Spread the joy --
There is a powerful story of the Rebbe Of Blessed Memory, who was visited by a leader of a national organization who wanted to do something quite expansive to honor the memory of the six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust. He had the idea just before Passover one year, to advertise on a grand scale that every home should have an empty chair at the family Passover Seder/dinner to honor one person -- and thereby honor the six million.
The man went to the Rebbe to inform him of his grandiose campaign, and although the Rebbe seemed quite appreciative of his efforts, it was obvious that something was amiss. The Rebbe complimented him on his idea but further suggested that instead of having an empty chair, one more person be invited to the table, one who might not otherwise have an opportunity to attend a Seder. In other words: we have to remember both the living and those who are not. It is also our responsibility to act and instill, to reach out to others so that they may feel special.
This is the message of our Tenth Anniversary celebration, and why we have chosen to bring Eva Schloss: to teach and inspire our young so that they in turn can become leaders and pass their knowledge and inspiration to others. In an atmosphere infused with love and laughter – and through the mediums of art, music and dance – we expose our little ones to the wonders of nature, to the adventures of learning and to the joys of their heritage… But more than imparting knowledge and information, it's about celebrating the uniqueness and individuality of each perosn/child… I think the inimitable Dr. Seuss captured the essence of Chabad Naples’ philosophy of education best when he whimsically wrote: “Today you are you, that is truer than true; there is no one alive who is Youer than you”… To that I would add: “If we have anything to do with it, we’ll see to it that the ‘you-ness’ of you is sure to shine through!”
We look forward to greeting you personally tonight.
With love and blessings.
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie.