Giving Challah to those who serve and protect us. Let's bring some light and love into a dark and divided world.
I just came back to Naples from a short trip to New York with my two sons, Mendel & Yitzi. We went to pray by the grave of the Rebbe of blessed memory, in honor of the 22nd anniversary of his passing, with thousands of other men, women and children both Jews and non-Jews. My prayers were, of course, for the success of my family, my extended Chabad of Naples and my precious Naples community.
For me personally, praying at the the Rebbe's resting place is more of an occasion to give thanks. While the Rebbe of blessed memory was a global leader who inspired people worldwide to do good, the impact and influence he had on my wife Ettie Zaklos and me was incalculable.
Young as we were when we arrived in Naples 13 years ago, with little but dreams, hope, faith and will to sustain us, we were determined to make a positive difference and contribution to this community. When we look back now we sometimes wonder if it were the naivete of youth, but on reflection, this is exactly what the Rebbe taught: harness your strength, turn ideas into action, you can and will do it. What a beautiful legacy!
And now Ettie, Chaya, Hinda, Mendel and Yitzi are with me whenever I come to the Rebbe's resting place, (either here or with me in spirit) where I hope to awaken and instill the same values and zest for life in my family. So I went to offer prayers for all connected with Chabad Naples, to pray that Chabad of Naples continues to thrive and also to give thanks for encouraging us with the vision to create the incredible Chabad of Naples.
Additionally, I said a special prayer for the fallen heroes and their families in the wake of this tragedy and for the brave men and women of the Naples police department and all the brave men and women who sacrifice so much and put their lives on the line for us every single day. Unfortunately, the painful events of the last day have been a clear indication that this is fact.
My first stop today as I got off the plane was to drop off some Challah at the Naples police department. The Rebbe, would always encourage all to take action that brings a little light to this divided and darkened world and giving Challah to those who serve and protect us was a fitting act for the Rebbe's Blessed memory.
Shabbos is a special day of blessing and healing. May the Shabbos that is approaching be a day of peace and hope for all of us, a day of growth, and a day that we are all here to support and respect one other.
ב"ה