Rabbi Fishel's Blog

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  

 Dear Friends, 

As Shabbos approaches, our hearts are heavy with the devastation and tragedy we’ve witnessed over the past few days. The fires sweeping across Los Angeles have displaced families, destroyed homes, businesses, and houses of worship, and most heartbreakingly, claimed lives. For the bereaved families, Who By Fire is not just a piece of liturgy or a Leonard Cohen song—it is their reality.

This is an opportunity to reach out to friends or family you may know in affected areas. Even just a simple call, in addition to other ways of support, can let them know we are here for them. Let us also extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters and all those risking everything to save lives and protect others.

Among the many heartbreaking losses, the Pasadena Jewish Temple was completely consumed by flames. Yet, even amidst the ashes, there were powerful moments of courage and faith. Community members risked everything to save the temple’s 13 Torah scrolls. Another powerful image was my dear colleague, Rabbi Chaim Hanoka, carrying salvaged Torahs back into the Chabad House of Pasadena. He was surrounded by a van filled with food and supplies for evacuees. The message was clear: though we have been burned, we will not allow our fire to consume us.

On Sunday, we start reading the Torah portion, which reminds us of resilience. Moses encounters a burning bush—a fire that burns but does not consume. This profound symbol speaks to us now: we must continue to move forward.

The year 2024 tested us all. We stumbled and fell, yet we rose again. We mourned, but we also found moments to sing. This is the resilience we must carry as we look ahead to a brighter 2025.

As we complete this week’s Torah portion—the final portion in Genesis—the congregation traditionally calls out in unison: Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek—Be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen one another.

No words better express our wish for California, for the Jewish people, and for every one of us. Be strong. Be strong. Let us strengthen one another.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos 

Dear Friends,

We would like to take this opportunity, to wish you and your family the very best in 2025. May it be a year of blessings for you, for our community, for our country and for our Holy Land of Israel and may we enjoy these blessings in the best of health and happiness.

****

We would like to take a moment to thank you, and our beautiful community as a whole, for helping make the last twelve months such a resounding success. 

This past year has been a time of tremendous growth. More people than ever before were impacted, assisted, inspired and touched in so many ways.

None of this would have happened without the unwavering encouragement, financial and moral support from so many of you who are truly our partners in making this happen.

Thank you to all who donated in 2024 and helped make it a year of continued success. It was the collective power of these donations which helped meet the evolving needs of our community.

To our steadfast Chabad of Naples Partners and our dedicated POTA Circle of Hearts members, thank you for being the backbone of our organization, and providing the critical funds needed for us to operate and grow. To all who support Chabad Naples generously throughout the year,  thank you so much, you are very much appreciated and admired. Thank You for providing Chabad Naples with the means to be able to do the work it does, year round.

Thank you to the dozens of volunteers who gave their time and energy to the center, or who helped so many in times of need.

Thanks to the thousands of you who participated in programs, holiday events, classes, and many services and celebrations, who enabled us to spread more light and blessings in 2024.

We are all so blessed to have each other and to have such an incredible community. Let us take a moment and recognize the blessings in our life and go into the new year filled with optimism and gratitude!

Looking forward to good and even better times ahead together as a community in 2025. And wishing each and every one of you good health, happiness and continued success!

We can't wait to spend an epic 2025 with you.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Arthur M. Seigel

*This article was written on the final day of the campaign on Monday

Dear Friends,

As the United as One campaign nears its close, I wanted to share a moment that truly reflects what this campaign is all about.

A few hours ago, I received a call from someone I’ve never met, asking if a rabbi could be by the side of a man in his final moments. I immediately stopped everything and rushed to the bedside. Alone in the room, I recited psalms and prayers, just him, me and G-d.

Ten minutes after I left, I received a call from the power of attorney informing me that the man had peacefully passed away. It was a G-dly moment—this man, who had no family or anyone else, was waiting for his peace. It was also a reminder of the well-known Jewish saying - "When a Mitzvah comes your way, do it right away." I feel humbled and grateful to have gotten there just in time.

I just received this email from the power of attorney, shared here with her permission.

So much of what we do at Chabad of Naples and Preschool of the Arts happens quietly, behind the scenes, in deeply personal moments like this one. It is not one person, but many who step up to help our fellow community members when needed. Every day, we visit people in hospitals, comfort those in need, and bring volunteers together to lift up our community in ways big and small— a lot of which goes unseen and undocumented.

But these moments, just like our big, public celebrations, are the essence of who we are. We strive to be like the many-branched Menorah, bringing light, love, warmth, and hope to every corner of our community, even in the most difficult times.

This year, which has tested us all on so many levels, your partnership ensures that this work continues.

Will you help us continue shining the light and bring us across the finish line?

www.chabadnaples.com/matcing

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos  

Dear Friends, 

A miraculous community response! Together. We did it! One community united in a beautiful effort to help bring light to others.

We are so touched and humbled by the outpouring of love and support.

In the past four days, 272 generous donors came together with contributions of all sizes.

Knowing that you are eager to support Chabad Naples & Preschool of the Arts, is inspiring and empowering. The excitement and happiness in the community was palpable throughout, and the donations didn't stop, nor have they stopped yet. This accomplishment will be the force for even more growth, education and celebration, going forward!

WITH DEEP GRATITUDE TO OUR MATCHERS THAT ENABLED THE DONATIONS TO DOUBLE!

In addition to this big four-day United as One fundraiser, we also want to take a moment to acknowledge all those who help Chabad of Naples & Preschool of the Arts every single day.

To our incredible Chabad Naples Partners through our Partner Project.

- To the generous souls who dedicate buildings, classrooms, and spaces for future generations.

- To the Chabad Naples donors who sponsor mega holiday events, programs, and celebrations.

- To the anonymous sponsors who quietly uplift so many.

- To the parents, teachers, and families who make our Preschool of the Arts so vibrant.

- To those who attend, participate, and bring joy and energy to our events and services.

- To every supporter and volunteer of Chabad of Naples and POTA in any capacity, we are so grateful for your friendship and partnership.

YOU are all the heart of what we do. Together, we’ve created something truly extraordinary—a place where light, love, and community flourish every day.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us make a difference in so many lives. We couldn’t do it without you!

May you and yours be blessed in 2025 with an abundance of health, sustenance and happiness.

Let’s keep the momentum going! www.chabadnaples.com/matching

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Arthur M Seigel

Let there be light

Www.chabadnaples.com/matching

Dear Friends,

Over the last three days, something extraordinary has taken place.

So far, a total of 226 dear friends have come together to support Chabad of Naples and the Naples Preschool of the Arts, rallying behind our mission to bring love and positivity into our community. When reflecting on this incredible outpouring of kindness and generosity, one word comes to mind: light.

The Bible tells us that the first thing G-d created was light. “And the Lord said, let there be light, and there was light.”

Why is light so important that it was created before anything else?

Over the past year, the answer has become increasingly clear to us. In a world that sometimes feels so dark and overwhelming, the greatest antidote is light. “Let there be light!” is an eternal charge given to each of us to illuminate our hearts, our homes, and our communities.

There is darkness in your heart? Let there be light.

There is darkness in your home? Let there be light.

There is darkness in your community? Let there be light!

When dark forces wreak havoc on those we love, we can feel powerless to stop them. While we may not always prevent darkness from occurring, we are never powerless to keep it from spreading.

This is the message of light—not just for today, but every day. Whether lighting Shabbat candles on Friday night or focusing on the miracles of Chanukah, light serves as a symbol of hope, warmth, and resilience.

Chanukah, the festival of lights, begins with one simple flame and grows brighter each night, reminding us that light always prevails over darkness. It is a testament to the unstoppable power of goodness, justice, and faith.

So here’s my heartfelt invitation: First, bring light into your own self, and then you’ll be able to bring light into the world. Light your own menorah this Chanukah, witness for yourself the magic of light overcoming darkness, and join us for the Chanukah Festival and Public Menorah Lighting, the biggest Chanukah party of the year at Cambier Park on Sunday. www.chabadnaples.com/chanukah Bring your friends and family—let’s bring the entire community together!

For nearly 4,000 years, the Jewish people have strived to be a light unto the nations. Even in times of difficulty, when darkness threatened to consume us, we have banded together and let our light shine. That light sustains us even today.

And we at Chabad of Naples have always strived to be a light over these past 21 years—in difficult times, bringing comfort and hope, and in times of celebration, spreading joy and love to thousands of people. If there’s one thing you hear over and over, it’s that the Chabad Naples family spreads light and love to the entire community.

To the 226 friends who have already joined this campaign, and to ALL the Chabad Naples supporters and partners throughout the year, thank you for being the light! If you haven’t yet had the chance to contribute to this specific canpaign, now is the perfect time. We only have a few hours left. Together, we can spread light and love even further. www.chabadnaples.com/matching

Do not underestimate the power of your own light. Now is the time to shine it brighter than ever.

Let there be light in our world!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie

Make sure your candle is lit.

The message of Chanukah is that we must continue to bring light into the world, one candle at a time.

Chanukah is celebrated during the darkest time of year, when the days are short, and the nights are long and cold. The greatest miracles—the small and weak winning over the big and strong, and the little flames that flicker for eight days—happen during days when there’s more dark than light.

Because it’s in those dark moments that we must come together and create light. It’s in those times of challenge that we discover the flame within us and learn to appreciate its power.

With all of the craziness going on in our world today, the need for more and more light has never been greater.

May the warmth and glow of each candle make your heart and home happy and bright.

And if you have not yet done so, please add YOUR light to our community menorah by donating to our campaign today. www.chabadnaples.com/matching 

We need your light!

Thank you!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie 

Good morning!

It’s perhaps the most famous Jewish word, and it’s how I feel every time I’m surrounded by our community.

It’s that feeling that I’m not alone, and nor are you; it’s that little glimmer of hope felt deep inside on the very darkest of days; and it’s that overwhelming joy that makes me jump up and dance with you to celebrate everything we have together.

It’s when we come together, and despite all the darkness out there, we raise our cups to the future and cheer — L’Chaim! To life!

When I’m together with the Chabad of Naples and Jay and Patty Naples Preschool of the Arts communities, I know that everything will be good, we’re bringing life!

It’s been twenty one years of bringing life, full of light and love, to our community. It’s L’Chaim to the seniors, to the children, to the classes, and to the amazing programs.

In hurricanes, after tragedy in Israel, and in the midst of rising antisemitism, we only grow stronger and louder in our passion for life, in our strength as a community. We’re always there for each other because our community knows that we will always go L’Chaim! To life!

Today I ask you to continue helping Chabad of Naples & Naples Preschool of the Arts to flourish, to fire up that passion, and to help us keep giving.

Make a L’Chaim with me. Donate generously to our campaign (we're at 25%), we need your support to keep Chabad Naples & Naples Preschool of the Arts shining in Naples.

Www.chabadnaples.com/matching

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos 

Dear Friends,

What’s more powerful––light or dark? How does the classic battle of good vs. evil play out in real life?

Darkness takes up more news time and brain space than light-filled tales. Open any news site, and you will inevitably find more sad and scary happenings than positive and uplifting stories. 

But is darkness stronger and more enduring than light? Is a sword more powerful than a heart of courage? Superficially, yes. But all we need to do is think about the history of the Jewish people, and we’ll realize the truth that although we were often the victims of evil done to us by people physically stronger, they are gone and we are here. We thrive and grow until this very day. 

What will the world look like in a hundred years? I have no idea. Perhaps there will be flying Teslas occupying our airspace, and AI waiters bringing us our food. But I know for certain that the Jewish people will be here, lighting Shabbat candles, and celebrating the Bar and Bat Mitzvahs of our children. The Jewish nation is eternal.

The Chanukah story about a small ragtag group of Maccabees taking down the mightiest army on earth – the Greeks – just by the power of their faith and courage is a perfect example of how a little light is so much more powerful than darkness. No military analyst would have predicted their victory, or that 2,200 years later millions of people would still celebrate that victory of light by lighting Menorahs, eating latkes, and playing dreidel. 

The Maccabees took to heart the verse from the Biblical book of Zecharia: “Not by might, and not by power, but by My spirit, said the Lord of hosts.” Our strength is with our spirit or “ruach," which we believe is infinitely more potent and consequential than the sharpest knife and the fastest fighter jet. 

This is not to say that physical prowess is unimportant. We are grateful every day that brave nations like the United States and Israel have armies that can stand up to tyrants and those who wish them harm. We owe these selfless soldiers a huge debt of gratitude.  

Yet we know that might uncoupled with spiritual tenacity and a heart of light and love will not endure. 

Physical victories are not the only battles worth noting. It is not only weapons of steel that win wars, but words of prayer and Psalms, sacrifices to save another, and the courage to unite against the common enemy of evil.

This message is extremely important in our times when so many people are anxious about the stressful news that seems to be overwhelming our Social Media feeds and TV screens. For a moment, we might feel powerless and terrified by the force of darkness that seems so much more powerful than little me and the little Mitzvah or act of kindness I’ve done. But consider the power of one tiny match to push away the heavy darkness of a pitch black room. How a small glow can envelop us and light the way through the dark. So while the pain we experience from darkness is very real, we can take solace in the truth that we retain the ability to dispel even the darkest night.

That’s why I hold onto the Jewish story and the miracle of the Maccabees, so I will never forget the truth of life: light will win every time. Yesh Tikvah––there is hope and promise that the arc of history will bend towards the spirit.  

Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Join together this Chanukah and kindle an eternal flame. Fight with light. You are guaranteed to win.

A special way to do this is to join us at the biggest Chanukah celebration of the year at Cambier Park on Sunday, December 29 at 3:30 PM.  Let’s come together as a community to flood Naples with light, joy, and hope. Let’s make this a celebration to remember––and let’s bring the light! While RSVP is not required, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to RSVP so we can plan accordingly. www.chabadnaples.com/chanukah

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos  

Dear Friends,

There are no words!

Our hearts are broken.

So devastating, and painful to hear the news of the murder of our dear colleague in Dubai, Rabbi Zvi Kogan, Zvi ben Alexander HaKohen, who, at just 28 years old, was tragically murdered by barbaric terrorists after being kidnapped on Thursday in Dubai. Zvi and his wife, Rivky, were dedicated members of the Chabad team in the UAE, bringing love and light to their community. 

The pain and shock run unimaginably deep. It has left us all shaken. 

Ever since the signing of the Abraham Accords peace deal with Israel, the Emirates has seen its Jewish population grow exponentially. There have been shuls opened, the first Jewish education center in the Gulf, and a wide selection of kosher food.

Rabbi Zvi and his wife Rebbtzin Rivky Kogan soon moved and lived in Abu Dhabi. She taught in the school while he operated the Rimon Kosher supermarket in Dubai, the city that drew most of the tourists and visitors.

“He was a cheerful person who never said ‘no’ to anyone, always helping and assisting everyone,” a friend of his said. “Every person would leave him feeling better; he always knew how to guide and assist. He was a modest individual who honored his parents in a remarkable way, a truly G-d-fearing person who always remained humble and grateful.”

Our hearts go out to Tzvi’s family and wish them strength and comfort. As we keep sending strength and comfort to our brother and sisters in Israel, to all the families of the murdered, the wounded, the hostages, the heroic soldiers of IDF.

Thank you to all who have reached out to us, with empathy, compassion and concern. Your love and care mean so much to us and give us strength at this trying time.

The Rebbe repeatedly reminded us that darkness is banished by light, fear is dispelled by acts of connection to G-d and that above all, Jewish life must be celebrated and fulfilled joyously. 

My colleagues and I will recommit ourselves to adding light and positive energy of Torah and Yiddishkeit even more than before. 

Friends, there is a worldwide effort to delegitimize, instill fear, and destroy the Jewish people in Israel and everywhere and this is not a time to stand by. 

We must all take the necessary precautions, ensure that our security protocols are up to date and be proactive about our rights to live openly as Jews without fear and without danger. 

And we must keep our unwavering trust and faith in Hashem ironclad and vibrant.

This has been a very difficult period for the Jewish people.

We continue to pray for the welfare of the captives and their immediate return, in safety and enduring security, as well the as the overwhelming success of those who are putting their life on the line to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people and all who live in Israel.  

As a peaceful nation, with a Torah of peace, we seek peace for all, and we look forward to a time very soon when there will be goodness and kindness for all of mankind. We are all created in G-d's image, and we all deserve dignity and peace.

Please take the time to connect to your Judaism today in some way. Put on tefillin, give tzedakah and random acts of kindness, to study some of the Torah portion or to read a Psalm, and to strengthen your connection to other people or do any other mitzvah of your choice. Now is the time to commit yourself to Jewish UNITY and think of one way in which you can personally stand up to say: I am my brother's keeper, and I will do something about it. Please consider doing a Mitzva in his memory https://onemitzvah.org/tzvi

Our hearts go out to Tzvi’s family and wish them strength and comfort. 

We will mourn, we will cry, but more importantly, we will re-energize and shine brighter than ever before.

Zvi - as so many of our brothers and sisters - lived heroically fighting against evil and hate. We must continue your legacy of serving with love and dedication, bringing G-dliness, morality, and kindness to the world.

With best wishes for only the best and happiest of news in the future, and we say to Hashem - Ad Mosai, until when? Enough is enough, its time for all the promises to our ancestors to be fulfilled in reality!

Shavua Tov - may you have a bright, blessed, and good week going forward,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Dear Friends,

This week’s Torah portion carries a powerful life lesson just before the destruction of the city of Sedom. An angel warns Lot, Abraham’s nephew: “Run for your life. Do not look behind you.” Yet Lot’s wife, overcome with curiosity or attachment, looks back and is transformed into a pillar of salt.

Why such an extraordinary and distinctive consequence?

Our sages offer a deeper insight. “Don’t look back” teaches us to learn how to let go of our past mistakes. We all slip, fall short, or miss the mark. But dwelling on these failures, letting negativity and regret rule, only holds us back. Yes, we need to reflect and learn from our errors, but not to the point of being paralyzed by them.

Lot’s wife becoming a “pillar of salt” is a perfect metaphor. Salt, by its very nature, preserves and keeps what it is spread on intact. It inhibits the ability to grow, to change, or to move forward. Lot’s wife literally got stuck in her past. She couldn’t move past it, couldn’t look forward, and didn’t let herself start again.

May we each be blessed with the strength to move forward with hope, leaving the past behind and stepping freely into the light of new possibilities.

Let’s embrace this message and focus on moving forward. We have two beautiful opportunities to do just that:

• Monday: Mega Challah Bake—a special event for women to come together for a meaningful evening of connection and inspiration. www.chabadnaples.com/challah

• Tuesday: Join us for the launch of the Nurturing Relationships course, a journey to discover how we can build stronger connections and create a brighter future together. www.chabadnaples.com/adulteducation

Shabbat Shalom with Love and Light, 

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos  

Dear Friends, 

This week’s Torah portion tells the timeless story of Noah and G-d’s command for him to build the famous Ark, ensuring his family’s survival from the impending flood. Noah’s journey is one of unwavering faith, resilience, and readiness—a message that feels especially poignant as we reflect and pray for strength and peace, especially for Israel in these challenging times.


As we look to Noah’s example, here are 7 essential life lessons we can all take to heart:


1. *Don’t miss the boat*
Seize opportunities when they come; timing is everything.


2. *Plan ahead*
Noah began building the Ark well before the rain started—be prepared for tomorrow’s challenges, even when today seems calm.


3. *Stay fit*
Noah was 600 years old when he took on this monumental task. Keep yourself ready for life’s big moments, no matter your age.


4. *Ignore the critics*
When you have a mission, stay focused—don’t let doubts or criticism sway you from the work that needs doing.


5. *Travel in pairs*
There’s strength and safety in partnership. Face challenges with others by your side.


6. *Speed isn’t always an advantage*
The Ark carried both cheetahs and snails. Sometimes, slow and steady truly does win the race.


7. *Remember: the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals*
Great achievements don’t always require expertise—faith, determination, and purpose can carry us far.


May these lessons from Noah inspire us all to live with faith, perseverance, and unity.

 ****

Let’s raise our voices in song and support for Israel!

We are thrilled to invite you to an uplifting evening of song, spirit, and support for Israel with a special performance by the world-renowned Maccabeats! Known as the premier Jewish a cappella group, the Maccabeats have captivated audiences worldwide with their incredible voices, humor, and messages of unity.

The concert will take place on Sunday, November 10th at 3:00 PM at the Chabad of Naples campus. 

With only the human voice and their joyful energy, the Maccabeats are famous for bringing together fans of all ages and backgrounds, proving that music truly transcends boundaries. This concert will uplift us in song and solidarity with Israel, celebrate our heritage, and come together as a community.

Reserve your ticket today at www.chabadnaples.com/maccabeats!

Looking forward to an evening of connection, joy, and community pride.

Warmly,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Dear friends,

This Thursday will be the holiday of Simchas Torah – the one year anniversary on the Hebrew calendar of the atrocities of October 7…

The question is, how will we mark a day traditionally observed with unrestrained singing and dancing in celebration of our Torah and tradition, knowing that it was on that very day – just one year ago – that so much pain and suffering was inflicted upon our people?...

How will we celebrate it?...

The answer is, we know exactly how we’re going to celebrate it!...

Can we dance with a broken heart?... The answer is: we must – and therefore we can…. We can – and therefore we must…

My friends, as counterintuitive as it may sound, this coming Simchas Torah Eve on Thursday, October 24, must be the most joyous one ever!... We strongly encourage and urge each and every one to show up at Chabad of Naples that night at 7:00pm – with your dancing shoes on!...

Bring your immediate and extended family, and all of your friends and neighbors along with you!... Most of all, bring your children and grandchildren!… Let them see what “Am Yisrael Chai!” looks like – in real life, in real time!... Let them see how we celebrate our enduring legacy of truth and holiness, so that they can one day pass it on to their children and grandchildren!…  

If during the Yom Kippur Yizkor we are bringing the souls of those we lost into our Shuls with our prayers, on Simchas Torah, we will bring them into that room with our dancing!… We will sing and dance, and dance some more – and all of those “Kedoshim-Holy Souls of the IDF Soldiers, all the Holy Souls lost on Oct 7 and onwards" will be dancing right along with us!…

So please mark your calendar for Thursday, October 24, as we celebrate a Simchas Torah for the ages!... 

L'Chayim & Delicious dinner sponsored by Scott, Hetty & Michael Weinstein!!

Each Hakafa will be dedicated to those who inspire us and are fighting for the Jewish people.

People like Rami, a 58-year-old farmer with no combat experience, jumped into his car and headed straight into the line of fire at the Nova Festival. Rami spent 48 hours driving back and forth between the battlegrounds and his community, rescuing 750 young people.

People like Noam, a young IDF reservist who grabbed a handgun and ran to help as soon as he heard the news. He and four other soldiers were the first to enter Kfar Aza, knowing full well they were heavily outnumbered. Noam fought off hundreds—of terrorists and saved countless lives fighting until his last bullet.

People like Rachel Pollin. For 330 days, Rachel prayed and campaigned relentlessly for her son and the other hostages’ freedom, never giving up hope. Tragically, Hersh was murdered by the terrorists just hours before IDF troops neared. Rachel’s faith did not shatter, and in a heart-rending speech at her son’s funeral, she said, “Finally, my sweet boy, finally, finally, finally, finally, you’re free."

We will dance with our children, with the Torah, and with each other and celebrate the Jewish nation that shows up brighter, stronger, louder, and prouder despite everything.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos