Sharing some personal introspection on campaign day five
Dear Friends,
This week I’ve been blessed to speak with so many more community members than usual, thanks to everyone who has been calling in and stopping by, or who I’ve called over the last few days since the start of our campaign.
Through all these conversations, something really struck me about our uniquely beautiful community. Let me explain from the beginning…
Chanukah is celebrated during the darkest time of year. When the days are short, and the nights are cold and long.
The greatest miracles of the small and weak winning over the big and strong, and of the little flames flickering on for eight days—we celebrate those on days when there’s more dark than light.
Because it’s when things seem difficult and bleak that we need to gather together and create more light. And it’s in those bleak times that we really discover the flame inside of us and learn to appreciate its power.
The past few months have been difficult times for our community. Between the hurricane devastation and aftermath, rising antisemitism, and constant difficult news—we’ve really been thrown into a dark place.
But instead of giving in, our community came together; we found our deepest lights and shone them strong. We pulled each other up, volunteered as a team, helped our neighbors out, ate together, and brought food and blessings to anyone in need.
Everyone saw, bright and clear, that the Chabad of Naples and Preschool of the Arts community is a force to be reckoned with—a force of light, warmth, and love.
Each night of Chanukah we add another flame, until we push all the darkness away.
In our community too; we keep adding light. Now it’s time for us to expand our beautiful Preschool of the Arts and community building, a place to grow children and families who will make the world a brighter place.
Join me, and add more light than you’ve ever done before. Tell your friends too, we’re building this masterpiece of goodness together—a menorah that shines brighter each day.
Don’t wait, donate now: www.chabadnaples.com/letsgrow
Thank you for bringing your brightest flame to our community,
Rabbi Fishel Zaklos