Dear Friends,
Hello from Jerusalem! We’re in the middle of an incredible week with many of the Chabad Naples community here in Israel. Throughout our travels, and at every holy site, we’ve had our entire community in mind, and have been thinking of and praying for everyone back home.
Now we’re about to enter Shabbat in Jerusalem, and look forward to celebrating this special day at the kotel.
From the moment we stepped off the plane, we have been overcome by so many thoughts and emotions as we see, hear, taste, touch and feel this incredible land that the Jewish people are lucky to call home.
We have just been here a few days, but I wanted to share some of what I am currently experiencing with our dear community from Chabad Naples.
It is awesome, in every sense of the word, to walk the same soil of our ancestors, and visit the places where Samuel the prophet and King David once led our people in ancient times. Here, those figures become relevant and meaningful, a connection to our past and history like no other.
Yet, even with all the history, I have never felt Am Yisrael Chai – the Jewish people are alive! - as I did this week. As I walk Jerusalem’s streets and see the bustling Ben Yehuda Market, the people from all walks of life and every faith coming together, I am struck by the spirit and the vibrant life that is so much a part of this city. .
Here in Jerusalem I see the past, present and future of Judaism flourish, where children sing in the streets, and our brave IDF soldiers walk with a gun in one hand and a falafel in the other. I am filled with a sense of awe and respect for our incredible people living in our Land as despite all odds, they live with a fierce determination and hope.
What comes to mind is the great need to bring light to dispel
darkness in our world. There is a saying “Re’eh BiTuv Yerushalayim – see the good of
Jerusalem.”
This week we have been blessed to truly see the light of Jerusalem, and we are hoping to share this unique energy and inspiration with all of you. It is my hope that we can bring Jerusalem’s light, peace and kindness into our homes, our community and our world.
I’d like to share our wonderful experience with you, and hear your feedback. Below is an overview of what we’ve been doing—a mini journey just for you. So, what do you think? which ones are your favorite? Would you like to join us next time? Please tell me which places you’d like to visit in person!
With love and blessings,
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos
PSA: Although I am across the ocean, services WILL be taking place this week as usual at
Chabad of Naples, led by Rabbi Choni teitelbaum. I encourage you to attend and
send Rabbi Choni my best. As always, there will be a kiddush lunch, graciously sponsored by Carlos and Jill Weil.