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Rabbi Fishel's Blog

What a Purim! “I” Becomes “We”

Dear Friends,

What a Purim! 

Seeing so many people come together to celebrate with such joy and spirit, especially in these challenging times for Israel and the Jewish people, was truly uplifting. The energy, unity, and warmth in the room were a testament to our community’s incredible growth. You don’t have to wait for a holiday to witness it. Join us any Shabbat and you’ll see the vibrant, overflowing, and truly remarkable community, bursting at its seams.

The most beautiful thing is that each week, friends bring friends, and at the famous Kiddush, we welcome them in the warm and joyous world famous Chabad Naples style. It all reflects the heart and soul of our ever-growing Chabad Naples family.

*****

“I” Becomes “We”

Herb Brooks, coach of the legendary 1980 US Olympic ice hockey team, led a group of amateur players to a stunning victory over the Soviet Union—a moment known as the Miracle on Ice. How did he do it? His team was scattered, divided, exhausted. He pushed them relentlessly.

“How long will you torture us?” they cried. Brooks replied: “Until each of you understands that the name on the front of your jersey is more important than the one on the back.”

In Judaism, community is essential to spiritual life. We pray together, study Torah together, mourn and celebrate together.

Our holiest prayers require a minyan.  Even when we confess, we do so together,not just in the individual, but in the kehillah—the collective spirit.

This week’s Torah portion, Vayakhel—“and he gathered”—reminds us of this truth. After the golden calf, Moses gathers the people to focus on something greater:  Building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each person gave what they could—time, skill, resources. And only through this shared effort did the Sanctuary become a home for G-d’s presence.

Moses knew: the best way to unite people is to have them build together—to lift their eyes beyond the “I” and focus on the “we.”

When we invest in each other and in our community, we discover joy, purpose, and the power of belonging—not just to ourselves, but to something greater, something deep and truly meaningful.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos  

 

Let It Go: The Secret to Joy That Adults Forget

Dear Friends,

In just three days is Purim, the time of heightened, unparalleled joy!

Consider this: children, when they argue, swiftly resolve their conflicts, while adults can prolong disagreements for years. Why is it like that? It’s simple. For a child, joy is paramount, while for an adult, the need to be right takes precedence.

A child understands that arguing impedes joy, so they let it go. While adults cling to their need to be right, fueling arguments indefinitely.

In these challenging times, may Hashem bless us with continued unity and reasons to celebrate the joy of Adar!

Our fun-filled grand Purim party is always the talk of the town, and Purim in the 80s promises to be an unforgettable gathering where the entire community comes together in celebration.

Join us for a delicious lunch and a wide array of fun and engaging activities for the whole family, all in true Chabad Naples & POTA fashion.

You won’t want to miss out on the excitement, so be sure to RSVP today online to secure your spot! We cannot wait to see you there!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos 

 

Were you made for this moment?

Dear Friends, 

There’s just one week left to Purim, and this special Shabbat before Purim is known as Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat of Remembering. On this Shabbat we recall the story of Amalek, the first attempt to annihilate the Jewish people. As we journeyed from Egypt to Israel, Amalek attacked us by surprise, and the Torah commands us: “Remember what Amalek did to you on your journey after you left Egypt.”

This commandment runs deep. Today, Amalek is more than a historical enemy. It has become a symbol of all those who seek to harm the Jewish people and Israel. We see this hatred manifest in groups like Hamas and are reminded: Remember. Do not forget.

But there is something else we must remember—our resilience. Amalek no longer exists. The Persian Empire no longer exists. But the Jewish people have not only survived, we have thrived, strengthened by Hashem’s protection and our courage and unwavering commitment.

In the Book of Esther, we find a moment that speaks to all of us. When Esther becomes queen, she learns of Haman’s plot to destroy her people. She hesitates, afraid to risk her life by speaking up. But her uncle Mordechai sends her a powerful message: “Who knows? Perhaps you were made queen for this very moment.”

These words are not just for Esther. They are for each of us. We all have talents, opportunities, and positions that empower us to make a difference. Perhaps everything we have experienced, our successes, our struggles, has been preparing us for this moment. As we face the challenges of Jewish life today, we too must ask ourselves: Who knows? Maybe this is why I am here, to stand up for what is right, to be a beacon of truth, courage, and moral strength for our people.

Is there an area where I can do more? A place where I can find my voice or deepen my Jewish involvement?

I encourage you to join this special Shabbos as we remember not only the persecutions, hardships and struggles of our past, but the resilience that has carried us forward. And as the Book of Esther concludes: “For the Jews, there was light, happiness, joy, and honor.” Let’s bring that light and joy into our lives and community.

And most of all, let’s come together to celebrate at our grand Purim celebration, Purim in the ’80s, an unforgettable event where the entire community, adults, teens, and children, unite in joy. Delicious food will be served, including gourmet brick oven pizza, salads, and desserts. It’s always the talk of the town, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Wishing you a beautiful Shabbat and a week filled with blessings.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos 

We need Purim this year. YOU need Purim this year.

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday, the world witnessed the heartbreaking funeral of Shiri, Ariel, and baby Kfir Bibas. Thousands of Israelis lined streets and highways to pay their final respects as the bodies were driven from Tel Aviv to Kibbutz Nir Oz, the very place where this young family was last united.

The streets were filled with Israeli flags, orange balloons, yellow ribbons, Batman costumes, and signs reading “Slichah.” During his eulogy, Yarden Bibas, facing the unfathomable trauma of his own 500 days in captivity on top of burying his beloved wife and precious children, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Shiri, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you all.”

Dana Silberman-Sitton, sister of Shiri Bibas, spoke emotionally at the funeral. She said, “They will not defeat us, they will not break us. On the contrary, their mission failed because we united, because we grew stronger, because we became invincible. They lost.”

The Bibas children became our children. Their father, Yarden, held hostage for 484 days, tortured physically and psychologically with no knowledge of his wife and children’s fate, became our brother. Today, his grief is our grief, his pain is our pain, and his recovery is our recovery.

Iconic landmarks and monuments from New York to Niagara Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Belgrade, Brussels, Rome, Madrid, and many Israeli Embassies around the world were illuminated in orange to honor their memory.

And now it is our turn to illuminate our light in the actions we do. As King Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes, “And the living shall take it to heart,” teaching us that to truly honor those we love is not only in our grief but in our actions.

There are many meaningful ways we can honor those we have lost by performing mitzvot.

Tomorrow night, gather your family to light Shabbat candles with your children in the memory of Ariel and Kfir. Hang a mezuzah on your child’s bedroom door, bake challah with them, and say an extra prayer this Shabbat. Give Charity in their honor. 

As Rachel Goldberg Polin and Jon Polin shared words from their son Hersh, who was murdered after being held captive, “If you have the WHY, you’ll find the HOW.” We each have a ‘Why,’ because we all feel the profound loss. We will now find the ‘How.’ We will find the strength to move forward together and honor their memory, and all those we lost.

Today, the new month of Adar begins, a month deeply associated with joy because of Purim. One of the expressions tied to Adar appears in the scroll of Esther: “Venahafoch hu” – everything flips. Just as in the Megillah, where impending doom is suddenly overturned by salvation, similar surprises can occur in our world today and even in our own lives. At the last minute, evil will give way to good, and darkness will be driven out by light.

So let’s come together this Purim!  Let’s stand together, celebrate together, and illuminate the darkness with the joy and resilience of Am Yisroel.

It is precisely, in these insane times, that we ought to muster our strength not to give in to the natural feelings of fear, anger, and sadness that can arise in these situations. And, instead, we choose to throw a party! To say L'chaim! To dress up! To send gifts to our friends and charity to the poor.

It is specifically in this year of 2025 when we need the light of Purim more than usual.

We need to hear the story of the Megillah and how G-d saved the people from total annihilation.

…How queen Esther through courage and faith, managed to be the right person at the right time to save her people.

…How Haman, who seemed to be the strong archenemy of the Jewish people, ended up on the gallows while the Jewish people got to make a holiday out of this day!

We need Purim this year. YOU need Purim this year.

So, won't you come on along to our Purim festivities and bring light and joy into a world that needs it more than ever! www.chabadnaples.com/purim 

Together we will turn the world downside up, and like in the days of Purim we will accomplish V’nahapoch Hu – we will turn it all around and bring light, love and laughter to our hurting world.

See you there!

Shabbat Shalom with Love & Light,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos 

Heartbreaking day

Dear Friends,

The cruel and monstrous murders of Shiri Bibas and her sweet boys, Kfir and Ariel, have shaken us all to the core. The Jewish people and all good people worldwide weep in anguish, devastated beyond words. Tears flow, our hearts ache, and we are overcome with unbearable pain. 

The evil is incomprehensible.

The indifference and the silence of the world around us is so so loud.

And the painful exile and suffering of Jews continues in our generation

Finding the right words feels impossible, but on a heartbreaking day like yesterday, and after 15 months of such pain, we must remind ourselves that, thank God, we stand with life and goodness, on the right side of history. We are the ones whose young people risk their lives to protect the lives of children. We are the ones who feel the pain of the Bibas children as if they were our own family.

In our Torah portion, Mishpatim, we are taught how to live as a moral Jew. How to properly treat your employees, how to be a responsible caretaker of your animals, the importance of not hurting another human being and what our obligations are if we do, how to have a judicial system that is just and impartial, the vitality of being kind to a stranger, the commandment to refrain from creating public hazards, prohibitions against bribery and lying, the Mitzvah to care for an orphan and widow, and the prime Jewish idea of giving to the poor and vulnerable, so they are not left destitute, hungry or homeless.

This is Judaism and this is who Jews are.

We love.

We care.

We empathize.

We do good.

Let's honor their holy and precious souls as they are brought to burial, and as difficult as it seems, let's try to channel today's emotions into actions. Action in confronting our enemies, action in improving ourselves, strengthening our unity, increasing in mitzvot, and reciting prayers and Psalms in their loving memory.

Let's join together this Shabbat at the Chabad of Naples Mishpacha to honor their precious souls. 

Shiri, Ariel and Kfir you will  never be forgotten. Your red flaming fire and light will continue on and in the strongest of ways.

 We will be prouder Jews

We will be stronger Jews

We will ensure your flame lives on through more Torah, through more Mitzvot, and through the strength of the lion of JUDAH.

This is your name, sweet Ariel and Kfir - both mean lion. You will bring out our lion and strength, and your death will not be in vain.

We are all Bibas. 

May the memory of Shiri Bas Yosef, Ariel Ben Yarden, Kfir Ben Yarden and Oded Ben Bilhah remind us how blessed we are to be part of Am Hanetzach, the eternal nation.

We pray that God will finally wipe away all tears, heal the broken hearts, and bring true comfort to us all.

With broken hearts and much love.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

A Shabbat of Song, A Symphony of Souls

Dear Friends, 

This Shabbat has a beautiful name to it. It's called Shabbat Shira - it's the Shabbos of song. A Shabbos dedicated to song. Could you imagine that?

Why the name? Because in this week's Torah portion we read about the awesome song that Moses and the Jewish nation sang after they crossed the reed sea. In their gratitude, they broke out in song and melody, men, women and children. The words of their song have been inserted into the daily morning prayers. It's known as the Az Yashir.

We honor this song by dedicating the Shabbos to song.

There are many special things about song. Here are two:

1. When many people talk at once it's called interruption. When many sing together we call it harmony! The more the merrier! There is nothing more beautiful than a packed shul singing the prayers together. Each person adds value to the song.

2. You could listen to the same speech once, maybe twice if you're lucky. How many times can you listen to a song you love? Endless! There is something so beautiful about song that we could never tire from the melodies which uplift us.

These are just two examples of the uniqueness of song. And in these times we need song more than ever.

Song has a way of freeing our spirits. It allows us to feel uplifted even when the news makes us feel otherwise. It is one of the greatest medicines against sadness and despondency.

And this is what makes Chabad of Naples so special. When you walk in on Shabbat morning, whether at 10:30 or 11:00, you’ll find song, joy, and unity filling the room. It’s not just about the melodies it’s about the spirit, the togetherness, and the uplifting energy we create when we sing as one.

This Shabbat is also deeply significant because in 1951, the Rebbe officially assumed the mantle of leadership, inspiring a movement that has brought light, warmth, and song not only to Jewish communities but to people all around the world.

So come join us this Shabbat. Let’s sing together, celebrate together, and embrace the harmony that makes our community so extraordinary. Because at Chabad of Naples, song isn’t just something we sing, it’s something we live.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos  


Never lose your spirit

Dear Friends, 

Do you know how the Jews reacted when Moses came to tell them the news that they will be leaving Egypt? Think they partied and danced? Not quite… “And they did not listen to Moses out of shortness of breath.”

The Hebrew word for breath is Ruach. But Ruach also means “spirit”. This passage can be translated as "And they did not listen to Moses out of lack of spirit."

In the history of Egypt not a single slave had ever escaped. How could an entire nation ever walk free? Moses was a dreamer, they thought. It is just not realistic to hold out such high hopes, only to have them dashed yet again. And so the people were utterly despondent and spiritless and, therefore, they could not hear, i.e. absorb, Moses’ message.

It happens all too often. People become so set in their mediocrity that they give up hope of ever achieving the breakthrough. This is true for marriages, careers or our spiritual aspirations, we lose the desire to dream. 

The Torah is teaching us never to lose our ‘spirit’, our hopes, our dreams and resolve!

If you’re ever feeling like your Ruach—your spirit—needs a boost, I have the perfect remedy. Come to the world-famous Chabad of Naples on Shabbat. Join us at 11 a.m. for the Torah reading, and experience an atmosphere like no other.

Here, you’ll feel the warmth of community, the connection of family, and the love that transcends barriers. You're sure to leave with a renewed sense of spirit—a Ruach unlike anything you’ve felt before.

Let the incredible energy of Chabad of Naples remind you that your spirit can always soar.

Wishing you a Shabbat of inspiration and renewal,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

From Pain to Prayer: A Call for Compassion and Hope

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. And we pray that Israel achieve a swift and miraculous victory against her enemies, bringing peace to the land from the south to the north, from east to the west. 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, we conclude with an urgent prayer that G-d, in His infinite love for each of His children, extend that love to the 98 remaining hostages, including Kfir Bibas who turns two tomorrow. May He swiftly and miraculously reunite them ALL with their families, bringing them home in safety and joy.

And may we merit to see the day when all evil is indeed removed from the earth, as all of G-d’s children shall live side by side, in good health, security, peace and tranquility. Amen!

**** 

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. 

With love,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos  

 

From Pain to Prayer

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  


Our hearts are in the West

 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 


Wishing you and your family the very best in 2025

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

Three Hours Ago I received a Call, Just When It Mattered Most

*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  TIMING.jpg

WOW! THANK YOU!!!

Ladies Hands up.jpg

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

 

A heartfelt note on day four of the campaign

Community.jpgLet 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.

Good.JPGMake 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 

 

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