Dear Friends,
We are all familiar with the story of Noah and the flood, and how Noah was saved by entering the Ark. This year the story resonates strongly with us as we think of many people still enduring so many hardships as they try to rebuild their lives and in some cases, merely survive. We pray that Hashem gives everyone the strength to continue.
With Hurricane Irma we realized just what a flood meant and how frightening it could be. But on an emotional level, the raging waters can also represent the pressures of life and how they can sometimes inundate and overwhelm us: the mortgage, bills, the daily grind, external and internal circumstances, When these forces become overwhelming, the Torah gives us guidance, encouraging us to enter the Ark, or in other words, just enter a space of holiness, a place of Torah and prayer, a warm community, a place where others will greet you with love.
Over the past 14 years, people have expressed to us that at the Naples Chabad family they have found a place where they have felt uplifted, where people care.
As Ettie and I just celebrated our anniversary, we looked back on a few months after our marriage when we came to Naples as newlyweds. Together with all of you we created this beautiful ark, journeying life together we have created a beautiful family full of love and joy.
As a family we laugh and cry together, we celebrate simchas and support each other in difficult times.
Water can also signify the refreshing and renewing passage of life. How significant that this week we are also celebrating the baby naming of Art and Ellen Siegel’s granddaughter. How special to share these unique moments of new beginnings. Mazal Tov to Daniel & Lindsay and to the entire Mishpacha.
With love and blessings,
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos
