Rabbi Fishel's Blog

Dear Friends,

Everyone loves a surprise. Especially when it comes wrapped in kindness.

This week the Torah teaches, “Open, shall you open your hand.” Usually, the Torah tells us simply to fulfill a mitzvah without explaining the mechanics. Here it does something unusual. It tells us not only what to do, but how to do it. Give with happiness. Give with warmth. When you do, the blessings multiply.

And that opening of the hand is not only about monetary gifts. It is about opening your heart. Sometimes that means sharing resources. Sometimes it means an encouraging word, a listening ear, or lifting someone’s spirit.

There is a story about Leo Tolstoy. A beggar once asked him for money, but Tolstoy had nothing to give. Instead he said, “I am sorry, brother.” The man replied, “You have given me more than money. You called me brother.”

This shows how even our words can be an incredible gift. And there are countless examples. After 22 years here in Naples, we could fill a book, or maybe even a small shelf, with them. For today, let me share one that is simple, lighthearted, and continues to inspire me.

Who remembers ‘Barnes & Noble on Seagate Drive? That was my “official office” for quite a while. In 2011, I had a meeting there with Patty Baker. At the end she handed me an envelope with two words written on it: ‘Surprise Fishey.’ Inside was a generous gift. 

Along with the gift, what has stayed with me is the joy and excitement that came with it. And over the years, we’ve seen Jay and Patty Baker bring that same joy and excitement to so many causes, hospitals, theaters, education, seniors, children, and beyond. They continue to inspire us to give in ways that are loving and uplifting.

At Chabad of Naples, we see this spirit every day. People give with joy. They describe how good it feels, sometimes even saying it makes them want to sing (Yep, someone actually wrote that on our Partner Testimonial page). And if you feel inspired, we’d be honored to include your words there as well. That kind of joy is contagious. When you walk into our community, you see people lifting one another up, offering encouragement, and treating each other like family.

This is a beautiful moment to thank you, our dear Chabad Naples and Preschool of the Arts family, partners, friends, and supporters. Your joy in giving and your care for others fills our community with warmth and love. This is what makes the world famous Chabad of Naples shine, a place where people feel like family, support one another, and share happiness that everyone cherishes. And yes, we even remember your name 🙂 (Rabbi Fishel, no pressure.)

Our tradition teaches that one who gives is blessed sixfold. And when that giving is done with joy, the blessings more than double. 

Everyone has something to give. A smile, a kind word, a thoughtful act. Each of us carries a wealth of compassion that can be deposited into another person’s soul, bringing them strength and confidence.

That is the call of the Torah. Not only to be blessed, but to be a blessing. To open our hands, our hearts, and our words in ways that leave others stronger and happier than before.

So let us each look for our own “Surprise Fishey” moment this week. A chance to surprise someone with a gift of joy, whether material or spiritual. In doing so, may we be blessed with joy in return, and may our community continue to shine with kindness.

And may the blessings of giving extend beyond ourselves. May they help bring comfort to those in need, the safe return of the hostages to their families, and true peace in the Land of Israel and the world. 

With blessings and love,

Rabbi “Fishey” Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Dear Friends,

The world feels shaky.

With antisemitism on the rise, polarization pulling people apart, and the mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges so many are carrying, it can feel heavier than ever. You see it in the headlines, hear it in conversations, and sometimes feel it in your own heart. The pressure is real. The uncertainty is real.

And in those moments, you might find yourself asking, how are we going to get through this? How will we get through the day?

Today, I want to give you three words. Three words that I believe can help you face whatever comes your way. They come straight from this week’s Torah portion.

The Jewish people are standing on the eastern side of the Jordan River, about to enter the Promised Land. Moses speaks to them just before his passing and says: “You are crossing into a land greater than you, with cities fortified to the heavens, inhabited by the children of giants.”

It almost sounds like the report of the spies who discouraged the people years earlier, mighty nations, fortified cities, overwhelming odds. But Moses does not sugarcoat the reality. He tells them plainly that the mission will be hard.

And then he adds the words that change everything: “Hashem will go before you… He will lead the way.”

Judaism does not sell illusions or false comfort. It tells the truth. And sometimes the most powerful truth is the simplest one.

My father-in-law, such a warm and special soul, has a beautiful sincerity about him. One of the first things he told me after Ettie and I were married was: “Life is not a bowl of cherries.” He’s said many other beautiful things over the years (can't wait for him to come again and share his life lessons and L'chaim with our Chabad of Naples family), but this stands out because it came so early, and he wanted me to know it from the start.

I smiled, thinking, what a way to greet your son-in-law! But the more I thought about it, the more I realized what a gift that honesty was. It meant we were starting our marriage with our eyes open, ready to take on whatever would come our way. It meant that when life brought challenges, we would not be surprised or discouraged, we would be ready to roll up our sleeves and face them together.

That single phrase has been a touchstone for me ever since.

When we first arrived in Naples as newly-weds, we didn’t know anyone. There was no center, no building, no ready-made community. We didn’t know where to start, or even what the first step should be. And yet, our very first High Holiday service in 2003 had six people and even one child, marking the beginning of something special (pictured below).

We were very young, in a new place, with only a vision in our hearts for what could be. Those early days were a mix of hope and uncertainty, with more questions than answers. But step by step, with Hashem’s help, with incredible angels, lots of hard work, and with the amazing Chabad of Naples family, we built something beautiful together. Looking back now, we see every step of that journey as proof that when you combine truth, faith, and a loving community, there is no limit to what can be achieved.

And those three words? Life is hard. Hashem leads the way. I have the strength to get through it.

Accepting that does not weaken us, it strengthens us. Once we know the road is tough, we can walk it with courage, faith, and determination.

Moses says: You can do it, not because it isn’t hard, but because you are a people who can achieve extraordinary tasks; you can accomplish what may seem like the impossible, for G-d—the creator of the possible and the impossible—is right here with you!

With this Moses brought out the fire in them! He showed them their true power and strength. He taught them who they were and what they were capable of.

Every one of us has a “Promised Land,” our dreams, our visions, the things we long to achieve. Fixing a relationship, mending a marriage, caring for family, rebuilding after loss… these can feel overwhelming.

And still, Hashem says: Who says you can’t? Do not be demoralized. Do not be disturbed. You have what it takes to get there.

May this Shabbat bring you strength for your journey, clarity in your mission, the safe return of the hostages, peace for Israel and for the world, and the blessings you need to step into your own Promised Land.

With blessings and love,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Dear Friends,

Some messages are so timeless they cross every boundary of age, language, and background. This week’s Torah portion, Va’etchanan, contains the prayer of Shema Yisrael. The greatest and oldest Jewish prayer, a mantra the world needs now more than ever.

It tells us to love G-d with all our heart and all our might, and then immediately says: “Teach these words to your children.” Why the sequence? Because we can only teach what we ourselves truly love. 

Children have a way of sensing what is real to us. They absorb the joy when we light Shabbat candles, the pride in a mitzvah well done, the warmth of a family meal, and the good vibes that fill our homes. Our tone, our energy, and our everyday atmosphere become their unspoken lessons.

If our homes are filled with joy, warmth, and meaningful Jewish experiences, that is what will take root in the next generation. And it matters not only for children, the same love and positive energy shape our friendships, families, and community.

During WWII, a million English children were evacuated from London to the countryside to escape the devastating Nazi blitz. To the surprise of many, studies found those who stayed with their parents in the city, despite the bombs, suffered less emotionally. Physical safety is vital, but the deepest sense of security comes from family unity and love.

This week, as we prepare to welcome students back to the Jay and Patty Baker Preschool of the Arts, I am inspired beyond words. For the past 15 years, since founding the preschool, I have watched Etti pour her heart and soul into every single detail. Every single day. I have been moved by the dedication of our teachers, administration, staff, and everyone involved, who fill this place with so much love and warmth.

And that same spirit is what you feel whenever you walk into the workd famous Alex & Carol Glassman Chabad of Naples. It is not just the words we share in shul or the prayers on our lips, but the camaraderie, the song, the friendship, the l’chaims, and the joy we share together.

In that light, I cannot help but think of the heartbreaking images of Evyatar David that shook us to our core this week. We screamed out Shema Yisrael. It is a powerful reminder of the preciousness of every life and how deeply the Jewish people need one another’s love, support, and unity.

People often say, “I’m going to give my children what I didn’t have.” That is beautiful. But make sure to also give them what you did have, the warmth, the love, and the values that shaped you.

So here is the challenge: Begin and end each day with this simple reminder—Shema Yisrael with all your heart. Fill your home with love and joy. That spirit will outlast any challenge and shape the people we, and our children, become.

This Shabbat is Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat of comfort. There is no doubt that filling our homes with love, unity, and faith is what will bring true comfort to ourselves and to those around us. May it bring comfort to all, may the hostages return home without delay, and may peace and light fill the world.

Shabbat Shalom with Love & Light,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos