We want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your incredible generosity and support in raising funds for 13 sets of tefillin for our brave soldiers in the IDF. As many of you know, our son Shmuly and Rabbi Gansburg recently traveled to Israel in honor of his upcoming bar mitzvah. We had the profound honor of delivering these tefillin directly to the soldiers, a moment that was both inspiring and deeply moving. Your contributions not only provided these soldiers with a precious mitzvah but also strengthened the bond between our community and those who defend our homeland. We are so grateful for your unwavering support and partnership in this holy endeavor.
Thank you to;
Jose & Lillian Benacerraf
Barbara & Victor Solano
Sara & Sal Cohen
Wendy Cohen
Steve and Drora Davis
Jose & Floren Esquenazi
Dale Goldman
Dr. Jo Jo & Robert Gompers
Esther Copeland & Howard Grundland
Daniel Hunt & Erika Di Porto
Elise & Amilcar Escobar
Henry & Shari Kaufman
Eduardo & Orli Krajewski
Miller & Irene Myers
Laizer & Bassie Raksin
Noah Rolnick
Sandra & Shmuel Sterling
Jeff & Jody Tuchband
Donna Wenning
Mushka & Yanky Wolowik
Daniel & Lauren Zahavi
Our journey was far more than a father-son adventure; it was a chance to deeply connect with our heritage, our people, and the land of Israel, while proudly representing our Chabad of Palmetto Bay community. The heart and purpose of our trip were the countless visits to the brave IDF soldiers who protect our beloved homeland day and night, showing them our unwavering support and standing firmly with them.
As we walked through the streets of Jerusalem, our hearts were full of gratitude and anticipation, knowing that this journey was more than just a celebration - it was an opportunity to do something truly meaningful.
Inspired by the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who always encouraged increasing good deeds and acts of kindness, I had a bold idea: to reach a new goal of gifting 101 pairs of tefillin to 101 soldiers in the IDF. The number 101 holds special significance in Chassidus; it represents going beyond limitations, transcending the mindset of exile. But even with this powerful motivation, I hesitated. Could we really achieve such a lofty goal?
Then something extraordinary happened.
The very next morning, while praying at the Kotel, Shmuly and I met Tzvi Redler, an IDF commander of the Givati Brigade, who happened to be the only soldier at the Kotel at that time. As we handed him the last dollar I had for "shliach mitzvah," (a mitzvah messenger) he surprised us by giving back 100 shekels saying "This is my participation to be part of all the holy work you do."
He was very inspired how we came from Miami to uplift and inspire the soldiers, at such a delicate time. At that moment, I realized that this was no ordinary encounter. Here we were, holding a combination of 101 (100 shekels and $1) dedicated to a mitzvah, a number that suddenly felt far from coincidental. I immediately shared with him that his 100 shekels were more than a contribution. It was a sign from Hashem to take our 101 project to the next level. Upon hearing about my 101 project, he said he wanted to donate the first pair of tefillin.
In that instant, I was sure that G-d was smiling down on us, affirming our mission. The 100 shekels and $1 wasn't just money; it was a sign, a heavenly nudge, encouraging us to move forward with our dream of gifting 101 pairs of tefillin. This next journey will begin soon - starting with the very first pair sponsored by this remarkable commander.
This encounter strengthened my resolve that one day soon, with G-d's help and the continued support of our community, we will reach our goal of donating 101 pairs of tefillin for soldiers, each one a beacon of faith and unity.
Join us in our mission to provide 101 Tefillin to 101 IDF soldiers.
With gratitude,
Rabbi Zalman Gansburg
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