Grossbaums soon opened the second branch of Friendship Circle in New Jersey. Today there are dozens of FC branches the world over.
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