Dear Friends,
This Shabbat has a beautiful name to it. It's called Shabbat Shira - it's the Shabbos of song. A Shabbos dedicated to song. Could you imagine that?
Why the name? Because in this week's Torah portion we read about the awesome song that Moses and the Jewish nation sang after they crossed the reed sea. In their gratitude, they broke out in song and melody, men, women and children. The words of their song have been inserted into the daily morning prayers. It's known as the Az Yashir.
We honor this song by dedicating the Shabbos to song.
There are many special things about song. Here are two:
1. When many people talk at once it's called interruption. When many sing together we call it harmony! The more the merrier! There is nothing more beautiful than a packed shul singing the prayers together. Each person adds value to the song.
2. You could listen to the same speech once, maybe twice if you're lucky. How many times can you listen to a song you love? Endless! There is something so beautiful about song that we could never tire from the melodies which uplift us.
These are just two examples of the uniqueness of song. And in these times we need song more than ever.
Song has a way of freeing our spirits. It allows us to feel uplifted even when the news makes us feel otherwise. It is one of the greatest medicines against sadness and despondency.
And this is what makes Chabad of Naples so special. When you walk in on Shabbat morning, whether at 10:30 or 11:00, you’ll find song, joy, and unity filling the room. It’s not just about the melodies it’s about the spirit, the togetherness, and the uplifting energy we create when we sing as one.
This Shabbat is also deeply significant because in 1951, the Rebbe officially assumed the mantle of leadership, inspiring a movement that has brought light, warmth, and song not only to Jewish communities but to people all around the world.
So come join us this Shabbat. Let’s sing together, celebrate together, and embrace the harmony that makes our community so extraordinary. Because at Chabad of Naples, song isn’t just something we sing, it’s something we live.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos