Dear Friends,
Everyone loves a surprise. Especially when it comes wrapped in kindness.
This week the Torah teaches, “Open, shall you open your hand.” Usually, the Torah tells us simply to fulfill a mitzvah without explaining the mechanics. Here it does something unusual. It tells us not only what to do, but how to do it. Give with happiness. Give with warmth. When you do, the blessings multiply.
And that opening of the hand is not only about monetary gifts. It is about opening your heart. Sometimes that means sharing resources. Sometimes it means an encouraging word, a listening ear, or lifting someone’s spirit.
There is a story about Leo Tolstoy. A beggar once asked him for money, but Tolstoy had nothing to give. Instead he said, “I am sorry, brother.” The man replied, “You have given me more than money. You called me brother.”
This shows how even our words can be an incredible gift. And there are countless examples. After 22 years here in Naples, we could fill a book, or maybe even a small shelf, with them. For today, let me share one that is simple, lighthearted, and continues to inspire me.
Who remembers ‘Barnes & Noble on Seagate Drive? That was my “official office” for quite a while. In 2011, I had a meeting there with Patty Baker. At the end she handed me an envelope with two words written on it: ‘Surprise Fishey.’ Inside was a generous gift.
Along with the gift, what has stayed with me is the joy and excitement that came with it. And over the years, we’ve seen Jay and Patty Baker bring that same joy and excitement to so many causes, hospitals, theaters, education, seniors, children, and beyond. They continue to inspire us to give in ways that are loving and uplifting.
At Chabad of Naples, we see this spirit every day. People give with joy. They describe how good it feels, sometimes even saying it makes them want to sing (Yep, someone actually wrote that on our Partner Testimonial page). And if you feel inspired, we’d be honored to include your words there as well. That kind of joy is contagious. When you walk into our community, you see people lifting one another up, offering encouragement, and treating each other like family.
This is a beautiful moment to thank you, our dear Chabad Naples and Preschool of the Arts family, partners, friends, and supporters. Your joy in giving and your care for others fills our community with warmth and love. This is what makes the world famous Chabad of Naples shine, a place where people feel like family, support one another, and share happiness that everyone cherishes. And yes, we even remember your name ๐ (Rabbi Fishel, no pressure.)
Our tradition teaches that one who gives is blessed sixfold. And when that giving is done with joy, the blessings more than double.
Everyone has something to give. A smile, a kind word, a thoughtful act. Each of us carries a wealth of compassion that can be deposited into another person’s soul, bringing them strength and confidence.
That is the call of the Torah. Not only to be blessed, but to be a blessing. To open our hands, our hearts, and our words in ways that leave others stronger and happier than before.
So let us each look for our own “Surprise Fishey” moment this week. A chance to surprise someone with a gift of joy, whether material or spiritual. In doing so, may we be blessed with joy in return, and may our community continue to shine with kindness.
And may the blessings of giving extend beyond ourselves. May they help bring comfort to those in need, the safe return of the hostages to their families, and true peace in the Land of Israel and the world.
With blessings and love,
Rabbi “Fishey” Fishel & Ettie Zaklos
