Thank you Partner!
Dear Friends,
Partnerships seem to have always been a part of our history. When we are involved in a healthy, productive partnership, often it could be construed that partners take each other for granted, while each part of the partnership goes about doing what he does best, fulfills his obligations, and all benefit from the combination of hard work. Each has to remember to take the time to recognize the other. In just sixteen days, we will have the opportunity to thank YOU, our real partners in our growing endeavor.
Among the twelve sons of our Patriarch Jacob there were two brothers named Yissochor and Zevulun, each of whom possessed distinctive talents, one quite different from the other. Yissochor was the more spiritual of the two: a scholar, an educator, a “man of the people”. Zevulun, on the other hand, was more pragmatic in nature: a merchant, a businessman, a “man of the markets” — practical as opposed to idealistic. Two very accomplished men, very different in ability.
When Yissochor and Zevulun entered into a partnership, Yissochor devoted his days to studying Torah, educating the masses, and helping the downtrodden. Zevulun dedicated the majority of his efforts to building his financial empire. The arrangement was that Zevulun would share his earnings with Yissochor, and Yissochor would, in turn, share his spiritual insights and wisdom with Zevulun.
In other words, Yissochor’s noble endeavors were not his alone: they were perceived as belonging in equal measure, if not more so, to Zevulun, without whose support none of those virtuous pursuits would have been possible. It was a 'win-win' situation for the two brothers and for the entire community, which benefited from the positive talents of the two personalities combined.
Indeed, our tradition celebrates this partnership as the ideal formula by which one can build a healthy society and perpetuate Torah’s ideals and values from one generation to the next.
My friends, it is exactly this sort of partnership that we are celebrating here at Chabad. When you provide consistent and dependable backing for Chabad Naples’ schools, youth groups and summer camp; when you facilitate our adult education, synagogue and community outreach programs; when you enable us to offer social service and crisis assistance programs to people of all ages and from all walks of life, you are not just supporters of this cause, you become veritable PARTNERS in these vital endeavors!
As once again we look forward with pleasure to celebrating and appreciating the partners of Chabad with all of you, we pause to examine the name of this Torah portion - The Seed. How appropriate that we consider and comprehend that from sowing such tiny beginnings/seedlings, mighty, beautiful things can grow. All they need is a little nurturing.
Last month we celebrated with a beautiful gala, and this week alone we welcomed four new partners — it's a never-ending process. It is with great joy and humility we recognize your consistent nurturing and realization that the Chabad 'garden' is an ongoing project requiring daily care. Partnerships are always available, and we look forward to greeting all of our 'gardeners' at the Partnership Appreciation Brunch on April 28.
If you are able to attend, kindly RSVP by phone or email. Phone: 239-262-4474 Email: [email protected] Click here for more information on the Partner Project.
With love from your extended Chabad Naples family.
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos
