Dear Friends,
The world feels shaky.
With antisemitism on the rise, polarization pulling people apart, and the mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges so many are carrying, it can feel heavier than ever. You see it in the headlines, hear it in conversations, and sometimes feel it in your own heart. The pressure is real. The uncertainty is real.
And in those moments, you might find yourself asking, how are we going to get through this? How will we get through the day?
Today, I want to give you three words. Three words that I believe can help you face whatever comes your way. They come straight from this week’s Torah portion.
The Jewish people are standing on the eastern side of the Jordan River, about to enter the Promised Land. Moses speaks to them just before his passing and says: “You are crossing into a land greater than you, with cities fortified to the heavens, inhabited by the children of giants.”
It almost sounds like the report of the spies who discouraged the people years earlier, mighty nations, fortified cities, overwhelming odds. But Moses does not sugarcoat the reality. He tells them plainly that the mission will be hard.
And then he adds the words that change everything: “Hashem will go before you… He will lead the way.”
Judaism does not sell illusions or false comfort. It tells the truth. And sometimes the most powerful truth is the simplest one.
My father-in-law, such a warm and special soul, has a beautiful sincerity about him. One of the first things he told me after Ettie and I were married was: “Life is not a bowl of cherries.” He’s said many other beautiful things over the years (can't wait for him to come again and share his life lessons and L'chaim with our Chabad of Naples family), but this stands out because it came so early, and he wanted me to know it from the start.
I smiled, thinking, what a way to greet your son-in-law! But the more I thought about it, the more I realized what a gift that honesty was. It meant we were starting our marriage with our eyes open, ready to take on whatever would come our way. It meant that when life brought challenges, we would not be surprised or discouraged, we would be ready to roll up our sleeves and face them together.
That single phrase has been a touchstone for me ever since.
When we first arrived in Naples as newly-weds, we didn’t know anyone. There was no center, no building, no ready-made community. We didn’t know where to start, or even what the first step should be. And yet, our very first High Holiday service in 2003 had six people and even one child, marking the beginning of something special (pictured below).
We were very young, in a new place, with only a vision in our hearts for what could be. Those early days were a mix of hope and uncertainty, with more questions than answers. But step by step, with Hashem’s help, with incredible angels, lots of hard work, and with the amazing Chabad of Naples family, we built something beautiful together. Looking back now, we see every step of that journey as proof that when you combine truth, faith, and a loving community, there is no limit to what can be achieved.
And those three words? Life is hard. Hashem leads the way. I have the strength to get through it.
Accepting that does not weaken us, it strengthens us. Once we know the road is tough, we can walk it with courage, faith, and determination.
Moses says: You can do it, not because it isn’t hard, but because you are a people who can achieve extraordinary tasks; you can accomplish what may seem like the impossible, for G-d—the creator of the possible and the impossible—is right here with you!
With this Moses brought out the fire in them! He showed them their true power and strength. He taught them who they were and what they were capable of.
Every one of us has a “Promised Land,” our dreams, our visions, the things we long to achieve. Fixing a relationship, mending a marriage, caring for family, rebuilding after loss… these can feel overwhelming.
And still, Hashem says: Who says you can’t? Do not be demoralized. Do not be disturbed. You have what it takes to get there.
May this Shabbat bring you strength for your journey, clarity in your mission, the safe return of the hostages, peace for Israel and for the world, and the blessings you need to step into your own Promised Land.
With blessings and love,
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos