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Rabbi Fishel's Blog

Our reaction to disappointment and pain

Dear Friends, 

In this week's designated Torah portion of Pinchas, we read about Moshe, one of the greatest leaders of the Jewish people, who is informed that he will not be able to enter the land of Israel.

After leading the Jews out of Egypt and leading them through the dessert for 40 years, experiencing the land of Israel was at the heart and center of his life. It was his lifelong dream to see his people settled in their true home. And now, that privilege and pleasure was being denied to him. G-d lovingly told him no.

And yet. 

The Torah tells us that Moshe's "eyes never dimmed." He did not allow his initial hurt and disappointment crush him. Because ultimately, this, too, came from G-d. And therefore, he accepted this.

Every literal story in the Torah has a spiritual message for all time.

Every one of us, by virtue of being human, has had dreams that have gone unfulfilled.

It is part of the reality of life.

But if we can respond to the denied dreams like Moshe...accept that there is a Divine hand that wills what is good for us, and what is best unfulfilled...our eyes will never dim.

Yes, there is the human reaction of disappointment and pain- a loved one that died too soon, an opportunity that didn't quite actualize, a child that didn't quite fulfill our expectations- but then there is the gift of knowing, that in the midst of my pain, is the idea of Divine Providence. 

That ultimately, what has actualized in my life, and what has not actualized in my life, is exactly the way it is meant to be.

May we be privileged to see only revealed good in our life's dreams and aspirations.

****
Bronze over Silver

The Olympic Games kick off tonight in Paris. Over the next few weeks, we will witness dreams come true and crumble in real time.

Imagine you’ve spent years training and preparing for the Olympics. You’ve worked hard, made sacrifices, and dreamt of your moment on the world stage. Only one person can win gold, but there are two other medals up for grabs – silver and bronze. Which would you rather win?

Dr. Victoria Medvec's study examined the reactions of Olympic silver and bronze medallists and found that bronze medallists tend to be happier than silver. Surprisingly, third place often feels better than second. 

Why? The silver medallist thinks, “I almost won gold,” whereas the bronze medallist reflects, “I almost missed a medal, but I won!” It’s all about perspective. The silver medallist focuses on what could have been; the bronze medallist celebrates what is.

We often let our blessings be overshadowed by what might have been. Few of us naturally think like a bronze medallist, appreciating the goals met against the odds.

A special shout-out to the 88 brave and talented athletes of the Israeli Olympic Team. Unlike any other competing nation, Israeli athletes have been subjected to death threats. May all athletes and their staff enjoy safety and success in Paris!

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

This week's Kiddush is being sponsored by Dave and Sue Schaffel in honor of Dave's birthday. Mazel Tov!

Prayers, blessings, and thanks

 Fishey Rebbe.JPG

Dear Friends, 

This Tuesday, June 9, I will be in New York, at the gravesite of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, my teacher and mentor. I will be joined by more than 50 thousand people from across the globe who will be visiting the Rebbe's holy resting place on this auspicious day.

Although I find it too difficult to capture his essence in words on paper, I will say that His leadership was always with his contagious smile and selfless love. Where many saw separation and discord, the Rebbe saw unity; those whom others shunned, the Rebbe embraced with unconditional fatherly love. The Rebbe cared for another human being because he saw the G-dly spark in each of us and the great potential of goodness that lies within. He dedicated his life to bringing the inner light of as many human beings as possible, to the fore. 

Even after his passing in 1994, it's fair to say that - through his thousands of students spread all over the world - the Rebbe continues to inspire millions - Jews and non-Jews alike - to bring a little more goodness and kindness into the dark world we live in. His legacy truly lives on!

It was this mission of love for every individual and a vision of a perfected world that inspired our lifetime move to Naples, FL. We carry not only his memory but his messages with us on a daily basis.

When I look around in amazement at this beautiful Alex & Carol Glassman Chabad oasis that we have created together here in Naples, FL, I know that what we see today and all that follows in the future is a credit to his blessings and guidance. As I stand at the ohel (gravesite) with a threefold mission -- prayers, blessings, and thanks -- I know I am fulfilling part of his dream and mine. 

****

It is a Jewish tradition to visit the resting place of a saintly person with the heartfelt wish that he join our prayers to the Almighty, for blessings for ourselves and our loved ones.

I will make a quick trip to visit the Rebbe's holy resting-place for prayer on this auspicious day, among over 50,000 others, with the heartfelt wish that he beseech the Almighty on our behalf, for blessings for ourselves and our loved ones. 

While prayer at any time and virtually in any place is certainly a good thing, this day and at this very holy place is a particularly appropriate time to offer our prayers to Hashem.

It would be an honor to bring letters and blessing requests on behalf of you and your family which you can send to me via email: [email protected]

While writing the letter, remember to include your name and your mother's name and those of anyone else you would like me to mention, I would be glad to include them. If you have something in particular you would like to pray for, please mention it as well.

May all our prayers be fulfilled.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

 


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