On Sunday, Sept. 26, more than 100 members of the Greater Hartford Jewish community gathered outside the Chabad House in West Hartford for a Wild West-themed Sukkot celebration, hosted by the Friendship Circle. 

In keeping with the holiday of Sukkot, which celebrates the harvest and the value of gratitude, participants had the opportunity to embrace their inner cowboy by brushing a real horse, getting up close and personal with critters such as snakes, lizards, and rabbits, learning how to lasso and throw horseshoes, mining for gold, and much more.

Like so many events hosted by the Friendship Circle, the Wild West celebration combined Judaism with social programming for a diverse group of people. And it whetted the participants’ appetite for Friendship Circle events planned for the year ahead.

“Seeing everyone at our first event this year was amazing. I had a great time with my “Friends at Home” group and can’t wait until I see them again,” said Friendship Circle Teen Board member Matt Farber.

A project of Chabad of Greater Hartford, Friendship Circle partners teen volunteers with children and young adults with special needs to create an inclusive Jewish community. The group hosts many programs throughout the year, including arts, sports, weekly hang-outs (known as Friends at Home), and Jewish holiday events. To learn more, visit them on Facebook under Friendship Circle Hartford, on Instagram @fcharford, at friendshipcirclect.com or call (860) 833-4035.

Main Photo: Arwen the horse stopped traffic on his walk across Albany Ave to attend Friendship Circle’s Wild West Sukkot, where Ben Coehlo, left, and AJ Leshem had the opportunity to brush, pet and feed him.