Dear Friends,
Some messages are so timeless they cross every boundary of age, language, and background. This week’s Torah portion, Va’etchanan, contains the prayer of Shema Yisrael. The greatest and oldest Jewish prayer, a mantra the world needs now more than ever.
It tells us to love G-d with all our heart and all our might, and then immediately says: “Teach these words to your children.” Why the sequence? Because we can only teach what we ourselves truly love.
Children have a way of sensing what is real to us. They absorb the joy when we light Shabbat candles, the pride in a mitzvah well done, the warmth of a family meal, and the good vibes that fill our homes. Our tone, our energy, and our everyday atmosphere become their unspoken lessons.
If our homes are filled with joy, warmth, and meaningful Jewish experiences, that is what will take root in the next generation. And it matters not only for children, the same love and positive energy shape our friendships, families, and community.
During WWII, a million English children were evacuated from London to the countryside to escape the devastating Nazi blitz. To the surprise of many, studies found those who stayed with their parents in the city, despite the bombs, suffered less emotionally. Physical safety is vital, but the deepest sense of security comes from family unity and love.
This week, as we prepare to welcome students back to the Jay and Patty Baker Preschool of the Arts, I am inspired beyond words. For the past 15 years, since founding the preschool, I have watched Etti pour her heart and soul into every single detail. Every single day. I have been moved by the dedication of our teachers, administration, staff, and everyone involved, who fill this place with so much love and warmth.
And that same spirit is what you feel whenever you walk into the workd famous Alex & Carol Glassman Chabad of Naples. It is not just the words we share in shul or the prayers on our lips, but the camaraderie, the song, the friendship, the l’chaims, and the joy we share together.
In that light, I cannot help but think of the heartbreaking images of Evyatar David that shook us to our core this week. We screamed out Shema Yisrael. It is a powerful reminder of the preciousness of every life and how deeply the Jewish people need one another’s love, support, and unity.
People often say, “I’m going to give my children what I didn’t have.” That is beautiful. But make sure to also give them what you did have, the warmth, the love, and the values that shaped you.
So here is the challenge: Begin and end each day with this simple reminder—Shema Yisrael with all your heart. Fill your home with love and joy. That spirit will outlast any challenge and shape the people we, and our children, become.
This Shabbat is Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat of comfort. There is no doubt that filling our homes with love, unity, and faith is what will bring true comfort to ourselves and to those around us. May it bring comfort to all, may the hostages return home without delay, and may peace and light fill the world.
Shabbat Shalom with Love & Light,
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos