Rabbi Fishel's Blog - Chabad of Naples

Just enjoy the Manna

Friday, July 30, 2021 - 7:34 AM

Money is not the most important thing in the world. Love is. Fortunately, I love money. – Jackie Mason

When the Jews left Egypt, they went out into the wilderness. How did they survive? G-d. For example, when they awoke in the morning, they found Heaven-sent Manna on the ground outside their tents.

The Manna was white, a bit bland-looking, but it had whatever taste you desired. Fettuccine Alfredo for lunch? You got it. Grandma’s brisket with mashed potatoes for dinner? That was the exact taste in your mouth.

But there was a wrinkle. You couldn’t store the Manna for tomorrow; if you tried to save some, it miraculously spoiled.

The Talmud points out that the Manna – for all its wonders - had two elements that were dissatisfying to the human psyche/palate.

A. There was no sense of security. Since they couldn’t put away for a rainy day, they ate well today, but with unease about tomorrow.

B. People eat with their eyes. The Manna tasted great, but the bland appearance detracted from the pleasure.

In more modern words: They were objectively given wealth, but they subjectively felt dissatisfaction/’poverty’.

Our society is blessed with plenty; just three generations ago, this lifestyle was unimaginable. Believe it or not, we have our very own Manna from Heaven.

Recognize it.

Let’s use and save our money wisely; let’s also recognize that our wealth is ultimately G-d’s blessing, our Manna. Sharing, by giving to charity, shows that awareness.

Let your senses enjoy life’s pleasures, but don’t get too bummed out if you’re not touching every single sensual base. Don’t get in your own way.

Just enjoy the Manna.

Shabbat Shalom with Love & Light,

Spend a moment meditating on this teaching

Sunday, July 11, 2021 - 4:10 PM

Dear Friends,

The Jewish People’s journey from Egypt to Israel was anything but efficient. It featured 42 different journeys spanning 40 years. There were numerous setbacks and obstacles.

Now, at the cusp of entering the Holy Land, Moses recounts all of these journeys in the opening of this week’s Torah Portion.

But why bother giving this long account? Many of these trips involved unpleasant incidents – was there really a reason to bring them up again?

Many of the trips appeared negative as they first unfolded. But now, after these 40 years of growth, the Jewish People were able to go back and reframe each of those journeys and see a deeper good within them. All 42 journeys, even those that represented tremendous failure (golden calf, spies, etc) were part of the nation's healing process and springboards to their growth as a people.

The Baal Shem Tov shared an incredible mystical teaching about this Torah section. He explains that these “42 stops” are not just the history of our people but the story of each of our lives today.

In his words: “The forty-two ‘stations’ from Egypt to the Promised Land are replayed in the life of every individual Jew, as the soul journeys from its descent to earth at birth to its return to its Source.”

Spend a moment meditating on that teaching. Imagine your life as one long book containing 42 chapters. See yourself as a character in a cosmic play. Envision the great author, G-d, directing all events that transpire, yet, at the same time, giving you freedom of choice in your moral decisions.

And for many of us, some chapters in our life seem overly challenging. Perhaps senseless. And then there were times we really blew it as a result of our own poor choices.

We can discover how difficult moments lead to our greatest growth. They form our identity. They make our personal story the uplifting drama that it is --- one that changes the world, and ourselves, for the better.

Wishing you a great week ahead,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Our hearts, minds and prayers are with the families

Friday, July 2, 2021 - 6:35 PM

Dear Friends,

It has been over a week since the Champlain Tower South collapsed in Surfside. It has been over a week of anxiety, heartfelt prayers, and an unending hope to finally hear some good news. Our hearts, minds and prayers are with the families of the disaster.

The situation is horrific. Think about it. People doing what is usually the least dangerous thing in the world. Sleeping in their own homes, in their own beds, in the middle of the night.

To think that all of this can come crashing down in just a few moments is terrifying.The families of those who are missing are going through excruciating pain that is beyond description.

We can pray... And pray we do. First and foremost, for those missing and for their families and loved ones whose lives have been torn apart. We also pray for all the rest of us, that our lives be healthy and safe. Successful and blessed.

Then there is the horrific stabbing of an innocent and defenseless rabbi in Boston, a short distance from the children’s summer camp at his shul. Our prayers for a complete and swift return to good health go out to Rabbi Shlomo Noginsky, husband and father of 12, as he recovers from the horrific attack.

Do we question, from where can we get our strength and our hope at times like this? That comes from within, and from our faith. Now more than ever we need to be there for each other, to offer prayers and support in as many ways as we can, and to take action with mitzvot.

We hear all of their cries of sorrow and we cry with each one who suffers: as humans, we all suffer. Along with prayers, consider food, shelter, and clothing for all the homeless at Surfside, we see how our wide-reaching Chabad family steps in to help when needed.

Our approaching Independence Day means different things to each of us, but above all, perhaps we could humbly celebrate a sense of gratitude for all the good that is in our lives, and how each of us can expand upon what is positive to bring light and hope to others.

Hope seems like such a simple thing, but to some in troubled times it may also seem out of reach. Let’s try to bring a gift of love, hope and appreciation of the good elements of freedom to each other, for Shabbat and for all the days ahead.

As we keep the victims, families and brave first responders at Surfside in our prayers, please keep your eye on the weather map and potential of now-Hurricane Elsa possibly headed this way as early as Sunday.

May the Almighty have mercy on all those missing in this horrendous Surfside tragedy. And may the Almighty protect us all from further tragedies and bless us all with everything safe, healthy, happy and good.

With love and blessings,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos