Rabbi Fishel's Blog - Chabad of Naples

Friday, July 18, 2014 - 2:50 PM

Dear Friends,

Foremost in our minds and hearts this week, is the the difficult situation faced by our brothers and sisters in Israel. We continue with special prayers for their safety, and safe return home. Join us on Shabbat as we pray for peace.

Young kids, only 18 or 19 years old, are putting themselves in danger's way so that when you and I wake up tomorrow morning Israel is still here, safe and secure by the kindness of Hashem, and His faithful servants in the IDF.

These young men and women have mothers waiting for them, children hoping for them, and you and I are praying for them.

I invite you to Shul tomorrow at Chabad (or wherever you'll be) for a prayer for our solders and our people there and for peace. Of course (women) make sure the Shabbat candles are lit, along with a silent prayer for Israel. Candle lighting time is 8:03. Drop a few coins into a charity box prior to lighting the candles as is customary. Take on a new mitzvah.
May it bring only Peace Upon the Land and safety for all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the souls and families of those on the downed Malaysian airline.

May Hashem protect us all.

Shabbat Shalom!

Thank you for your endless courage!

Friday, July 11, 2014 - 5:43 PM

Dear Friends,

I want to begin with just seven words:

Thank you G-d for the awesome miracles!
Thank you soldiers for your selfless sacrifice!
Thank you Israel for your endless courage!

Although we may feel there isn't anything we can do from afar, as in the past, we know there is: as we kindle our Shabbat candles with family in the safety of our homes tonight, let us spend a few extra moments to ask Hashem for extra protection for our brothers and sisters in Israel, and for their very brave children in uniform, and for wise guidance for their leaders in the days to come. Take a few extra minutes for prayer.

Each good deed we do releases a spiritual energy, powerful enough to transcend geographical distance.

We may not be on the front lines. But we can help by doing something positive. We can add a mitzvah, say an extra prayer at home or in the synagogue, study some extra Torah, help someone or make something 'right' in our own world.

Never underestimate -- even the smallest deed will make a difference - let's act now.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land as they welcome Shabbat in bomb shelters or don IDF uniforms to protect them.

We must remember that "the eyes of the Lord are upon the land from beginning of the year until the end" and that "the Guardian of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."

Join us at tomorrow's services where as a community our positive prayers and promises of mitzvot will surely make a difference.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos