Rabbi Fishel's Blog - Chabad of Naples

A day of tenacity, resilience, and a commitment to carry on

Friday, May 24, 2024 - 12:56 PM

Dear Friends,

This Sunday is Lag B'Omer, a day filled with endless energy for reaching our deepest, often hidden potential.

It's the day of the passing of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the great Talmudic scholar who authored the Zohar, the classic work of Kaballah. He asked that his day of passing not be a sad one, rather that it be celebrated.

It also marks when the plague stopped among the students of Rabbi Akiva. And here is the powerful message:

When Rabbi Akiva lost 24,000 students, he didn't become hopeless; he didn't give up or give in. When the last funeral concluded, when the last shiva was observed, on Lag Ba'Omer, he found five new students and started again.

It is explained that Lag Ba'Omer is the celebration of never becoming hopeless or despondent. It is a day of tenacity, resilience, and a commitment to carry on and to continue our magnificent heritage and sacred mission in this world. The message is clear: keep the fire burning. Keep the passion, energy, and enthusiasm going. Live the legacy of Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, and the holy souls we've lost since October 7.

As you light the candles tonight, pray for yourself and your family, but also for all those who will spend this Shabbos without their loved ones. Pray for the hostages and for the holy land of Israel, the Jewish people, and the world over, for light, love, and peace.

Lag Ba'Omer is a special day of unity. When God looks down and sees His children united, He opens the heavens and showers blessings upon us all. Let's come together this Sunday at 5 PM. Looking forward to seeing you. FREE with RSVP at www.chabadnaples.com/BBQ

Wishing you an early happy Lag B'omer!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

"Rabbi, can I give you a hug?"

Friday, May 17, 2024 - 11:31 AM

Dear Friends,

Last week, we celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of Dan Kramer at 83 years old. It was a moving and powerful experience. While I was sharing a few words and blessing him, just after he was called up to the Torah for the first time in his life, he turned to me in front of the entire crowd of over a hundred people and asked, "Rabbi, can I give you a hug?" I said sure, and he gave me a huge hug. We then honored him with "Gelilah," the wrapping of the Torah. As he was wrapping the Torah, I noticed that he was also giving the Torah a hug. This is what it means to live by the mitzvot; it's never too late. Especially now, we need it more than ever.

Throughout our history, the way that we, the Jewish People, have always responded to adversity and atrocity is not by backing down from who we are and what we are, but by doubling, tripling and quadrupling down on who and what we are!... For every bit of darkness in which others may seek to engulf our world, we seek to counter that darkness with more and more saturations of light.

Despite all the hate and antisemitism in the world, it's crucial for us to live and be prouder and more joyful Jews. As we delve into this week's Torah portion, we encounter a captivating verse that encapsulates the essence of our Jewish journey: "You shall observe My statutes and My ordinances, which a man shall do and live by them. I am the Lord." The Torah is reminding us that these divine instructions are not meant to burden or confine us. No! They are the keys to unlocking a life overflowing with meaning, purpose, and joy. Each mitzvah is an invitation, a celebration, and an opportunity to truly live. It's like a cosmic nudge, urging us to embrace life in all its glory.

Judaism offers us the ultimate guidebook to seize every precious moment. Embrace life with all your heart, soul, and spirit! So, let's toast to life itself, proclaiming "L'chayim!" with every breath we take. Judaism encourages us to go beyond survival mode, beyond mere existence, and instead, to dance, sing, and revel in the symphony of life.

Remember, the mitzvot are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones to a life well-lived. They are the secret ingredients that add flavor to our days, purpose to our actions, and depth to our relationships. They are our compass, guiding us towards acts of kindness, justice, and compassion, ensuring that our every step resonates with the melody of righteousness.

So let's embrace the mitzvot, not as a burden or a duty, but as a divine gift that enhances our existence. L'chayim! To life, to love, and to the magnificent tapestry of experiences that await us all.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Meet Dan Kramer. He’s 83, and he’s my newest inspiration.

Friday, May 10, 2024 - 12:53 PM

Dan 2.jpg Dear Friends,

Meet Dan Kramer. He’s 83, and he’s my newest inspiration.

It would be normal if the sharp and often shocking rise in antisemitism would make someone want to hide their Judaism (God forbid), but Dan did the opposite!

Dan never had a Bar Mitzvah, and was never called to the Torah—until now. Despite not growing up with a strong outwards Jewish identity, and living 83 years without it, Dan decided that now he needs to wear it proud and strong.

Today, Dan prayed with Tefillin on. Then we opened the Torah to look at his Torah portion. We opened the Holocaust Torah, which was rescued and brought from Poland—where Dan’s father was born, and where things came full circle.

I hope you’ll join us this Shabbat, when Dan will get called up to the Torah for the first time, and we will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah together, only 70 years not too late!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos