Dear Friends,
What a remarkable and unforgettable Yom Kippur we just experienced together!
Over 500 precious souls. Men, women, and children filled our sanctuary with prayer, song, and hope. From Kol Nidre to Neilah, the shul was bursting with voices and spirit, and even the aisles became places of prayer. It felt like one family gathered before Hashem.
The melodies of Cantor Choni lifted our hearts. And there was a special moment that many people shared with me afterward: when Mendel and Yitzi joined together as a choir. After so long away, to hear them sing together was deeply moving. It was a beautiful moment that brought joy to the entire congregation and reminded us of the beauty of Jewish continuity. I want to thank all of our children for their help during this holy time. People said the hours flew by, that the fast itself felt light, because together we were lifted by holiness and song.
I was especially touched by the generosity of so many who participated in our Yom Kippur appeal, helping us continue to build and strengthen Jewish life here in our community. If you would like to join in that spirit and be part of this effort, you can make a donation by clicking here or becoming a partner here.
This sacred atmosphere was made possible by the generosity and dedication of so many. Our heartfelt thanks to every sponsor and to every volunteer who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. A special shout-out to our incredible security team, Tricor Security, who protect Chabad every day, and to the Naples Police Department, who have stood by us through thick and thin. Your efforts filled our community with holiness and dignity. And to my dear wife, Rebbetzin Ettie, who always makes sure that every detail is done in the most incredible way. from meals and lunches to buffets and full set-ups, All while directing our preschool and managing everything with love and devotion. Words cannot capture my gratitude.
And then, as Yom Kippur came to a close, we were pierced with shattering news from Manchester, UK. Rabbi Daniel Walker, still wearing his kittel like a beacon of light, stood at the doors of his synagogue as an immovable barrier. When terror appeared, he did not flinch. He barricaded the sanctuary and placed himself between the attacker and hundreds of Jewish lives. Outside, there were victims. Inside, there was life. His courage was nothing less than heroic, and his actions are a true sanctification of G-d’s name.
On the holiest day of the year, darkness tried to rise. Yet the truth is eternal: light shines strongest in moments like these.
The Jewish response, our response, is to rise higher.
We add mitzvahs. We bring kindness into the world. We live proudly as Jews. At the same time, we reach beyond ourselves and strengthen the communities around us. We lift one another up. We spread compassion and goodness, building a brighter world for all. This is not only a stand against antisemitism, it is a stand for the values we share as human beings. We move forward with strength and with light.
As we approach the two-year mark since October 7, we remember again: our enemies want us to shrink. Our response is to live, to learn, and to celebrate Judaism more proudly than ever.
I am reminded of the words of Rabbi Nachman: “The whole world is a very narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to fear at all.”
Challenges may come, yet we continue walking with strength. For generations, the Jewish people have walked this bridge, always looking ahead and never looking down. From the very beginning, we’ve walked it with one goal: to connect heaven and earth. How? We bring community together, we reach out with love and care, and we hold fast to our faith. With each step, we turn a narrow path into a road of light, guiding us toward redemption.
This Shabbat, I invite you to join us again. Come at 10:30, when the prayers are in full swing, and at 11:00 join as the Torah is carried out. Stay for the uplifting service and celebrate with our beautiful community lunch. Come be part of the world-famous Chabad of Naples, where everyone is welcome and everyone brings light and love. Together, we carry the spirit of Yom Kippur into every day of the year.
With faith, resilience, and all the blessings,
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos