02/12/2026
Every wedding is special, but this one was extra special.
Reena and her family are what the teens call “Day ones”. Reena’s sister Chava has Down Syndrome. They’ve been with Friendship Circle from the beginning, but last night felt like family.
The Basher’s tragically lost their father a few years ago, and Friendship Circle stepped in however we could. Our director, Rabbi Mendy’s wife, Breindy would often take Reena for coffee and Friendship Circle was a haven for Chava and Reena through some very painful years.
As her wedding approached, Reena knew she needed someone to walk her husband down the aisle. She asked Rabbi Mendy to walk him, and for Breindy to walk with her.
It was a truly inclusive and joyous wedding.
The disability community that Reena grew up surrounded by came out to celebrate her, to bless her, to participate in her big day.
It was a celebration of Reena and Eliyahu’s love, and it was more than that. It was also a celebration of inclusion, diversity, and friends that become family. It was a celebration of what it means to show up, to build community, to be there for one another, and to live with the love that Reena’s father taught her to give.
We know Reena & Eliyahu will build a beautiful home together, and we wish them and the Basher family a tremendous Mazal Tov!
