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Rabbi Fishel's Blog

The World Is a Narrow Bridge. We Walk It With Strength

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - 2:01 PM

Dear Friends,

What a remarkable and unforgettable Yom Kippur we just experienced together!

The feedback has been enormous. It’s been the largest ever, and also one of the most beautiful. The overflowing crowds, the camaraderie, the friendships, the singing together in prayer, reflection and resolve for the year ahead. Truly, it was a remarkable experience.

Men, women, and children filled our sanctuary with prayer, song, and hope. From Kol Nidre to Neilah, the shul was bursting with voices and spirit. It felt like one family gathered before Hashem.

The melodies of Cantor Choni lifted our hearts. People said the hours flew by, that the fast itself felt light, because together we were lifted by holiness and song.

I was especially touched by the generosity of so many who participated in our Yom Kippur appeal, helping us continue our essential work, from educational programs and outreach efforts to providing a spiritual home for all who seek it. If you would like to join in that spirit and be part of this effort, you can make a donation at www.chabadnaples.com/donate.

This sacred atmosphere was made possible by the generosity and dedication of so many. Our heartfelt thanks to every sponsor and to every volunteer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. A special shout-out to our incredible security team, Tricorps Security, who protect Chabad every day, and to the Naples Police Department, who have stood by us through thick and thin. Your efforts filled our community with holiness and dignity. And to my dear wife, Rebbetzin Ettie Zaklos, who always makes sure that every detail is done in the most incredible way. From meals and lunches to buffets and full set-ups, All while directing our preschool and managing everything with love and devotion. Words cannot capture my gratitude.

As we approach the three-year mark since October 7, we remember again: our enemies want us to shrink. Our response is to live, to learn, and to celebrate Judaism more proudly than ever.

I am reminded of the words of Rabbi Nachman: “The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to fear at all.”

Challenges may come, yet we continue walking with strength. For generations, the Jewish people have walked this bridge, always looking ahead and never looking down. From the very beginning, we’ve walked it with one goal: to connect heaven and earth. How? We bring community together, we reach out with love and care, and we hold fast to our faith. With each step, we turn a narrow path into a road of light, guiding us toward redemption.

This Shabbat, we invite you to join us again. Come at 10:30, when the prayers are in full swing, and at 11:00 join as the Torah is carried out. Stay for the uplifting service and celebrate with our beautiful community lunch in the Sukkah at 12:15 PM. Come be part of the world-famous Chabad of Naples, where everyone is welcome and everyone brings light and love. Together, we carry the spirit of Yom Kippur into every day of the year.

Find an opportunity to eat in a Sukkah starting tomorrow!

Kiddush in the Sukkah, tomorrow September 26, 12:15 pm
Kiddush in the Sukkah, tomorrow September 27, 12:15 pm
Grand Sukkot Celebration 'Gourmet Pizza and Sushi in the Sukkah' on Thursday, October 1, 5:30 pm.

'Simchat Torah Live' celebration on October 3, 7:00 pm. Please see below for details.

With faith, resilience, and all the blessings,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

The World Begins with You

Friday, September 18, 2026 - 11:07 AM

Dear Friends,

Imagine the world before the first human being. Oceans moving, stars shining, birds filling the sky, trees growing. A magnificent world, already bursting with life. And yet, according to the Torah, Creation was still waiting for the moment that would make it worth celebrating.

On Rosh Hashanah we recite the words Hayom harat olam, “Today is the birthday of the world.” But there is something strange about that, and I kept thinking about it. The world was already six days old. Rosh Hashanah marks the creation of human beings, not the beginning of Creation. So why do we call this day the birthday of the world? Why not celebrate it six days earlier?

The Rebbe explains that this is precisely the point. Before humanity was created, the world may have been magnificent, but its purpose had not yet begun to unfold. A beautiful world standing empty doesn't make the cut. The world became worth celebrating when people entered it, when human beings were given the ability to bring goodness, kindness, faith, meaning and purpose into Creation. And as I look back on these past days, I cannot stop thinking about that.

Even before the holiday began, meals were being prepared and shared with people who needed them. By the time Rosh Hashanah arrived, our sanctuary was filled to capacity as we gathered together and dedicated our prayers to the nearly 3,000 precious lives lost on September 11, 2001. Over the days that followed, hundreds upon hundreds came together. Every seat was filled for beautiful holiday meals and Kiddush luncheons. Our campus overflowed with men, women, children and seniors, praying, eating, laughing and celebrating together. And when it was time for Tashlich and the sounding of the shofar, families and friends flocked to the beach like a sea of people. Even uncertain weather could not keep them away, and soon the beach itself was filled with people.

