Rabbi Fishel's Blog

Dear Friends,

King David once called a jeweler and asked him to design a ring that would be his equalizer by bringing him joy when he was sad and ground him when his heart felt haughty.

Quite a challenge!

Overwhelmed by the task, the jeweler walked home with stress written all over his face. A young boy noticed him and asked him why he was so sad. He brushed the boy off. The boy nudged.

Reluctantly, he shared with the boy the seemingly impossible task the king just gave him.

The clever boy told him: “do not worry. Make a beautiful ring and on it engrave these words גם זה יעבור – this too will pass. The king will be happy with it.”
 

The fellow went home and prepared such a ring and presented it to King David. The king was mightily impressed and asked him how he came up with this idea. The honest jeweler told the king about the young, clever boy. The king asked him to describe the boy’s features. It soon became apparent that this youngster was the crown prince – and future King – Solomon.

The ring worked its magic on the king by always centering him regardless of the circumstances.

Although this story happened thousands of years ago, its message could not be more relevant in our time.

Currently, we see and have seen loneliness and emotional pain that we never thought we’d see in our lifetime.

We have witnessed extreme politics taking hold of the national (and global) conversation.

We watched in horror as the incredible search teams, both local and abroad (a special shoutout to the incredible team from our Holy Land), searched through the rubble of crushed concrete and crushed dreams, looking for survivors amongst the carnage.

We saw missiles fly above the heads of children in southern and central Israel and taking the lives of innocents.

Having suffered through more than a year of a pandemic that has overturned our lives, we now find ourselves facing a new variant which we don’t yet fully understand.

We look at all this and ask, ‘does this ever end?’ ‘Is life as we knew it forever gone?’ ‘Will we ever move beyond masks, social distancing, pandemic waves and all the havoc they bring’?

Although none of us owns King David’s ring, nevertheless the message of the ring reaches across the centuries with its soft and gentle voice.

‘Let me tell you about King David. For the first two decades of his life, he was ostracized by his own family. As he says in the book of psalms, “my father and mother have neglected me, yet G-d embraced me.”

‘He was hunted by King Saul. His own son tried to kill him. His enemies were constantly waging war against him. He witnessed the dirtiest politics of his time. He faced endless drama amongst his family.

‘And yet – here is the punchline – he always took heed of the wise words of the ‘wisest of all men’ – his son, King Solomon, that this too will pass.’

‘Take this statement to heart. Let it remind you that no matter what the challenge, it will pass. You will smile again. You will love again! You will overcome this. The best of life is not behind us; it is ahead of us!’

So spoke the wise ring.

If I were to summarize this article in one sentence, I’d have to borrow from baseball legend Yogi Berra who said: “it ain’t over till it’s over.”

We are far from over! Better days are ahead of us!

As we anticipate the approach of the High Holidays with their theme of hope and renewal, we pray for better days in the coming year and that Hashem will bring physical, emotional, and spiritual healing to our world.

May this coming year bring sweetness and love to all.

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos 

Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money. – Jackie Mason

When the Jews left Egypt, they went out into the wilderness. How did they survive? G-d. For example, when they awoke in the morning, they found Heaven-sent Manna on the ground outside their tents.

The Manna was white, a bit bland-looking, but it had whatever taste you desired. Fettuccine Alfredo for lunch? You got it. Grandma’s brisket with mashed potatoes for dinner? That was the exact taste in your mouth.

But there was a wrinkle. You couldn’t store the Manna for tomorrow; if you tried to save some, it miraculously spoiled.

The Talmud points out that the Manna – for all its wonders - had two elements that were dissatisfying to the human psyche/palate.

A.     There was no sense of security. Since they couldn’t put away for a rainy day, they ate well today, but with unease about tomorrow.

B.     People eat with their eyes. The Manna tasted great, but the bland appearance detracted from the pleasure.

In more modern words: They were objectively given wealth, but they subjectively felt dissatisfaction/’poverty’.

Our society is blessed with plenty; just three generations ago, this lifestyle was unimaginable. Believe it or not, we have our very own Manna from Heaven.

Recognize it.

Let’s use and save our money wisely; let’s also recognize that our wealth is ultimately G-d’s blessing, our Manna. Sharing, by giving to charity, shows that awareness.

Let your senses enjoy life’s pleasures, but don’t get too bummed out if you’re not touching every single sensual base. Don’t get in your own way.

Just enjoy the Manna.

Shabbat Shalom with Love & Light,

Dear Friends,

The Jewish People’s journey from Egypt to Israel was anything but efficient. It featured 42 different journeys spanning 40 years. There were numerous setbacks and obstacles.

Now, at the cusp of entering the Holy Land, Moses recounts all of these journeys in the opening of this week’s Torah Portion.

But why bother giving this long account? Many of these trips involved unpleasant incidents – was there really a reason to bring them up again?

Many of the trips appeared negative as they first unfolded. But now, after these 40 years of growth, the Jewish People were able to go back and reframe each of those journeys and see a deeper good within them. All 42 journeys, even those that represented tremendous  failure (golden calf, spies, etc) were part of the nation's healing process and springboards to their growth as a people.

The Baal Shem Tov shared an incredible mystical teaching about this Torah section. He explains that these “42 stops” are not just the history of our people but the story of each of our lives today.

In his words: “The forty-two ‘stations’ from Egypt to the Promised Land are replayed in the life of every individual Jew, as the soul journeys from its descent to earth at birth to its return to its Source.”

Spend a moment meditating on that teaching. Imagine your life as one long book containing 42 chapters.  See yourself as a character in a cosmic play.  Envision the great author, G-d, directing all events that transpire, yet, at the same time, giving you freedom of choice in your moral decisions.

And for many of us, some chapters in our life seem overly challenging. Perhaps senseless.  And then there were times we really blew it as a result of our own poor choices.

We can discover how difficult moments lead to our greatest growth.  They form our identity.  They make our personal story the uplifting drama that it is --- one that changes the world, and ourselves, for the better.

Wishing you a great week ahead,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Dear Friends,

It has been over a week since the Champlain Tower South collapsed in Surfside. It has been over a week of anxiety, heartfelt prayers, and an unending hope to finally hear some good news. Our hearts, minds and prayers are with the families of the disaster.

The situation is horrific. Think about it. People doing what is usually the least dangerous thing in the world. Sleeping in their own homes, in their own beds, in the middle of the night.

To think that all of this can come crashing down in just a few moments is terrifying.The families of those who are missing are going through excruciating pain that is beyond description.

We can pray... And pray we do. First and foremost, for those missing and for their families and loved ones whose lives have been torn apart. We also pray for all the rest of us, that our lives be healthy and safe. Successful and blessed.

Then there is the horrific stabbing of an innocent and defenseless rabbi in Boston, a short distance from the children’s summer camp at his shul. Our prayers for a complete and swift return to good health go out to Rabbi Shlomo Noginsky, husband and father of 12, as he recovers from the horrific attack.

Do we question, from where can we get our strength and our hope at times like this? That comes from within, and from our faith. Now more than ever we need to be there for each other, to offer prayers and support in as many ways as we can, and to take action with mitzvot.

We hear all of their cries of sorrow and we cry with each one who suffers: as humans, we all suffer. Along with prayers, consider food, shelter, and clothing for all the homeless at Surfside, we see how our wide-reaching Chabad family steps in to help when needed.

Our approaching Independence Day means different things to each of us, but above all, perhaps we could humbly celebrate a sense of gratitude for all the good that is in our lives, and how each of us can expand upon what is positive to bring light and hope to others.

Hope seems like such a simple thing, but to some in troubled times it may also seem out of reach. Let’s try to bring a gift of love, hope and appreciation of the good elements of freedom to each other, for Shabbat and for all the days ahead.

As we keep the victims, families and brave first responders at Surfside in our prayers, please keep your eye on the weather map and potential of now-Hurricane Elsa possibly headed this way as early as Sunday.

May the Almighty have mercy on all those missing in this horrendous Surfside tragedy. And may the Almighty protect us all from further tragedies and bless us all with everything safe, healthy, happy and good.

