
Rabbi Fishel helps Carol Glassman light the first candle with John Sorey, Mayor of Naples standing by. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
“Rabbi Zaklos never fails to amaze,” said Councilman Bill Barnett of Naples, as he welcomed the hundreds of people from Naples, Marco Island and the surrounding communities who had gathered at Chabad of Naples on the seventh night of Chanukah (Tuesday, December 3). Barnett met Rabbi Zaklos and his family when they arrived in Naples 10 years ago beginning with “nothing”. Now, he said, to everyone’s amazement, heads a large, successful congregation in a beautiful building with a successful preschool, Hebrew school and summer camps, and will soon open a mikveh (ritual bath) — the only one in this area.
Mayor John Sorey agreed with Barnett, seeming to be very grateful that this year he didn’t have to be carried up in the air

The unique Menorah blazes against the night sky of Naples on the seventh night of Chanukah – just one more to go! We can only imagine what next year will bring!
Each year, the Naples Rabbi presents the community with yet another unique Menorah to commemorate this festive holiday, and this year was no different. In collaboration with resident master artist Maurice Tordgman, this year’s 20-foot tall, 16-foot wide Menorah was created by students of Chabad’s Preschool of the Arts, and was covered with sea life and topped by dolphins.
Chanukah is all about light — bringing light/enlightenment to the community —and Chabad certainly succeeded.
For the first time in Naples history, the evening began with a Chanukah Parade of Light, involving approximately 100 cars bearing lighted Menorahs, some of them broadcasting traditional music. Guided by the

It takes a lot to stop traffic in Naples — 100 well-lit cars in a parade guides by the Naples Police Department will do it!
Following the lighting of seven candles, the audience was treated to songs by the Chabad Hebrew School students. As

Artist Maurice Tordgman guided the Chabad Preschool students in making this unique Menorah for Chanukah, covered with fish and sea life. It is about 20 feet tall and 16 feet wide.
With Chanukah and Thanksgiving arriving at the same time this year, and the promise that this situation won’t occur for another 57 years, according to the Judaic calendar, it seemed significant to enjoy each holiday separately and as much as possible.
For once, the streets of Naples did not roll up quietly at the usual hour, but were treated to sharing the enjoyment of this joyous holiday celebration.
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