Dear Friends,
I’m writing this while in transit, returning from New Jersey, where I traveled this morning to officiate at the funeral of our dear friend and family member, Mark Katsnelson (Mordechai ben Feivel), a”h. It was a quick, emotional trip—just a few hours there and back—and with G-d’s help, I hope to be back in time for Shabbat.
Mark’s passing was sudden and deeply painful. It leaves us with a sense of loss that’s hard to put into words, and hearts full of love still seeking meaning.
This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Chukas, begins with a mitzvah that seems irrational, a law that defies logic: the commandment of the Parah Adumah, the Red Heifer.
"זֹאת חֻקַּת הַתּוֹרָה..."
"This is the decree of the Torah..."
A chok is something we do because G-d asks, not because we understand. Not because it’s rational. It’s a reminder that even when life doesn’t make sense, we still act. We still build. We still love.
The Torah, gives us language for this mystery:
"הַנִּסְתָּרוֹת לַה' אֱלֹקֵינוּ, וְהַנִּגְלֹת לָנוּ..."
"The hidden belongs to Hashem, and the revealed belongs to us..."
There is so much we may never understand. But we are not powerless. In fact, the unknown can become our invitation, to grow, to reach out, to bring more light into the world.
Mark, Mordechai ben Feivel, lived with that kind of quiet strength. He had endured great pain in his life, yet he continued to show up, with dignity, warmth, and heart. At Kiddush, he would walk around with a l’chaim and lift others up. He spoke kindly, shared good words, and gave others a sense of presence and belonging. Truly, a soul of conviction and quiet power.
He carried within him not just pain, but purpose, having worked with his wife Cathy, to help establish Gregory’s Law, an effort that turned personal tragedy into greater protection and awareness for others.
In remembering Mark, we’re reminded of what it means to be present for others, to stand up for what’s right, even in quiet ways. That message couldn’t be more urgent today.
We live in a time filled with irrational hatred, hatred of “the other,” hatred that defies reason, and a disturbing rise in antisemitism. It reminds us that being visibly and proudly Jewish is an act of strength and courage. And in the face of such darkness, the answer is not retreat. The answer is irrational good.
Pick up the phone. Reach out. Say something kind.
Even if it’s been a while. Even if there were differences.
Show up. Care. Do it not because it makes sense.
Do it because it’s right.
Do it because the world needs light.
Someone out there needs it. Maybe more than you know.
We’ll be gathering this Tuesday evening, July 8, at 7:00 PM here at Chabad of Naples for a special evening of remembrance in Mark’s honor, a time to reflect, and to continue the light he brought into the world.
May we each find ways to turn mystery into meaning and carry his memory forward with love and action.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos