Rabbi Fishel's Blog - Chabad of Naples

How I’m choosing to Rejoice this Rosh Hashana

Friday, September 27, 2024 - 5:19 PM

Dear Friends,

At the end of each year we often feel like giving a big groan, or as they say in Yiddish "a krechtz," about the year that passed. Each year has blessings and challenges, and often it’s the challenges that seem to stand out more in our minds.

This past year is definitely one of those years that the krechtz, and even a tear, feels justified. You don’t need me to tell you how hard this year has been for all of us. Three weeks after Rosh Hashanah, on the happiest Yomtov (Jewish holiday) of the year, Simchat Torah, our lives were changed forever as we heard the news of the devastating destruction, known to the world as the events of October 7th.

And now we approach Rosh Hashanah again, and the whole month of festivities that follow. To be honest, it will be a struggle. Every day seems to bring a new piece of troubling news that we add to the burden on our shoulders. Feeling the joy that is the big commandment of the holidays of Sukkot and Simchat Torah will be an uphill battle.

Let me share with you a few ideas that I will hold onto as I commit myself to find joy in these difficult times.

1.⁠ ⁠If I give into the pain and despair then I have handed a small win to the terrorists. They want nothing more than to break the spirit of our people, not only in Israel but worldwide. I won’t give them that satisfaction.

2.⁠ ⁠⁠I believe that I honor the lost lives by choosing to live as an open, proud and joyous Jew. By choosing to celebrate I am not dishonoring their memory, but rather I am continuing their legacy. They died for being Jewish so I will keep their spirit alive by being as proudly and happily Jewish as I can be. For them. Even those who have passed can still receive loving care packages, and those are the Mitzvot and acts of goodness and kindness that we do. When we choose to go forward, it is a gift to the souls we lost.

3.⁠ ⁠⁠Unfortunately, this isn’t our first rodeo, as our nation has been through so much pain over thousands of years. October 7th and many months of war and loss that followed––while horrific, painful, and unimaginable––are sadly part of a difficult history of loss and pain that we have endured. Amongst the lessons we’ve learned is that we outlive our tormentors every single time. We are an eternal people and we never go away, because our faith, values and our bond with G-d are unbreakable. So we celebrate the fact that we know we will overcome. We know how the story ends. We will yet arrive to a world of peace, love and kindness. We never stop believing in a better future. And we know that it will come. Am Yisrael Chai (the Jewish people live on)!

4.⁠ ⁠⁠And finally, in our own private darkness that so many of us are battling––fraught with our personal pain, hurt and loss––we would be wise to remember the truth that the darkness in our heart is dispelled by kindling the light in the heart of the other. Our inner healing opens outwards, and the more we give to others the more we heal our own pain. Now is the time to touch the hearts of others, by making a positive impact in their lives. At Chabad of Naples we consider this idea our guiding light and ethos––to add light and love in the hearts of those around us. So join us this High Holidays! We look forward to gathering together in a spirit of joy.

May we see better days in our community, our Holy Land, our people and for good people the world over very soon. We continue to pray for the remaining hostages to be released and to return home safely to the comfort of their families. And a swift end to the suffering felt by people everywhere.

תכלה שנה וקללותיה, תחל שנה וברכותיה

May this year and its curses end. May the new year with its blessings begin.

(High holidays liturgy)

Shana Tova!

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos

Where were you on September 11, 2001?

Friday, September 13, 2024 - 10:04 AM

Dear Friends,

This past Wednesday, we once again faced the difficult question: Where were you on September 11, 2001?

On this 23rd year since 9/11, I can’t help but recall where I was when I heard the news (Chicago Yeshiva) and my reaction of shock. What stays with me is how, in the days following, New Yorkers—and Americans—seemed a little kinder, a little less hurried. There was a shared sense of grief and unity, with people becoming more open and compassionate in their interactions.

But the question goes beyond geography. Where were you emotionally? Where were we as a society? And, more importantly, where are we now?

There’s a story of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Chabad Rebbe, who was asked why G-d asked Adam, “Where are you?” in the Garden of Eden. The Alter Rebbe explained that "Ayekah—where are you?" is a timeless question. It asks, "Where are you in your life? What have you accomplished with the time you’ve been given?"

As we reflect on September 11, let’s ask, "Where are we now?" Have we grown? My challenge to you—and myself—is to rekindle that sense of kindness, starting with our families and extending outward. Let’s practice random acts of kindness Let’s practice random acts of kindness, be a little more open, a little more patient, and a little more understanding of others. Together, we can heal ourselves and the world, one step at a time. What greater tribute can we offer on 9/11?

Let us never forget the heroism of those who survived, those who saved others, and those who gave their lives. We stand together in unity and friendship to honor them.

Let us honor the memory of those we lost by living with purpose and determination. If a handful of terrorists could turn our world upside down, let us never underestimate the power within each of us to turn it upright again.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie

The Shofar is Calling: A call for unity, hope and action

Friday, September 6, 2024 - 9:16 AM

Dear Friends,

We are all mourning the tragic murders of the six hostages.

Six beautiful and precious souls.

Each one a life, a light, and a story of their own...

Our hearts are crushed as we grieve with their families during this time of unimaginable pain.

As their families sit Shiva and begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives, we find ourselves asking what we can do for the souls of those we’ve lost and how we can support their grieving families. How can we comfort our aching hearts? What can we do with the anger and frustration that many of us feel inside?

Here are two suggestions:

Shabbat: Join us this Shabbat at 11:00 a.m. for the Torah reading, followed by a speech by Rabbi Fishel, where he will share messages of hope and comfort during this difficult time. We will also hold a memorial prayer honoring the six hostages, offer prayers for the release of those still held captive, and pray for Israel, peace, and our country.

Rachel Polin, Hersh’s mother, spoke with such strength and grace when she expressed gratitude for her son’s 23 years of life and asked for continued support as her family navigates this new chapter. Her words remind us of the importance of holding one another up in times of sorrow.

Someone who faced terrible tragedy once said, “Pain is a reality, but suffering is a choice.” It pains us to see the choices some Jews are making—blaming each other and deepening our pain.

The division we show the world only serves those who want to weaken us. Let us take Rachel’s words to heart. Let us draw near to one another and to God, seeking healing and resilience. Even in the darkest times, there is light to be found.

Let’s come together as we did on October 8th, not fall back into the division of October 6th.

This new month of Elul reminds us that Byachad n’natzeiach—together, we shall prevail. It is only by standing as one nation that we can overcome the challenges before us and ensure a safer, stronger future for Israel, the Jewish People, and the entire world. Our unity as individuals and as a community will provide solace and strength as we navigate these trying times.

Mitzvot: Let’s each take on one mitzvah. A single mitzvah has incredible power—it brings protection, blessings, and spiritual light to the world, especially in dark times. Every good deed we perform has a ripple effect, both here and in Israel. By taking upon ourselves even one mitzvah, whether it’s lighting Shabbat candles, giving tzedakah, or another meaningful act, we actively contribute to the safety and well-being of our brothers and sisters the world over. What we do here truly makes a difference there.

On Wednesday, I had the privilege of joining my friend, Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky, at a long-overdue UN Security Council session focused on the hostages, thanks to the invitation of Ambassador Danny Danon. True to form, the U.N. revealed its true colors, with many ambassadors offering empty words about the hostages while simultaneously condemning Israel.

As I sat there, it was mind-boggling to reflect on the passage of time—335 days have passed since so many of our brothers and sisters were taken. These innocent souls continue to languish in captivity. The world, in many ways, seems to move on, and some nations remain silent or indifferent to their suffering.

I felt it deeply, standing with the ambassador, supporting Israel, and witnessing the strength of the Israeli delegation amidst the heartbreak. But it’s clear—our voices matter, what we do here reverberates across the world. We must call out, plead, and do everything in our power to bring attention to this grave injustice. While many may turn away, we cannot. We will not.

Ambassador Danon delivered a powerful message, urging the UNSC to pass a clear resolution denouncing the atrocities of October 7th, which tragically continue. It was an honor to wrap Tefillin and blow the Shofar for members of the Israeli mission. Am Yisroel Chai!

As we approach Shabbat, let us gather together to pray for the release of all the hostages, and let us honor the memories of those whose lives were senselessly taken and stand in unity, doing whatever we can to help. Every prayer, every act of kindness, and every moment of solidarity counts.

May we see better days in our community, our Holy Land, our people and for good people the world over very soon.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

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