With love and blessings,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Dear Friends,

This Saturday night we begin to commemorate the 25th year of the Rebbe’s passing.  Since he did not name anyone to inherit his position, many wondered and worried about the future of Chabad.  In the ensuing years, Chabad’s exponential growth have proved those concerns to be insignificant.  Not only has his yahrzeit become a celebration of his life, but it is also about reflecting on and practicing the beliefs that he stood for and cherished.  From the heart, I personally thank the Rebbe for giving and instilling in me these ideas and life values which both Ettie and I try to live with and strive to pass to our children.

Here are just a few of the Rebbe’s values that personally inspire me, that really capture his legacy as a leader and mentor for all humanity.

1.       Look at the world in a positive way.  If you look through shattered lenses, that’s what you will see.  If you choose to see the world as a garden, you will see the goodness that blossoms all around.  It’s amazing how the Rebbe was no stranger to pain and suffering, having lost family members to the Holocaust and having seen the terror of world War 2, and yet the Rebbe chose to see what was positive in the world. His constant reminders to be upbeat and see things in this way.  Even when stories in the Torah seem locked in negativity, the Rebbe found a positive, uplifting perspective.  

2.       Everyone has a powerful mission. The Rebbe would say that birth is G-d's way of saying you matter.  If we are here, we are here to make the world a better place.  No two people are the same.  Each one is irreplaceable and therefore there is no excuse:  you must stand up and be counted.

3.       The Rebbe encouraged women to take leadership roles in establishing and operating Chabad centers.  More than any other Jewish leader, the Rebbe empowered the women, strengthening the partnership between husband and wife in this mission. I think about this so often as Rebbitzin Ettie partners with me in this endeavor. From the ground up, we always planned together in every single way, especially in establishing the incredible preschool.

4.       Create leaders not followers. The Rebbe certainly wanted us to be humble, but wanted leaders who would implement the same vision and ideals but would use their own brand of creativity and inspiration.  Each Chabad center you enter, while it mirrors the vision, will have its own personal flavor  and its own areas of focus tailored to serve within its community.

5.       This is a big lesson for today's world:  the Rebbe implored us to regard other human beings not just as beings but as souls.  If we focus on what makes us the same, the divine that’s within us, we stop allowing the differences to divide us.  The Rebbe embraced each individual unconditionally.  In today's world of division, more than ever we need attitudes that are  non-judgmental  and accepting .

6.  I remember the Rebbe's constant gratitude to America as a kind country where liberty and opportunity reigned, a country where we can live proudly as Jews connected to one another and connected to G-d.

Thank you Rebbe for infusing such a powerful purpose in my life and the lives of countless others.  I am so grateful to be able to share your vision and philosophies here at Chabad of Naples where daily we endeavor to feel and share this sense of love and fellowship under an umbrella of our Jewish faith and culture.

This Sunday, I will be joining people from across the globe who will gather to pay respects at the Rebbe's ohel resting place. It would be my honor to include you and your loved ones in my prayers on this day.  Please email me your name.

This Shabbos, wherever you are in the world, let's take a few moments with family or friends to learn some of the Rebbe's teachings, discuss the Rebbe's life and vision, and rededicate ourselves to the the values and causes that are close to our souls. 

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Dear Friends,

I hope you had an uplifting and joyous Pesach.

Judaism considers personal growth a lifelong task for each of us, 365 days a year. Nevertheless, each year a period of time is set aside when these efforts become the focus of our attention. This reflects the spiritual significance of Sefirat HaOmer, the forty-nine-day period between Passover and Shavuos.

The Hebrew word Sefirah means "counting". Every night we count one of these forty-nine days. But Sefirah also means "shining". During these forty-nine days, we should endeavor to make our personalities shine.

According to the Kabbalah, we have seven fundamental emotional qualities. These qualities then interrelate, to create a total of forty-nine emotions. The cultivation of our spiritual personalities during the Counting of the Omer involves the refinement of our "emotions", refining our character, eliminating their coarseness and directing them towards goodness and G-dliness.

As we work to upgrade our emotional potential, we prepare ourselves to relive the experience of the giving of the Torah on the upcoming holiday of Shavuot.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos 

Each year as the Passover season comes around it brings with it many gifts. Kneidels. Matzah. Spring cleaning. Kvetching about the prices. Mock Seders. Memories. The off-tune uncle ‘singing’ Ma Nishtana. And so much more…

One of the most important gifts it offers us is the spirit and theme of FREEDOM. It is the flavor of the season and rightfully so. Pesach is all about the privilege and responsibility that comes with liberty.

Let’s face it though. Freedom is not exactly the buzz word of 2021. There are many feelings pulsing through the hearts of us all; freedom is not high on that list. With the many restrictions and unknowns of the pandemic, we can argue that we are not living through the freest of times.

Add to that the anxiety many are feeling in this political climate and you are faced with the question: what is the message of Pesach for our time? What does freedom mean in lockdown? What does freedom mean if we cannot sit at the same table as our loved ones? What does freedom mean when we cannot even shake the hands, let alone hug, our friends and family?

Before I continue and offer a somewhat philosophical response, I must pause and allow the heart to talk first: my heart aches for the pain and loneliness that so many are facing for this long time. You are in my heart, and I ask you kindly to carry me in your heart as well. Our hearts beat as one.

Freedom can mean vastly different things based on which word follows it in the sentence.

Exhibit A: Freedom from…

Exhibit B: Freedom to…

Often when we speak of freedom, we mean ‘freedom from’. From tyranny. From rules. From anything I don’t want to be enslaved to.

Freedom to is not about where I am leaving, but where I am going. Rather than looking back at where I am leaving, I am looking forward to where I wish to be.

It is the second freedom which is never taken away from the human being. No matter our circumstances we are given the total freedom to choose our attitude, our perspective, and our behavior.

This Passover season reminds us that we alone can decide whether to choose freedom or not. We can choose to embrace optimism. Hope. Faith. Love. Empathy. Reflection. Joy. Peace. Forgiveness.

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses tells the Jewish people “choose life!” You might ask, “but isn’t that the obvious choice?” Not really. Choosing ‘life’ is more than just choosing to live. It is about choosing to ‘have a life’ – a life of freedom. That is a big choice to make.

Life and freedom are synonyms. Choosing freedom is choosing life. 

At the same time, we continue to pray for ‘freedom from’ Covid, incivility, pain, hardship, financial struggle, sickness, death, loneliness, war… the list is infinite. But perhaps it is also simply, the freedom we ask G-d for: Next year in Jerusalem. 

As we sit at our Seder table this year, let us remember that freedom is handed to us in gift wrap. Will we open it? 

We wish you and your loved ones a Kosher, Happy, Inspiring (and Healthy!) Passover!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Never too young to do a mitzvah!

When a call goes out for volunteers to help with a project at Chabad Naples, we are never disappointed both with the quantity and the quality of the people who step forward.

This was the case about two months ago when we heard about the problems people were having trying to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

We began putting together a team to assist anyone who needed help securing an appointment or assistance in getting there.

From the onset many of our dear members led by Bruce and Sue Yankow and Thais Wulkan Alcalay began working tirelessly to help, and still are to this day.

But sometimes help comes from unexpected sources. That’s when one of our Hebrew School students, young Tori Fuchs volunteered.

When Tori heard about this endeavor a few weeks ago, she told me she is handy with computers and she wanted to help with securing appointments as well, and that she would do everything she could to get them.

We divvied the lists of people and for a few weeks she has been working non-stop to make as many appointments as possible, taking on one group after another.

This week when I met her at Hebrew school, I thanked her as I have received many calls from people, grateful for what she has accomplished on their behalf. When I asked Tori how it was going, she said she was “tired but I am so happy to do it”. She wakes up early, when the enrollment begins online, and gets working on it.

We are so proud of our Hebrew school student Tori for taking this on! What a thoughtful mitzvah project, preceding her Bat Mitzvah, and how amazing to take the initiative to be help and think of others!

We said that we couldn't guarantee success but thank G-d we have been able to help almost everyone who reached out to us, to get the vaccine.

We are so grateful for our success and wish to thank all those who gave their time and energy, helping us to help others.

If you know someone that still needs help, please let us know, and either Tori or others will call you and help get it done. In general, if you know someone who needs help in some way, please contact us: we are here to help at Chabad Naples.

MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF 2021

by Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

"These are times that try men's souls," said Thomas Paine. This past year has tried our souls. We have been tested in ways we never thought possible. We've seen and endured so much suffering and pain.How does one deal with the intensity of emotions and challenges of these times?There are three ways:

Apathy.

Sympathy.

Empathy.These three words describe different attitudes one might apply when reacting to the feelings, challenges, pain and loss suffered by our fellow human beings. Each is quite different from the other. 

Apathy: I don’t see you. I don’t care.

Sympathy: Poor you. I see you. You are such a nebbish, a wimp - I’ll help you out of the kindness of my heart. I'll ask how you're doing, but I really don't want to know. I have much to tell you, but there's nothing I want to hear from you.

Empathy: I see you as a human being. I see you as a child of the Creator. I see you. I hear you. Tell me about yourself. What can I do for you? I have so much to learn from you.We can all agree that no one admires apathy as a moral and aspirational ethos.Sympathy, however, is ambiguous. It sounds great but it puts people on various rungs of the ladder, where have-nots seem ‘lesser’ than those who have. We look at one another vertically rather than horizontally.

Let’s look at the standard-bearer of Jewish leadership: Moses our teacher - Moshe Rabeinu, the famous fellow from the Exodus story. What did G-d see in Moses, making him worthy of leading the Hebrews out of Egypt? What X-Factor made him stand taller than other leaders of the time? His empathy. When he looked at people he saw a reflection of himself. Their social status did not matter, he loved them. His loving attitude also showed in his original occupation as a shepherd of his father-in-law’s flock.

The Talmud tells us G-d was so impressed with his kindness that He felt confident to entrust Moses with the historical task of leading the people into freedom. He was a נושא בעול עם חבירו He walked among the people with their challenges, helping them carry their load.

Moses was truly kind. True kindness is a child of empathy. To give with one’s whole heart is only possible when one does not see the person who lacks as any less than oneself. The homeless beggar, the addict, the person with disabilities is no less human than oneself. They are beautiful and worthy of dignity and respect.

We are all God’s children, deserving of empathy, deserving to be seen and heard.

Does that mean we have to take on the pain of almost 8 billion people? That is simply not possible. Developing empathy is not about saving the world (an overused cliché); rather, it is about how we interact with our family, friends, and community. We lean into our relationships with those close to us, and the ripple effect spreads far beyond ourselves.

Here in Collier County I am truly blessed to be living in an amazing community! This area is so filled with generosity and goodness.

Wherever I look there is so much empathy! Our shared struggle has brought us closer together, and we have learned to lean on one another.

It is this perseverance and unity that gives me faith that 2021 will be happier and brighter, because we will make it so!

Sharing some personal thoughts that Rebbitzin Ettie shared with our preschool families in response to the shock and sadness we witnessed this past week...

I know that many have been shaken by current events this week. Whenever disturbing events occur in the public sphere, I find comfort in the reminder that our work here at Preschool of the Arts is to raise the next generation. Our goal in everything we do is to educate our children to grow as learners so that they can one day be thoughtful and engaged citizens. We place a heavy emphasis on character development and deeply engage in developing our children’s social-emotional skills from the youngest age.

Today, as with every Friday, I visited a few of our classes to lead the children in a special Shabbat celebration. During this time, we always include lessons and traditions related to Jewish values. This week, we learned all about the Mitzvah of Tzedakah – charity. In Jewish tradition, Tzedakah is actually translated as justice, fairness. Giving to others is not only an act of good will but it's the right thing to do and makes the world a better place. We had fun plunking pennies into the Tzedakah box and singing songs about helping others. When we really broke the concept down into relevant examples for the children – how can we be fair? How can we help others in need? What does sharing look like? – the children responded with inspiring feedback and ideas on how they can be kind and giving in their own lives.

Every day in the classroom, our teachers are instilling values of kindness, compassion, and respect. When I see the children sharing swings on the playground, mediating small conflicts at the Peace Table, and singing and laughing with their friends, I think that the world might be a better place if it looked a little more like our POTA community. I am strengthened by our vital work in education, confident in the knowledge that the only way to impact the world at large is by educating one child at a time

Shabbat Shalom!

Ettie Zaklos 

THANKSGIVING COMES IN TWO PARTS: THANKS AND GIVING

Just look at the word Thanksgiving. Part of it is about ’thanks’ and the other part about ‘giving’. Let’s keep that in mind. 

Although we should never need to set aside a special day to be thankful for all of our blessings, this should be even more evident on Thanksgiving this year. 

As we are well aware, our celebrations this year will have a somewhat different look.

Let us be grateful for whatever blessings we have, great and small. 

Tomorrow, we’ll read how our Patriarch Jacob had to flee his murderous brother Esau.  On the run, but trusting G-d, Jacob makes a vow: If I can make it, survive and thrive, I’ll remember Your kindness. I won’t take it for granted, assuming my smarts and know-how got me through. I’ll appreciate. I’ll give back to You, G-d. I’ll give back to You by giving to my community. I’ll acknowledge my blessings from You by committing to improving the world through community.

While every day should be devoted to giving thanks, there’s something beautiful in society choosing a day to emphasize it. As we approach this national holiday of Thanksgiving, as we think about the things in our lives for which we are grateful, we feel especially blessed and grateful to be part of a wonderful community, here in Naples, FL. In these times of hardship and difficulty for so many we feel grateful for all the blessings in our life we might have otherwise taken for granted.  

This is an opportune time then, to express our gratitude for all the great friends that make up the wonderful Chabad of Naples & Preschool of the Arts community. 

As we share in this spirit, we are thankful for your support, your friendship and enabling our important work at Chabad Naples & Preschool of the Arts. 

We are grateful to you today and every day.

That is the ’thanks' part.  Now for the ‘giving’.

Let’s share those blessings by reaching out to others with a few words, to let them know we don’t need special days to think about them. 

In the days leading up to the Thanksgiving and in those following it, don’t forget to think of others, and to let them know you care. And let us hope and pray together for a quick return to a healthy world of love and light. 

May we all continue to share our blessings with others and be there to support each other as an expression of our gratitude. 

Shabbat Shalom with Love & Light,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos 

❤️❤️❤️

After the Hebrew School students left today, Morah Kathy Cohen was picking up items from the table when she found this napkin from one of her 8-year old students who wrote it after she finished her assignment early.

I was so moved by this child’s writing, recognizing this is what it’s all about: love and light and making sure the students and everyone with whom we have contact feel they have a home.

We need this, just to say "I love you too” to others.

Sometimes, in the midst of darkness, and uncertainty, a bright light appears. These true little vignettes restore our hope and faith.

I hope Giuliana’s message touches you as well.

Guiding Principles:

1.            Our protocol and policies are reviewed by doctors and by rabbis who are experts in Jewish law application. (Jewish law mandates our strict adherence to medical authority as an utmost priority.)

2.            Everything is subject to change, as circumstances change. We're keeping a close eye and we will modify our protocol accordingly.

3.            Do what you feel is best for you - consult with your doctor as to the best way forward for your personal situation. And let's respect the rights of others to think and act differently during this time. 

Click here for a description of the changes made in the center to ensure that we are all protected against the spread of COVID-19. Also outlined, is the code of behavior expected from those participating in services. 

Capacity is limited and it is open by pre-registration only. If you would like to attend, please email ([email protected]) and you will receive a confirmation email. Unfortunately, it is not possible at this time to attend services without pre-registering. 

The most stringent guidelines will not completely obviate all risk that remains present. Therefore, anyone over 65 and/or someone who is more vulnerable to the virus due to an underlying health condition, is asked to carefully consider this reality and consult with their personal physician, before attending services. 

We know these are uncertain and challenging times. While this email is welcome news for some, for others who either are unable to attend or who feel it remains unsafe to attend Shul at this time, it doesn't represent a significant change. We miss you, care about you, and can't wait to be together with you again.
 
Most importantly, we pray to Hashem to send a speedy recovery to all who are affected, to keep all of us healthy, and to protect our modern heroes who are helping our community and country during these difficult times - including healthcare workers, grocery store clerks, postal workers, delivery drivers, and so many more people.       

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We have no doubt that together, we will adapt well to this challenging time and, please G-d, emerge stronger as individuals and as a community.     

With much love and blessings,  

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Arthur Seigel M.D.  

www.Jewishnaples.com/Relief