But when I think back on Rosh Hashanah, I do not really think about the crowds. I think about the people. Children laughing, adults embracing, seniors joining in prayer and friends blessing one another for a good year. There were tears of joy and plenty of laughter. There were people thinking about loved ones who were no longer physically with us while praying for the year ahead. We pledged to do more, give more, care more and make this world a little better. And when there were seniors who could not be with us, we went to them and sounded the shofar where they were, because they too are part of this family.

At one point, I imagined the entire scene from above. And in my heart I wanted to say, “Hashem, look at Your people. Look at them praying together, eating together, remembering together, laughing, crying, helping and blessing one another. Look at them caring for each other. Look at them trying to make this world more beautiful. Please bless them. Bless their families. Bless their health. Bless their homes. Bless the year ahead.”

Because this is the birthday of the world. Not simply because the world exists, but because people were placed within it and given the ability to fill it with goodness. That is also what Chabad Naples is about. We are deeply grateful for our beautiful campus and everything we have been blessed to build. Yet, a building is only a building. What matters are the people it serves, the lives touched within its walls, and the love and blessing that flow from it into the community beyond.

And that spirit is not only here on Rosh Hashanah. It is here every day. It is here every Shabbat, when we pray, learn and sit together over a meal. It is in the singing and dancing, in our Kabbalah classes and CJL programs, in the learning, the celebrations and the moments when people simply come together. It is there through Kitchen of Kindness, when a meal becomes a way of telling someone, “You are cared for.” It is there whenever someone walks through our doors and finds warmth, friendship, meaning and a place to belong.

That is the family we are so blessed to have here. And what an incredible family it is.

To everyone who joined us, supported us, sponsored, volunteered, prayed with us, celebrated with us or helped make these days possible, thank you. And to those who could not be with us, we were thinking of you too. I wish we could have captured every moment for you, but not everything can be captured in a photograph. Some things are simply engraved in the heart.

Now Yom Kippur is just ahead, and we cannot wait to welcome you. Come pray with us. Come be part of this family. Come share in the warmth, the meaning and the blessing of being together. And as we continue into Sukkot, Simchat Torah and everything ahead, come celebrate, learn and dance with us in joy.

From our hearts to yours, we are thinking of you and wishing you and your loved ones a year filled with health, happiness, peace, purpose and abundant blessing. May Hashem look upon this beautiful family with love and grant each and every one of us a truly good and sweet year.

With blessings,

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

It’s always a good idea to know what you’re getting yourself into :)

Thursday, September 10, 2026 - 3:50 PM

That’s why we compiled our most frequently asked questions about High Holidays at Chabad Naples. Hopefully, this answers some of your questions, but as always, feel free to reply with any questions if we missed something!

Who are the Services geared towards?
The services are geared toward Jews of every affiliation and every age. No prior Shul experience is needed. Come as you are, and expect a warm welcome from the Rabbi, Rebbetzin, and everyone around you. We're a friendly congregation. If you're new to our services, be prepared - someone will make you feel welcome.

Does Chabad Naples have any meal options?
Yes! There is a delicious community holiday dinner the first night of Rosh Hashanah, but sadly our Rosh Hashana dinner is now sold out. To be placed on the waitlist in case of a cancellation, please email [email protected] or call Michelle at 239-262-4474. There is also a fabulous Kiddush Lunch following services on both days of Rosh Hashanah, September 12-13

Is there something for children and what does it include?
The Children's program begins at 11 am on both days of Rosh Hashanah - September 12-13. They will enjoy holiday food art, games, and an interactive service followed by the hearing of the Shofar. The children are highlighted on the stage highlighting the beauty of children and the power of Jewish experience.

What if I don’t know Hebrew?
The prayer books are all bilingual, and we incorporate directions and prayers in English. Rabbi Fishel offers running commentary, insights and instructions in English, so we can always be “on the same page.” His sermons are relevant, humorous, and if he does his job right - meaningful. You may even be thinking about them after the services. This may lead to a lively conversation. Or even a spirited debate. Imagine that. Our cantor is great so just listening to the melodies is uplifting and heartwarming.

How long is the service? (for real!)
We’ll admit it’s a bit of a long one, going from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you can’t make it for that duration, we encourage you to come for the Shofar Ceremony at 11:15 a.m., the most important part of the service.

If I can't make it for the whole service, what time should I come?
The biggest highlight is the Shofar ceremony at 11:15 a.m. on the second day of Rosh Hashanah - September 13

Is there another time I can hear the Shofar if I can't make it in the morning?
Yes! On Sunday, September 13, join us at the beach at Lowdermilk Park at 5:00 p.m. to hear the shofar, followed Tashlich service. Free of charge and open to all. RSVP by clicking here.

Everyone is welcome to join regardless of affiliation or level of observance. Chabad Naples is for the entire community because everyone should have a place to feel at home on the High Holidays. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Now that you know a little bit about us, you may find yourself asking, "What do you actually believe?" Good question. We ask it of ourselves often.

