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Rabbi Fishel's Blog

THANKSGIVING COMES IN TWO PARTS: THANKS AND GIVING

THANKSGIVING COMES IN TWO PARTS: THANKS AND GIVING

Just look at the word Thanksgiving. Part of it is about ’thanks’ and the other part about ‘giving’. Let’s keep that in mind.
 

Although we should never need to set aside a special day to be thankful for all of our blessings, this should be even more evident on Thanksgiving this year. 

As we are well aware, our celebrations this year will have a somewhat different look.

Let us be grateful for whatever blessings we have, great and small. 

Tomorrow, we’ll read how our Patriarch Jacob had to flee his murderous brother Esau.  On the run, but trusting G-d, Jacob makes a vow: If I can make it, survive and thrive, I’ll remember Your kindness. I won’t take it for granted, assuming my smarts and know-how got me through. I’ll appreciate. I’ll give back to You, G-d. I’ll give back to You by giving to my community. I’ll acknowledge my blessings from You by committing to improving the world through community.

While every day should be devoted to giving thanks, there’s something beautiful in society choosing a day to emphasize it. As we approach this national holiday of Thanksgiving, as we think about the things in our lives for which we are grateful, we feel especially blessed and grateful to be part of a wonderful community, here in Naples, FL. In these times of hardship and difficulty for so many we feel grateful for all the blessings in our life we might have otherwise taken for granted.  

This is an opportune time then, to express our gratitude for all the great friends that make up the wonderful Chabad of Naples & Preschool of the Arts community. 

As we share in this spirit, we are thankful for your support, your friendship and enabling our important work at Chabad Naples & Preschool of the Arts. 

We are grateful to you today and every day.

That is the ’thanks' part.  Now for the ‘giving’.

Let’s share those blessings by reaching out to others with a few words, to let them know we don’t need special days to think about them. 

In the days leading up to the Thanksgiving and in those following it, don’t forget to think of others, and to let them know you care. And let us hope and pray together for a quick return to a healthy world of love and light. 

May we all continue to share our blessings with others and be there to support each other as an expression of our gratitude. 

Shabbat Shalom with Love & Light,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos 

 

I LOVE CHABAD

 Love habad.jpg

❤️❤️❤️

After the Hebrew School students left today, Morah Kathy Cohen was picking up items from the table when she found this napkin from one of her 8-year old students who wrote it after she finished her assignment early.

I was so moved by this child’s writing, recognizing this is what it’s all about: love and light and making sure the students and everyone with whom we have contact feel they have a home.

We need this, just to say "I love you too” to others.

Sometimes, in the midst of darkness, and uncertainty, a bright light appears. These true little vignettes restore our hope and faith.

I hope Giuliana’s message touches you as well.

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