Dear Friends,
How many times a day do you check your phone? Or your watch? Or your email? I'm not recording answers, but I'm guessing it's more than you'd like to admit.
Now here’s a better question. How many times do you laugh in a day? If you're like many people in today's chaotic climate, it's not nearly enough. Experts recommend getting 10–15 minutes of laughter each and every day. It reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, lowers blood pressure, and boosts the immune system.
But laughter is so much more than that, and I witnessed its power first hand on Tuesday night at our Evening of Laughter and Entertainment; the latest gathering in our Celebration of Jewish Life series. A huge thank you to Ted Epstein, the program's organizer, and all who sponsored and attended!
Over 400 people came together to enjoy the comedy of Elon Gold. The laughs were real and nonstop, but something deeper was happening too. Especially after October 7th, people weren’t just coming out for a night of comedy. We were coming together to laugh again, to strengthen one another, and to celebrate each other as a community.
Since October 7th, Elon Gold has been been proudly standing with Israel and unapologetically Jewish, and that kind of clarity is something we need more than ever.
And 400 people laughing as one is not such an easy feat. You all know the trope "two Jews, three opinions," so how is it that so many people from different backgrounds, different ages and stages, were able to come together in such joyous unity?
Because we've been here before. In this week's Torah Portion, we witness one of the defining moments in Jewish history: the Jewish people arriving at Mount Sinai to receive the Torah.
The famous Torah commentator, Rashi, teaches us that at that moment the Jewish people were "as one person, with one heart," and the reason that was possible was because they were "encamped opposite the mountain."
When we enjoy a singular focus, nothing can tear us apart. We are so much more than the sum of our parts, and gathering together for the common good gives us unbelievable strength. When there is shared purpose and shared direction, differences fade and connection takes over.
That night felt like that.
One room. One people. One heartbeat.
So while I highly recommend laughter as a daily addiction, there are some other slightly addictive practices we offer here at Chabad of Naples. We were gathered as one at Mount Sinai, so let's keep the tradition rolling!
You could start with the classic gateway program, our world-famous Shabbat services followed by our famous kiddush luncheon. No Hebrew needed. No intimidation — just joy and warmth. Try sending a flying challah to someone in the neighborhood!
Sundays we continue spreading the joy we drummed up on Shabbat with a morning minyan and some inspiring words of Torah after. If you want to dive more into learning Torah or studying our rich Jewish tradition, we have a Monday adult education JLI series and Wednesday afternoon class as well.
Purim is just around the corner! We have so many opportunities to come together — the only thing missing is you.
But if you find yourself coming back for more, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos