Rabbi Fishel's Blog

"Love your fellow as yourself", Rabbi Akiva says this is THE cardinal principle of the Torah!
 
Why is it the most important thing in Judaism? Because the greatest fear a person has is the fear of loneliness, of being alone, of not being cared for by anyone. There are many challenges that life can throw at someone, but the strength that comes from knowing that we are not alone in this challenge, that we have the empathy, love and tears of a friend or loved one, often gives us the ability to overcome anything. The one time we feel helpless is when we sense that noone cares and that we don't matter..
 
Loneliness may not seem as threatening as the other challenges in life, but it undermines us in a way that no other challenge does. So when we reach out to another individual and simply show them that we are "with them", we may not have directly provided them with the answer to their problems, but we have given them something more important: the strength to find the way to overcome the problem itself.
 
As Passover approaches we would be wise to think of the first revelation of G-d to Moses: in a bush full of thorns. Why a thorn bush of all places? G-d was sending Moses and the People of Israel a message: So long that you dwell in suffering and slavery, that's where I dwell as well. I am with you in your pain and suffering. That knowledge was the beginning of the redemption.
 
Have you eliminated someone's loneliness lately?

If you know of someone in need of a Pesach Seder or something else, please contact Rabbi Zaklos @ [email protected]

Is there anything else we can help you for the holiday? please email [email protected]

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom!
 

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

G-d is Everywhere

Although we don’t need proof of G-d’s overarching presence, it’s always pleasantly reassuring when we get a sign.

As Mendel, Yitzi and I were going around town giving Shalach MANOT for Purim — and I am truly grateful for my enthusiastic helpers for bringing the real message of Purim: joy, love to our friends, family and community - a wonderful thing happened.

As we were passing by on 5th Avenue, a fellow named Jake called out, “ Hello”. As we spoke he said that an hour earlier he had asked his friend Bar where to go to a Purim party --- in Naples? They just moved to town.

He said to us in these words, "I promise you I know G-d sent you."
How happy we were to be able to invite them to our special Purim Party tomorrow!

Is there a message here? Of course there is! All you have to do is go out and spread the joy and you will lift up both yourself and others. Furthermore, is there any doubt that G-d listens? Call out, ask for what you need, and you never know. G-d has His ways!

 There’s an old phrase, “Stand on your head and spit wooden nickels”.  It  referred to accomplishing an impossible feat.  Although spitting nickels of any kind is beyond my capabilities,  Purim is a time to shake things up a little.  It’s a holiday that teaches us that  the days of sadness will be transformed into joy, so sometimes we have to turn our lives upside down,  stand on our heads,  and gain an entirely different perspective on life.  In addition to disrupting things temporarily by my  juggling, yes, I also do headstands. What can we possibly learn from this?  Our topsy turvy world doesn't always have to be out of control:  we can change it, put it right, and stand it on its feet once again.   

Here he is again - and still smiling! This time our cheery emoji with his big smile is anticipating  a very special Purim. The happiness evident on his face, which summons a large smile as a quick response, could be why we chose him as this year’s Purim mascot.  Happiness fuels the flame that helps to melt the paralysis that prevents us from focusing on the joy of the holiday.

So kick back, summon your personal emoji and come along to the Chabad Family Purim Celebration on Sunday, March 12 at 11 AM.  

Brunch, desserts, face painting, prize for costumes, live music, hamentaschen, gragers, arts and crafts -no wonder he’s smiling!

Visit the website by clicking here or call the office for reservations!😁