we are planning to light up the city -- literally

Dear Friends,

'Way back in the '60s, a group known as The Doors made its signature song Light My Fire, exhorting the listener repeatedly to "Come on, light my fire".   There are two ways of keeping warm on a cold night: you can cuddle up in a fur coat, or light a fire. Wear a fur coat and you warm only yourself. Light a fire and you warm others. We need to light a fire. When you warm other people’s hearts, you remain warm yourself. When you seek to support, encourage and inspire others, then you discover support, encouragement and inspiration in your own life as well. That, my friends, is Judaism 101. 

When you think about bringing light all you have to do is recall the last 10 years, and how Chabad Naples has been bringing light everywhere. The featured event has been highlighted by innovative and creative ways of bringing the community together to rejoice and to celebtate Chanukah Chabad Naples style. Whether it was the Grand Chanukah Festival with scissor lifts or a 35-foot menorah, Chabad Naples has a reputation for bringing the light and sharing it throughout the community.

Avraham, the hero of this week’s torah reading, we all know, was not satisfied with just bringing light to his home and family. In fact, we all know what made him really great: when he was 75 years old, he was told to leave his home  to bring light to the world in addition to his family and immediate surroundings. And he did!

This year for Chanukah we are planning to light up the city --  literally --  with all of you. Plans are well underway for the first ever Grand Chanukah Parade in Collier County.  How can anyone pass up an opportunity like this! If you would like to be one of the cars in the parade and have a Menorah on top of your car, all you need to do is to send an email to [email protected] to let us know you are in and we will give you all the instructions. We need cars -- lots of them! A Menorah on your car?  Think of it as a gift to your entire family! What fun for your kids! We won't have enough for every car (but e'll try). And don't worry about that Bentley, Hummer,  or Lamborghini -- we have you covered safely:  We are working with a special team to have your Menorah put up on the car  with no need for ropes or anything . Our tried and tested, no-fail guaranteed Menorah installation takes only two  minutes. Come to Chabad at 4 p.m. on Tuesday and join the coolest/hottest parade in town! The parade will take us all to the Village on Venetian Bay for our grand Menorah lighting. Right after the parade, we will remove it safely from your car, with no hassle to you.  Bring out those muscle cars and let's light up Naples! More details to follow soon.

Thanks to Police Chief Tom Weschler and Sergeant Greg Sheridan for assisting us with preparations.

Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos