Rabbi Fishel's Blog

Dear Friends,

We hope your Pesach was beautiful, inspiring, and filling in both body and spirit.

Thank God at Chabad of Naples we were blessed with so many beautiful people joining us together for our BIG Family Seder at the Chabad Naples, well attended services, and many Yom Tov meals together sharing words of Torah, song and celebration.

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As we approach the final days of the festival, here’s a powerful reminder rooted in our earliest history.

When G‑d promised Abraham and Sarah a child, it seemed completely impossible. They were old, long past the age of parenthood. But then G‑d took Abraham outside and said: “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. So shall your descendants be.”

Now pause and imagine that moment. Faced with a sky full of stars, Abraham could’ve laughed. He could’ve walked back inside. He could’ve said, “This is ridiculous.”

But he didn’t.

He looked up and he began counting.

One. Two. Three…

In response, G‑d said:

“כֹּה יִהְיֶה זַרְעֶךָ — So shall your children be.”

Not just as numerous as the stars, but like Abraham himself: the kind of people who begin counting, even when the task seems impossible.

That has always been the spirit of the Jewish people. In every generation we end the Seder with the words: “לשָׁנָה הַבָּאָה בִּירוּשָׁלָיִם — Next year in Jerusalem.”

This wasn’t just a hope; it was a declaration, a commitment to making the impossible possible. And then, miraculously, the dream that seemed so far away was realized. The stars were counted.

As we head towards the final days of Pesach, and ask for our final redemption remember: impossible is just an idea. Inside it lives a promise: I’M POSSIBLE.

Keep counting. Keep believing. We are the children of Abraham and Sarah.

And we must keep believing—not just in the promises of the past, but in the hope of today. In the face of darkness, in the face of what feels impossible, we must hold onto faith and action. Just as Abraham looked up and began to count the stars, we must continue to count every soul, every prayer, every act of courage, and never give up hope that all the hostages will return home to freedom, to life, to light.

Which brings us to this moment of strength and clarity:

Mazal tov to former hostage Noa Argamani, named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025.

Recognized in the “Leaders” category, Noa’s strength and advocacy have captured hearts around the world. Abducted from the Nova music festival and held in Gaza for 246 days, her rescue by Israeli forces last June was a moment of national and global relief.

Since then, she’s refused to stay silent. She’s become a fierce voice for the 59 hostages still in captivity, including her partner, Avinatan Or. In February, she made history as the first released hostage to brief the UN Security Council. And she hasn’t stopped since.

Sharing the TIME honor, she wrote:

“I made a promise to bring them home, including my love, Avinatan. We must not stop. Bring Them All Home Now.”

Noa’s story is more than one of survival—it’s a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of one voice.

Even in the darkest moments, she reminds us that strength can be found, hope can be shared, and action can ripple outward. As Noa said: “We must not stop.”

Because each of us, wherever we are, can choose to be a light. We all have the power to be “most influential” in our own corner of the world.

Chag Sameach!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Dear Friends,

As the holiday of Passover descends upon us, Ettie, Mendel, Yitzi, Chaya and Hinda join me in wishing you and yours a truly joyful Passover holiday. 

We are thinking of family and friends far and near and wishing you a very special holiday full of quality time and traditional experiences creating lifelong memories with family and friends.

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A Path to True Happiness: The Jewish Way

Almost every young person begins life thinking happiness is about getting. If I get the right job, the right house, the right approval, or the right recognition, then I’ll be happy. But then life pulls you aside and teaches you something different.

True happiness, the kind that lasts, doesn’t come from what you get. It comes from what you give.

In Jewish tradition, we have a word for happiness: simcha. And what’s fascinating is that in all the pages of the Torah, you’ll never find simcha happening in isolation. Joy in Judaism is never about one person alone. It’s always something shared.

Let me give you two brief examples.

First, when a man gets married, the Torah exempts him from military service for an entire year. Why? To stay home and bring joy to his wife. Not so he can be happy or go on a honeymoon, but so he can make someone else happy. Because joy in Judaism doesn’t begin with me—it begins with you.

Second, the great festivals of the Jewish year—Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot—are called zman simchateinu, “seasons of our joy.” But listen carefully to who is invited. The Torah says, “You shall rejoice, you, your sons and daughters, your servants, the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, and the widow”. This is not just a guest list, it’s a worldview. Everyone belongs—the powerful and the vulnerable, the insiders and the outsiders.

If your joy isn’t big enough to hold someone else, it’s not joy yet.

As we prepare for Passover, let’s take a moment to see who we can invite or assist to help make their holiday joyful. It’s in the giving that we truly experience simcha.

And most of all, as we recount the story of our liberation, we cannot forget the 59 hostages still held in Gaza. We hold them deeply in our hearts. We will pray for them, cry out for them, and do everything we can—through mitzvot, through support, and through unity—so that they are reunited with their families now, this Passover. And then, together, we will all experience the truest and greatest joy.

Wishing you a meaningful, happy, and kosher Passover.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos  

Dear Friends,

Can you believe it? Passover is already just a week away! As we prepare for Passover, let’s keep the following in mind.

One of the most remarkable statements in the Haggadah is, “Our ancestors started out as idol worshippers, but now G-d has brought us near to serve Him.”

I think it’s a remarkable statement because it goes against how ancient people typically defined themselves, idealizing and glamorizing their national founders. Jews, however, open their story with: “Our ancestor, Abraham’s father was a schlemiel; he worshiped sticks and stones…”

Why do we say this?

The Rebbe, offers a moving answer. Passover, by all accounts, is the most observed Jewish holiday in our times. Many Jews at the Seder are inspired by the sanctity and majesty of the evening. But some of our brothers and sisters who are disaffiliated fear they’ve discovered Judaism too late and that it’s now too difficult to reshape their lives to live Jewishly.

The Haggadah’s response is clear: “Don’t despair. Know that your predicament is no different from that of our people as a whole.”

“In the beginning, our ancestors were idol worshippers” – just pagans, no different from the people among whom they lived. However, “now G-d has brought us close to His service.”

We grew spiritually. The whole story of the Jewish people is one of rising from the very bottom, of emerging from the lowest depths. Any Jew who returns to Judaism today, despite a complete lack of background, encapsulates our entire Jewish history.

This passage reminds us that no matter how low we’ve fallen, no matter how far we think we’ve gone, we can always return to our faith and tradition. We are children of Abraham and Sarah. We can always come home.

I remember when I was a child at camp, we used to sing the song: “No matter where you may roam, you can always come back home.” Even if, for whatever reason, you’ve felt disillusioned or have not attended shul for a long time, come home to the beautiful Chabad of Naples family, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms and feel like family.

Come and join us tomorrow at 10:30 for Shabbat services, followed by the Kiddush luncheon.

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom and an early Happy Passover!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Dear Friends,

As we prepare to celebrate the holiday of Passover, we are reminded of the quintessential Jewish story of freedom. The Exodus from Egypt, with its dramatic plagues, parted seas, and miraculous manna, is an epic tale of liberation that has inspired countless generations. This year of course, the discussion of freedom feels decidedly heavier, as our own brothers and sisters are still being held hostage in Gaza. This drums up a potent mixture of feelings––grief, anger, disbelief, and even guilt. Why do I get to be free when so many are not? Do I deserve my freedom? Am I doing enough with it?

But before we can try to answer any of those questions for ourselves, we need to begin with a simpler question: What does true freedom really mean? And how can we ensure that our own pursuit of freedom doesn't devolve into chaos and moral confusion?

The Torah's answer to this question is both profound and counterintuitive. True freedom, we are taught, is not simply the absence of external constraints, but rather the presence of internal values and principles. In other words, freedom is not just about being free from something, but also about being free for something – namely, a life of purpose, kindness, and compassion.

This idea is beautifully encapsulated in the Hebrew word for freedom, "cherut." While often translated as "freedom," "cherut" is more accurately rendered as "freedom with a purpose" or "directed freedom." This nuance is crucial, for it suggests that true freedom is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end – the end being a life of moral responsibility, spiritual growth, and service to others.

Without this sense of purpose and direction, freedom can quickly degenerate into anarchy and moral ambivalence. When we are free to do as we please, without any guiding principles or values, we risk succumbing to our basest impulses and desires. We become slaves to our own whims, rather than masters of our own destiny.

This is precisely what happened to the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. Fresh from their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they were initially ecstatic and grateful. But as time wore on, and the novelty of their freedom began to wear off, they started to give in to their selfish desires and impulses. They began to complain, to rebel, and to worship idols – demonstrating a profound lack of appreciation for the true meaning of their freedom.

In contrast, our sages taught that true freedom is not about doing as we please, but about doing as we ought. It is about living a life of purpose, principle, and kindness – a life that is guided by the values of the Torah and the wisdom of our traditions. Historically, the biggest battles the Jewish people have fought have been over our freedom to live Jewishly.

Passover this year brings with it not only reminders of ancient slavery, but images of modern slavery in real time. The Jewish people, and good people the world over, are in anguish over the hostages who have yet to be freed from their literal bondage. Truly, we cannot imagine the depths of suffering they are enduring every moment that ticks by. It seems that at our seders this year, the saltwater in which we dip our karpas may very well be our own tears. 

Thus we revisit our earlier question. Why me and not them? Why do I get to be free, and what am I doing with said freedom? Often we already wonder if we are doing enough with our lives. If we are making a difference in the world; traversing the most purposeful path. While we enjoy external freedom, internally we are far from free. So what can we do?

Let us return to the true meaning of freedom. Let us recall that our liberation from Egypt was not just a physical event, but a spiritual one – a call to live a life of intention, generosity, and connection. And let us strive to make our own freedom meaningful, by using it to serve others, to grow spiritually, to pray for the immediate release of those in bondage, to give charity, to give of our very selves; doing everything in our power to make the world a better place. Not just for the few nor the many, but for all.

In this way, we will truly merit the blessing of freedom, and we will be able to say, with the great Rabbi Hillel, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I?" 

Looking forward to welcoming you at Chabad Naples, where Shabbat is a celebration of freedom, connection, and true blessing. Wishing you a beautiful and meaningful Shabbat,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos  

Dear Friends,

What a Purim! 

Seeing so many people come together to celebrate with such joy and spirit, especially in these challenging times for Israel and the Jewish people, was truly uplifting. The energy, unity, and warmth in the room were a testament to our community’s incredible growth. You don’t have to wait for a holiday to witness it. Join us any Shabbat and you’ll see the vibrant, overflowing, and truly remarkable community, bursting at its seams.

The most beautiful thing is that each week, friends bring friends, and at the famous Kiddush, we welcome them in the warm and joyous world famous Chabad Naples style. It all reflects the heart and soul of our ever-growing Chabad Naples family.

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“I” Becomes “We”

Herb Brooks, coach of the legendary 1980 US Olympic ice hockey team, led a group of amateur players to a stunning victory over the Soviet Union—a moment known as the Miracle on Ice. How did he do it? His team was scattered, divided, exhausted. He pushed them relentlessly.

“How long will you torture us?” they cried. Brooks replied: “Until each of you understands that the name on the front of your jersey is more important than the one on the back.”

In Judaism, community is essential to spiritual life. We pray together, study Torah together, mourn and celebrate together.

Our holiest prayers require a minyan.  Even when we confess, we do so together,not just in the individual, but in the kehillah—the collective spirit.

This week’s Torah portion, Vayakhel—“and he gathered”—reminds us of this truth. After the golden calf, Moses gathers the people to focus on something greater:  Building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each person gave what they could—time, skill, resources. And only through this shared effort did the Sanctuary become a home for G-d’s presence.

Moses knew: the best way to unite people is to have them build together—to lift their eyes beyond the “I” and focus on the “we.”

When we invest in each other and in our community, we discover joy, purpose, and the power of belonging—not just to ourselves, but to something greater, something deep and truly meaningful.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos  

Dear Friends,

In just three days is Purim, the time of heightened, unparalleled joy!

Consider this: children, when they argue, swiftly resolve their conflicts, while adults can prolong disagreements for years. Why is it like that? It’s simple. For a child, joy is paramount, while for an adult, the need to be right takes precedence.

A child understands that arguing impedes joy, so they let it go. While adults cling to their need to be right, fueling arguments indefinitely.

In these challenging times, may Hashem bless us with continued unity and reasons to celebrate the joy of Adar!

Our fun-filled grand Purim party is always the talk of the town, and Purim in the 80s promises to be an unforgettable gathering where the entire community comes together in celebration.

Join us for a delicious lunch and a wide array of fun and engaging activities for the whole family, all in true Chabad Naples & POTA fashion.

You won’t want to miss out on the excitement, so be sure to RSVP today online to secure your spot! We cannot wait to see you there!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos 

Dear Friends, 

There’s just one week left to Purim, and this special Shabbat before Purim is known as Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat of Remembering. On this Shabbat we recall the story of Amalek, the first attempt to annihilate the Jewish people. As we journeyed from Egypt to Israel, Amalek attacked us by surprise, and the Torah commands us: “Remember what Amalek did to you on your journey after you left Egypt.”

This commandment runs deep. Today, Amalek is more than a historical enemy. It has become a symbol of all those who seek to harm the Jewish people and Israel. We see this hatred manifest in groups like Hamas and are reminded: Remember. Do not forget.

But there is something else we must remember—our resilience. Amalek no longer exists. The Persian Empire no longer exists. But the Jewish people have not only survived, we have thrived, strengthened by Hashem’s protection and our courage and unwavering commitment.

In the Book of Esther, we find a moment that speaks to all of us. When Esther becomes queen, she learns of Haman’s plot to destroy her people. She hesitates, afraid to risk her life by speaking up. But her uncle Mordechai sends her a powerful message: “Who knows? Perhaps you were made queen for this very moment.”

These words are not just for Esther. They are for each of us. We all have talents, opportunities, and positions that empower us to make a difference. Perhaps everything we have experienced, our successes, our struggles, has been preparing us for this moment. As we face the challenges of Jewish life today, we too must ask ourselves: Who knows? Maybe this is why I am here, to stand up for what is right, to be a beacon of truth, courage, and moral strength for our people.

Is there an area where I can do more? A place where I can find my voice or deepen my Jewish involvement?

I encourage you to join this special Shabbos as we remember not only the persecutions, hardships and struggles of our past, but the resilience that has carried us forward. And as the Book of Esther concludes: “For the Jews, there was light, happiness, joy, and honor.” Let’s bring that light and joy into our lives and community.

And most of all, let’s come together to celebrate at our grand Purim celebration, Purim in the ’80s, an unforgettable event where the entire community, adults, teens, and children, unite in joy. Delicious food will be served, including gourmet brick oven pizza, salads, and desserts. It’s always the talk of the town, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Wishing you a beautiful Shabbat and a week filled with blessings.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos 

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday, the world witnessed the heartbreaking funeral of Shiri, Ariel, and baby Kfir Bibas. Thousands of Israelis lined streets and highways to pay their final respects as the bodies were driven from Tel Aviv to Kibbutz Nir Oz, the very place where this young family was last united.

The streets were filled with Israeli flags, orange balloons, yellow ribbons, Batman costumes, and signs reading “Slichah.” During his eulogy, Yarden Bibas, facing the unfathomable trauma of his own 500 days in captivity on top of burying his beloved wife and precious children, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Shiri, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you all.”

Dana Silberman-Sitton, sister of Shiri Bibas, spoke emotionally at the funeral. She said, “They will not defeat us, they will not break us. On the contrary, their mission failed because we united, because we grew stronger, because we became invincible. They lost.”

The Bibas children became our children. Their father, Yarden, held hostage for 484 days, tortured physically and psychologically with no knowledge of his wife and children’s fate, became our brother. Today, his grief is our grief, his pain is our pain, and his recovery is our recovery.

Iconic landmarks and monuments from New York to Niagara Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Belgrade, Brussels, Rome, Madrid, and many Israeli Embassies around the world were illuminated in orange to honor their memory.

And now it is our turn to illuminate our light in the actions we do. As King Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes, “And the living shall take it to heart,” teaching us that to truly honor those we love is not only in our grief but in our actions.

There are many meaningful ways we can honor those we have lost by performing mitzvot.

Tomorrow night, gather your family to light Shabbat candles with your children in the memory of Ariel and Kfir. Hang a mezuzah on your child’s bedroom door, bake challah with them, and say an extra prayer this Shabbat. Give Charity in their honor. 

As Rachel Goldberg Polin and Jon Polin shared words from their son Hersh, who was murdered after being held captive, “If you have the WHY, you’ll find the HOW.” We each have a ‘Why,’ because we all feel the profound loss. We will now find the ‘How.’ We will find the strength to move forward together and honor their memory, and all those we lost.

Today, the new month of Adar begins, a month deeply associated with joy because of Purim. One of the expressions tied to Adar appears in the scroll of Esther: “Venahafoch hu” – everything flips. Just as in the Megillah, where impending doom is suddenly overturned by salvation, similar surprises can occur in our world today and even in our own lives. At the last minute, evil will give way to good, and darkness will be driven out by light.

So let’s come together this Purim!  Let’s stand together, celebrate together, and illuminate the darkness with the joy and resilience of Am Yisroel.

It is precisely, in these insane times, that we ought to muster our strength not to give in to the natural feelings of fear, anger, and sadness that can arise in these situations. And, instead, we choose to throw a party! To say L'chaim! To dress up! To send gifts to our friends and charity to the poor.

It is specifically in this year of 2025 when we need the light of Purim more than usual.

We need to hear the story of the Megillah and how G-d saved the people from total annihilation.

…How queen Esther through courage and faith, managed to be the right person at the right time to save her people.

…How Haman, who seemed to be the strong archenemy of the Jewish people, ended up on the gallows while the Jewish people got to make a holiday out of this day!

We need Purim this year. YOU need Purim this year.

So, won't you come on along to our Purim festivities and bring light and joy into a world that needs it more than ever! www.chabadnaples.com/purim 

Together we will turn the world downside up, and like in the days of Purim we will accomplish V’nahapoch Hu – we will turn it all around and bring light, love and laughter to our hurting world.

See you there!

Shabbat Shalom with Love & Light,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos 

Dear Friends,

The cruel and monstrous murders of Shiri Bibas and her sweet boys, Kfir and Ariel, have shaken us all to the core. The Jewish people and all good people worldwide weep in anguish, devastated beyond words. Tears flow, our hearts ache, and we are overcome with unbearable pain. 

The evil is incomprehensible.

The indifference and the silence of the world around us is so so loud.

And the painful exile and suffering of Jews continues in our generation

Finding the right words feels impossible, but on a heartbreaking day like yesterday, and after 15 months of such pain, we must remind ourselves that, thank God, we stand with life and goodness, on the right side of history. We are the ones whose young people risk their lives to protect the lives of children. We are the ones who feel the pain of the Bibas children as if they were our own family.

In our Torah portion, Mishpatim, we are taught how to live as a moral Jew. How to properly treat your employees, how to be a responsible caretaker of your animals, the importance of not hurting another human being and what our obligations are if we do, how to have a judicial system that is just and impartial, the vitality of being kind to a stranger, the commandment to refrain from creating public hazards, prohibitions against bribery and lying, the Mitzvah to care for an orphan and widow, and the prime Jewish idea of giving to the poor and vulnerable, so they are not left destitute, hungry or homeless.

This is Judaism and this is who Jews are.

We love.

We care.

We empathize.

We do good.

Let's honor their holy and precious souls as they are brought to burial, and as difficult as it seems, let's try to channel today's emotions into actions. Action in confronting our enemies, action in improving ourselves, strengthening our unity, increasing in mitzvot, and reciting prayers and Psalms in their loving memory.

Let's join together this Shabbat at the Chabad of Naples Mishpacha to honor their precious souls. 

Shiri, Ariel and Kfir you will  never be forgotten. Your red flaming fire and light will continue on and in the strongest of ways.

 We will be prouder Jews

We will be stronger Jews

We will ensure your flame lives on through more Torah, through more Mitzvot, and through the strength of the lion of JUDAH.

This is your name, sweet Ariel and Kfir - both mean lion. You will bring out our lion and strength, and your death will not be in vain.

We are all Bibas. 

May the memory of Shiri Bas Yosef, Ariel Ben Yarden, Kfir Ben Yarden and Oded Ben Bilhah remind us how blessed we are to be part of Am Hanetzach, the eternal nation.

We pray that God will finally wipe away all tears, heal the broken hearts, and bring true comfort to us all.

With broken hearts and much love.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Dear Friends, 

This Shabbat has a beautiful name to it. It's called Shabbat Shira - it's the Shabbos of song. A Shabbos dedicated to song. Could you imagine that?

Why the name? Because in this week's Torah portion we read about the awesome song that Moses and the Jewish nation sang after they crossed the reed sea. In their gratitude, they broke out in song and melody, men, women and children. The words of their song have been inserted into the daily morning prayers. It's known as the Az Yashir.

We honor this song by dedicating the Shabbos to song.

There are many special things about song. Here are two:

1. When many people talk at once it's called interruption. When many sing together we call it harmony! The more the merrier! There is nothing more beautiful than a packed shul singing the prayers together. Each person adds value to the song.

2. You could listen to the same speech once, maybe twice if you're lucky. How many times can you listen to a song you love? Endless! There is something so beautiful about song that we could never tire from the melodies which uplift us.

These are just two examples of the uniqueness of song. And in these times we need song more than ever.

Song has a way of freeing our spirits. It allows us to feel uplifted even when the news makes us feel otherwise. It is one of the greatest medicines against sadness and despondency.

And this is what makes Chabad of Naples so special. When you walk in on Shabbat morning, whether at 10:30 or 11:00, you’ll find song, joy, and unity filling the room. It’s not just about the melodies it’s about the spirit, the togetherness, and the uplifting energy we create when we sing as one.

This Shabbat is also deeply significant because in 1951, the Rebbe officially assumed the mantle of leadership, inspiring a movement that has brought light, warmth, and song not only to Jewish communities but to people all around the world.

So come join us this Shabbat. Let’s sing together, celebrate together, and embrace the harmony that makes our community so extraordinary. Because at Chabad of Naples, song isn’t just something we sing, it’s something we live.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos  

Dear Friends, 

Do you know how the Jews reacted when Moses came to tell them the news that they will be leaving Egypt? Think they partied and danced? Not quite… “And they did not listen to Moses out of shortness of breath.”

The Hebrew word for breath is Ruach. But Ruach also means “spirit”. This passage can be translated as "And they did not listen to Moses out of lack of spirit."

In the history of Egypt not a single slave had ever escaped. How could an entire nation ever walk free? Moses was a dreamer, they thought. It is just not realistic to hold out such high hopes, only to have them dashed yet again. And so the people were utterly despondent and spiritless and, therefore, they could not hear, i.e. absorb, Moses’ message.

It happens all too often. People become so set in their mediocrity that they give up hope of ever achieving the breakthrough. This is true for marriages, careers or our spiritual aspirations, we lose the desire to dream. 

The Torah is teaching us never to lose our ‘spirit’, our hopes, our dreams and resolve!

If you’re ever feeling like your Ruach—your spirit—needs a boost, I have the perfect remedy. Come to the world-famous Chabad of Naples on Shabbat. Join us at 11 a.m. for the Torah reading, and experience an atmosphere like no other.

Here, you’ll feel the warmth of community, the connection of family, and the love that transcends barriers. You're sure to leave with a renewed sense of spirit—a Ruach unlike anything you’ve felt before.

Let the incredible energy of Chabad of Naples remind you that your spirit can always soar.

Wishing you a Shabbat of inspiration and renewal,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Dear Friends, 

Here are some words I shared at the beautiful Chanukah Festival that I hope can resonate as we enter Shabbat with emotions running high. Just as they were predicting rain during the event hours, a miracle came through, and we were able to sit together and celebrate. So too, it reminds us that in times of despair, despite predictions of gloom and doom, hope and faith can illuminate even the darkest moments.

This Shabbat, the words I’ll be thinking over and over are what God said to Moses in this week’s Torah portion: “I hear your cries, I’ve seen your affliction, and I will redeem you.” That’s the message I want to take into Shabbos, a message of hope, of light, and of faith. Despite the uncertainties and moral complexities, we pray to see all the remaining hostages safely returned to their families. And we pray that Israel achieve a swift and miraculous victory against her enemies, bringing peace to the land from the south to the north, from east to the west. Though these may seem like opposing hopes, we know that Hashem has a way to bring both into reality.

These will not be easy days ahead. So, let’s make sure of one thing: that we’re compassionate to one another. Let’s not allow anxiety to overwhelm us. Let’s come together as brothers and sisters to acknowledge the overwhelming pain and pray for the families of the hostages and the hostages themselves, the families of the IDF soldiers who gave their last full measure of devotion and the families of the IDF wounded, and the pain of all our brothers and sisters in Israel: those that are for the deal, because like all of us, they want “them home now,” and those that are against the deal, because like all of us, they don’t want to further incentivize hostage-taking, among other things.

We must rise above our differences of opinion and show unwavering support for Israel, especially when the world has turned its back on us.  

With all of these on our minds, we conclude with an urgent prayer that G-d, in His infinite love for each of His children, extend that love to the 98 remaining hostages, including Kfir Bibas who turns two tomorrow. May He swiftly and miraculously reunite them ALL with their families, bringing them home in safety and joy.

And may we merit to see the day when all evil is indeed removed from the earth, as all of G-d’s children shall live side by side, in good health, security, peace and tranquility. Amen!

**** 

Join us this Shabbat at the world-famous Shabbat of Naples services. Come at 11:00 AM for the Torah reading, insights, and a heartfelt message about the current moment, and the feelings we are all grappling with. 

With love,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos  

Dear Friends, 

Here are some words I shared at the beautiful Chanukah Festival that I hope can resonate as we enter Shabbat with emotions running high. Just as they were predicting rain during the event hours, a miracle came through, and we were able to sit together and celebrate. So too, it reminds us that in times of despair, despite predictions of gloom and doom, hope and faith can illuminate even the darkest moments.

This Shabbat, the words I’ll be thinking over and over are what God said to Moses in this week’s Torah portion: “I hear your cries, I’ve seen your affliction, and I will redeem you.” That’s the message I want to take into Shabbos, a message of hope, of light, and of faith. Despite the uncertainties and moral complexities, we pray to see all the remaining hostages safely returned to their families. We pray for evil to be removed from this world. Though these may seem like opposing hopes, we know that Hashem has a way to bring both into reality.

These will not be easy days ahead. So, let’s make sure of one thing: that we’re compassionate to one another. Let’s not allow anxiety to overwhelm us. Let’s come together as brothers and sisters to acknowledge the overwhelming pain and pray for the families of the hostages and the hostages themselves, the families of the IDF soldiers who gave their last full measure of devotion and the families of the IDF wounded, and the pain of all our brothers and sisters in Israel: those that are for the deal, because like all of us, they want “them home now,” and those that are against the deal, because like all of us, they don’t want to further incentivize hostage-taking, among other things.

We must rise above our differences of opinion and show unwavering support for Israel, especially when the world has turned its back on us.  

With all of these on our minds, let us turn to God, to please have mercy on us and bring all of them home today, peacefully—the hostages and the soldiers fighting terror.

Join us this Shabbat at the world-famous Shabbat of Naples services. Come at 11:00 AM for the Torah reading, insights, and a heartfelt message about the current moment, and the feelings we are all grappling with. Watch this video for a message of inspiration and hope as we prepare to bring more light into the world.

With love,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos