SYNAGOGUE NEWS
April 2021
NAPLES JEWISH CONGREGATION
Federation Star
33
www.naplesjewishcongregation.org / 239.431.3858
The confluence of Passover and the pandemic Steve McCloskey President
B
ack in February of last year, who would have contemplated that we would commemorate two consecutive Passover seders “virtually,” indelibly, yet ironically, linked by our own plague, the novel coronavirus? This somber turn of events does prove the adage that sometimes fact is stranger than fiction. As NJC prepares to observe Passover “virtually” on Sunday, March 28 at 5 p.m., we should ponder what lessons we might glean from the travails and triumphs our ancient forebears experienced some three-and-a-half millennia ago. The ancient Israelites quickly learned that liberation does not necessarily equate with freedom. Although Moses led them out of the bondage they had
endured in Egypt, the quest for freedom required much more of them — that they work together to forge a new nation, predicated upon justice, compassion and humility. In our time, although the COVID-19 vaccines may liberate us from the worst of the scourge that is the coronavirus — that is, serious illness, hospitalization and death — freedom from the global pandemic will require that we achieve herd immunity. We can only accomplish this together by overcoming vaccine hesitancy, continuing to mask up, maintaining our physical distance and adhering to rigorous hygiene protocols. While our eventual emergence from the pandemic is ineluctable, its precise terminus depends on our vigilance in complying with the CDC guidelines as we wait for our shots. Passover is also a time for remembrance. The Israelites were implored to recall the bitterness of their bondage when they were strangers in the land of Egypt, to gird themselves against the
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evil inclination to afflict the “others” in their new land with the same treatment at their hand. This marginalization and sometimes demonization of the “other” in our midst persists to this day. Too often, the unfamiliar becomes what we fear. Getting to know someone who is not like you expands one’s circle of humanity. Remembrance requires education and reiteration. We must constantly remind ourselves that human aspirations are wellnigh universal — to be part of a loving and supportive family, be able to provide for that family and be part of something bigger than ourselves to improve our collective lot in life. Throughout the pandemic, our resilience has been manifest, our hope fervent. It is our resolve that has wavered, if not waned, at times. The explanation for this seems rather apparent. As the pall of the pandemic seeped into the very essence of our being, both literally and figuratively, the frightening unknown loomed over us
and before us; it still does. It is as if we are the Israelites of millennia past, venturing out from the throes of captivity into a world full of potential pitfalls and even outright danger. Nonetheless, we can always return to what we know in our hearts is right, that the true path forward lies in trust in our traditions and institutions as well as scrupulous devotion to the truth, amid the fog of misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy mongering. As we gather “virtually” again this year to observe Passover, let us be reminded that our journey toward redemption is always difficult, requiring us to do hard things, such as joining forces with others to strive for a more equitable society, caring for the most vulnerable among us, treating all whom we encounter with the dignity and respect we expect from them and remembering to always lead with grace and lovingkindness. We can ponder all this, knowing that gratitude for the strength of our community can see us through this.
www.chabadnaples.com / 239.262.4474
Chabad Naples update By Rabbi Fishel
C
habad of Naples is maintaining its high level of serving and caring for the community in both traditional and COVID-responsive ways. We are continuing our ongoing services and strive to be here for the community in every imaginable way. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you are aware of someone who needs a little TLC.
Pesach Pesach kept us very busy again this year, with enjoyable tasks, like distributing hundreds of boxes of Schmurah Matzah, Seder kits-to-go and kosher Passover meals for those in need. You can join our limited services for the last days of Pesach and for Yizkor. To submit names of people you would like us to pray for, please notify our office by emailing office@chabadnaples.com.
COVID -19 vaccine assistance We are very grateful to our dedicated team of volunteers, who have been working tirelessly to secure vaccination appointments for people in the community. Special mention goes to Tori Fuchs, a Hebrew school student who made it her mitzvah project for her upcoming Bat Mitzvah. She is good with computers and has been in touch with people, calling and comforting them. If you know of someone who needs assistance, please reach out to us and we will attempt to help them.
The flying challah Each week, we send out smiles with an uplifting message in the form of a tasty fresh challah. What a lovely way to say
that, during this challenging time, we, and the community, are here for you! Nominate a recipient by sending us an email and we will have it delivered.
Minyan If you have a yahrzeit or need to say Kaddish, we are always here to help make a minyan during the week. We are so grateful to those who help us with this minyan service, when called. There have been so many minyanim during the week and it is amazing to see how the community comes together for each other.
Torah class
Videos
A Zoom Torah class is being offered on Wednesday at 11 a.m. If you wish to join, please RSVP to our office and we will send you the link. As the schedule changes at times, please reach out to confirm weekly.
Rabbi Fishel offers a video each week. If you want to receive them, reach out to office@chabadnaples.com and we will place you on the weekly email list. You can also view the past 12 months’ worth of videos at www.chabadnaples.com.
Hebrew school We are currently offering in-person Hebrew school. All children and teachers wear masks and social distancing is practiced. Please sign up if your children wish to participate. Call 239-262-4474 or email office@chabadnaples.com.
Summer camp Summer Camp registration is open — you may sign up now. For more information, visit naplespreschoolof thearts.com.
Lag B’omer This year, we will celebrate this joyous holiday to coincide with Appreciation Day, when we recognize our teachers who do so much for our students. The children will celebrate in the beautiful Garden of the Arts and the outdoor classroom, as Lag B’omer is a celebration of the beauty of nature and how G-d is in everything. Here’s a chance to stop and recognize the unity and the godliness in all. Visit our website closer to Friday, April 30 for an updated plan to celebrate as a community.
Volunteer assistance Our volunteers continue to be available if elderly or homebound people need help shopping for groceries or medicine. Just let us know.
Shabbat services We offer limited, abbreviated indoor Shabbat services from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Reservations must be made in advance, seating is limited, and you will receive the full guidelines and policy upon receipt of your RSVP. Safety is our primary concern.
Are you in your forties or fifties, single and Jewish? Sign up now by emailing: rbialek@jewishnaples.org to meet other Jewish Singles
Read our weekly eblast to learn when the next activity will be.
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