Rabbi Fishel's Blog - Chabad of Naples

THANK YOU, REBBE

Friday, June 26, 2020 - 3:43 PM

Fishey Rebbe.JPG Ettie Rebbe.JPG

It was baschert! Even though Ettie Zaklos and I were very young, we headed in the same direction.

A day doesn’t pass, that we are not reminded of our dear Rebbe, who ignited our passion and gave our lives such meaning.

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Yesterday, marked the 26th Yahrtzeit - anniversary of passing - of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of blessed memory.

The Rebbe's love and care for every person is legendary.

The Rebbe would say, look at another human being not simply as a being but as a soul. If we focus on what makes us the same, the divine spark that is within every one of us, we stop allowing our outer differences to divide us.

The Rebbe made it his life's mission to teach every human being how they can find their connection to G-d and find their enduring path of inspiration. It was never about him.

The Rebbe embraced each person unconditionally and expected us to do the same. In today's world of division, we need this non-judgmental love and acceptance more than ever.

While the Rebbe of blessed memory was a global leader who inspired people worldwide to do good, and the driving force behind the largest Jewish outreach movement in the world, the impact and influence he had on Ettie and me is incalculable.

Young as we were when we arrived in Naples 17 years ago, with little but dreams, hope, faith and will to sustain us, we were determined to make a positive difference and contribution to this community. When we look back now we sometimes wonder if it were the naivete of youth, but on reflection, this is exactly what the Rebbe taught: harness your strength, turn ideas into action, you can and will do it.

The Rebbe's secret of success was the empowering of all those whom he met; he recognized their untapped potential, and expressed his total trust in their abilities.

let us take a moment to think about unleashing our own untapped strengths, as well as making the effort to recognize the unique, blessings, gifts, and talents of our family and friends, and patiently nurturing them.

Thank you Rebbe for infusing such powerful purpose in our lives and countless others.

We will start small and rebuild again

Friday, June 19, 2020 - 2:19 PM

As we slowly re-open the doors of our beloved Jewish Center,

we will start small and rebuild again

We all - most humans on the planet - have been agonizing over how to transition into a re-opening phase in a way that safely balances our essential functioning needs with our health needs. We know that the spiritual home you call Chabad Naples provides many essential needs - educational, emotional, and of course spiritual.

We've spent the better part of recent weeks setting out a re-opening protocol for Summer camp, and now by the grace of G-d, we're ready to re-open the Shul only for Shabbat day only. Services will be with restrictions and limited to a small number of congregants.

Please feel free to reach out with any and all questions. #inthistogether

Guiding Principles:

1. Our protocol and policies are reviewed by doctors and by rabbis who are experts in Jewish law application. (Jewish law mandates our strict adherence to medical authority as an utmost priority.)

2. Everything is subject to change, as circumstances change. We're keeping a close eye on how well Florida transitions in the coming weeks and we will modify our protocol accordingly.

3. Do what you feel is best for you - consult with your doctor as to the best way forward for your personal situation. And let's respect the rights of others to think and act differently during this time.

Click here for a description of the changes made in the center to ensure that we are all protected against the spread of COVID-19. Also outlined, is the code of behavior expected from those participating in services.

Capacity is limited and it is open by pre-registration only. If you would like to attend, please email ([email protected]) and you will receive a confirmation email. Unfortunately, it is not possible at this time to attend services without pre-registering.

The most stringent guidelines will not completely obviate all risk that remains present. Therefore, anyone over 65 and/or someone who is more vulnerable to the virus due to

an underlying health condition, is asked to carefully consider this reality and consult with their personal physician, before attending services.

We know these are uncertain and challenging times. While this email is welcome news for some, for others who either are unable to attend or who feel it remains unsafe to attend Shul at this time, it doesn't represent a significant change. We miss you, care about you, and can't wait to be together with you again.

Most importantly, we pray to Hashem to send a speedy recovery to all who are affected, to keep all of us healthy, and to protect our modern heroes who are helping our community and country during these difficult times - including healthcare workers, grocery store clerks, postal workers, delivery drivers, and so many more people.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We have no doubt that together, we will adapt well to this challenging time and, please G-d, emerge stronger as individuals and as a community.

With much love and blessings,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Arthur Seigel M.D.

www.Jewishnaples.com/Relief

Thank you in advance for your cooperation

Friday, June 12, 2020 - 3:24 PM

Dear Friend,

Below is a description of the changes made in the center to ensure that we are all protected against the spread of COVID-19. Also outlined, is the code of behavior expected from those participating in services.

This protocol adheres to the guidelines and advice provided by Center for Disease Control and was developed in consultation with infectious disease specialists who are familiar with our center. It is based on the current situation and will be revisited regularly and updated as needed.

Changes made in the Center

Chairs will be set up at a distance of at least 6 ft apart.
Services will be run in a way that ensures everyone maintains a physical distance, unless they are family members. The Ba’al Koreh (who reads the Torah) will be the only person on the Bima and the blessing on the Torah will be made by each person from their place.
Sidurim, Chumashim (prayer and Torah books) and Talitot will not be used or touched for at-least 72 hours before Services.
The doors to the sanctuary will be propped open to avoid the need to touch door handles.
The door handles at the front entrance will be disinfected after each use.
Face masks will be available for those who need. We encourage you to bring your own.
Hand sanitizers will be placed at the entrance and throughout the Shul.
Kiddush lunches are suspended until further notice.
Chabad's Shabbat Services will be held on a scaled-down level (we will begin from Boruch Sehamar).

Code of behavior:

It is imperative that every person attending services is symptom-free. If you have the slightest doubt about your health or the health of those living with you, please stay at home.
If you have traveled outside of FL, please do not attend services for 14 days. This policy will be reassessed in 4 weeks’ time.
Face masks must be worn during the entire stay in the center.
Upon entering the building, each and every person must sanitize their hands and is encouraged to use the available hand sanitizers at every opportunity. Please refrain from kissing the mezuzah or the Torah.
A physical distance of at least 6 ft. must be maintained before, during and after Services.
If you are over 65, or have underlying health conditions, please consult your medical doctor before coming out.

· If you are uncertain if this is for you, do not feel guilty or pressured to participate. Guarding your health is the most important principle.

· Upon arrival to the Shul, Anjel our security guard will check your temperature using a digital forehead thermometer.

Capacity is limited and it is open by pre-registration only. If you would like to attend, please email ([email protected]) and you will receive a confirmation email. Unfortunately, it is not possible at this time to attend services without pre-registering.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We have no doubt that together, we will adapt well to this challenging time and, please G-d, emerge stronger as individuals and as a community!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

With friendship,

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos
Arthur Seigel M.D.

ARMS STRONGER THAN OUR OWN

Friday, June 5, 2020 - 5:05 PM

These days we are surrounded by unrest, confusion and indecision.

How many times do we try to reassure ourselves and say, “Well, this crazy world could be worse...” only to find out the next day, sadly, it is!

That’s when we have to dig a little deeper and call upon Hashem. let's put politics and arguments aside and take some time to look at each other with eyes wide open and hearts open even wider.

Let’s imagine those strong arms of G-d, crushing the negativity and uncertainty. We must continue more than ever to pray for the healing of our world and all who inhabit it.

We just saw the amazing and awesome ability of mankind to rise above the planet as the Dragon spacecraft slowly and forcefully ascended into the atmosphere.

How did that make you feel?

If we are capable of that almost unbelievable feat, then nothing should stop us with the power of our prayer behind us to reach amazing heights and accomplishments.

Let us pray for the ability to rise above all the disorder and negativity that assaults us on a daily basis, and concentrate on mankind’s inherent goodness from being created in the image of G-d.

Let this image be our steadfast companion as we lead our family and friends through trying times.

With prayers for peace and security.