We believe that light dispels darkness.

We believe labels are for clothing, not people.

We believe in emphasizing the joys – not the “oys” – of Judaism. We’re big on the joy thing.

If you won't try it, you won't know what you are missing.

Head on over to our High Holiday site and RSVP for this High Holiday season.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions at 239-262-4474 or reply to this email.

We look forward to spending the High Holidays with you and your family.

Best wishes for a Shanah Tovah!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos, Director

Ettie Zaklos, Co-Director

Arthur M. Seigel, M.D., President

P.S. If you have a friend or family member who you think would like to join us, feel free to forward this email to them and extend our warmest invitation.

Our Song Became Our Home

Friday, September 4, 2026 - 1:27 PM

Dear Friends, Weekly Blog 090426

How many times can you read the same book? The first time, you cannot wait to discover what happens. By the fifth or sixth time, you already know every turn. Even a wonderful book eventually returns to the shelf.

A favorite song, on the other hand, is different. You can hear it hundreds of times, yet somehow appreciate it more each time. The melody settles into your heart. Before long, you are singing it yourself.

In this week’s Torah portions, Nitzavim-Vayelech, Moses tells the Jewish people:

“And now, write for yourselves this song and teach it to the Children of Israel. Place it in their mouths.”

These words contain the Torah’s 613th and final mitzvah: to write a Torah scroll. Yet the Torah describes what we must write as a song. Why?

A song is not something we simply finish and put away. It enters us and becomes part of us. That is how Torah and Judaism should feel. They should be lived with love, joy, passion, and excitement. Not the “oy” of Judaism, but the joy of Judaism. That does not mean we will understand every word immediately or feel inspired every moment. It means Torah should be something we want in our lives, something we love, return to, and turn to for guidance. We should want to learn it more, sing it more, and feel its values becoming the melody that guides how we speak, how we treat people, and how we live.

I think back to 2003, when Ettie and I told our friends, supporters, and dear mishpacha Stuart and Sondra Avrick, that we were moving to Naples to establish Chabad Naples. Without hesitation, Stuart said, “I am dedicating a Torah.” At the dedication the following year, Stuart let us in on the joke: when we first said “Naples,” he thought we meant Naples, Italy, a place he loved.

Does anyone remember that celebration in 2004? We carried the Torah along Seagate Drive, blocked the street, sang, danced, and cried tears of joy. It felt as though the song that began with Moses had traveled through thousands of years and countless generations until it reached a street in Naples.

What we could not have known was that four years later, while searching for a place to rent, we would return to that exact location. The very place where we had danced with the Torah became the first dedicated home of Chabad Naples, which we rented for nearly five years. Before it ever became our place, we had already saturated it with Torah, song, and joy. Perhaps that is what made it our place.

In a very real way, Chabad Naples began by dancing with the Torah. That day captured what we wanted it to become: a place where Torah is alive, Judaism is celebrated, and every person can become part of the song. That is the song we continue singing at Chabad Naples. We pray together. We learn together. We celebrate life together. I often tell people that you only need to schlep someone to Chabad Naples once. Once they experience the warmth and joy for themselves, they will want to return.

Just this past Sunday, that song became a chorus and turned to action with our Kitchen of Kindness. People came together to prepare fresh meals for members of our community who could use some extra care and support. Each meal carried more than nourishment. It carried a song into another person’s life.

There is so much happening in the world that it is easy to slip into survival mode, moving from one day to the next and simply trying to get through it all. But Judaism asks more of us than survival. It asks us to live. To bring song into our homes, enthusiasm into our mitzvahs, warmth into our relationships, and joy into the ordinary moments of life.

Living with joy does not mean pretending that life is always easy. I cannot control the headlines, politics, the economy, the weather, or what tomorrow will bring. But I can choose what I bring into today. I can choose gratitude. I can choose kindness. I can choose joy.

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, perhaps each of us can ask one simple question: Where can I bring a little more song into my life? Perhaps there is a mitzvah I can perform with more enthusiasm, a relationship I can fill with more warmth, or an ordinary day I can greet with more gratitude. We do not have to wait until everything feels perfect. Sometimes the song begins before the feeling does.

Find the joy. Find the song. Carry it with you into the new year. Come add your voice to the song at Chabad Naples this High Holiday season. Join us this Wednesday at our Shofar Factory, where you can make your own shofar. Come experience our meaningful services on the beach, and celebrate with us at our Rosh Hashanah dinner, where only a few seats remain. Let’s bring more song, joy, and Jewish life into the new year together.

May the Torah’s song guide us into a year of gratitude, kindness, faith, and joy. Wishing you and your family a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat,

Rabbi Fishel and Ettie Zaklos

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