Below is the PHOTO PROMPT. Take time to think and reflect. How does it make you feel? What do you see?
Copyright – Janet Webb
Genre: Smoke and Mirrors
Word count: 100
HARRY’S FIRST TURN
“Things were supposed to be better in America,” said Rabbi Weiss. “’Too old fashioned’ the congregation I built says, and just like that, I’m a pauper with nine mouths to feed.”
“It’s because you don’t speak English, Papa.” Ehrich looked up from his book.
“What’s this you’re reading?”
“The Book of the Sacred Magic.”
“Better you should study the Torah.”
“That didn’t do you much good, did it?”
“Impudence! To your room!”
Half an hour later Ehrich strolled into the parlor smiling triumphantly.
“How?” Rabbi Weiss gasped. “I locked you in.”
“My brain is the key that sets me free.”
.
.
Click link for more info- Harry Houdini 1899
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Oh, such a great piece of history in your story. Loved it!
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Dear Loré,
History is what I love best. Glad you liked.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I was a fan of Harry Houdini back in the day when I was a kid. He was plenty sharp, I’ll say that much.
Nice story (starring Adrien, naturally) 😉
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Dear Kent,
Always starring Adrien. Actually haven’t gotten to watch the show yet. And as you know, wrote this before the fact. Timely, eh?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very. I was going to ask if you saw it.
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That’s a great oblique take on the prompt Rochelle. The characterisation was terrific for 100 words. Well done as ever.
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Dear Sandra,
Why write literally for the prompt? Actually I started out in a more literal vein but it didn’t work. Somehow this is where the research trail took me. Thank you for your affirming words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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History and magic!
Great combination.
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Dear Elephant,
History is magic, isn’t it?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love what you’ve done with this!! We often think of people in history as adults… and you give us an insight to what they were before they were famous. Beautiful!
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Dear Jessie,
It’s fun to imagine famous people as children, isn’t it? I mean we all started that way.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love it when you do that!
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Do what?
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Write like that.
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I’ll accept that. 😉 Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I love that, and the clip. At first I thought it was from Now You See Me as Michael Caine is in that as well. If you get the chance to see it, it’s awesome and it shows you how the tricks are done.
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Dear Al,
I love the clip, too. I’m pleased that you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s not that I’m just wild about Harry…
it’s that Harry is just wild.
Nice story. Randy
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Dear Randy,
Who nu he was a rabbi’s son?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Harry Houdini! I really liked this!!
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Thank you, Kate. 😀
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Dearest Rochelle,
What a wonderful story for the prompt. Haven’t seen you in a while. What have you been up to? Sometimes I feel as though I’m on the other side of a mirror here.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
It has been a while, hasn’t it? I’ve missed you. It’s all smoke and mirrors. No reflection on you, of course.
Shalom,
RochelleSD
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Love this Rochelle! I’m a fan of history and of Houdini – brilliantly done!
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Dear Karin,
History is full of amazing stories and Houdini tops the list of fascinating people, doesn’t he?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, This story has everything. It has a bit of interesting history, an impressive photo, and even a film clip. You’ve made a great contribution once again. Well done as always. 🙂 —Susan
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Dear Susan,
It was all done with smoke and mirrors. It was fun to write.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Inspired! Houdini was a master. My post coming soon…
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Thank you, B.R. 😀
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Great story Rochelle but you always write some great piece.
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Dear Indira,
And you always make the sweetest comments.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another winner, Rochelle.
janet
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Many thanks, Janet. 😀 (Great mirror…I used to have those same curtains in my kitchen of my other house.)
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The difference between their voices is striking at the beginning, Less so at the end, but then shock (and word-limits) will do that to a man! Another fascinating history lesson, Rochelle.
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Dear Jennifer,
There are most definitely limitations. Happy to share history and a bit of fiction in the mix.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love magic too!
Rochelle, it’s lovely to be free!
Words are also like magic 🙂
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Dear Anita,
Words are the true magic. When they fall into place in just the right order they can take us to undiscovered worlds.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Someone has been watching the Houdini special on the History Channel…Mmm? I thought it was awesome!!! He was truly a remarkable man. Isn’t it interesting how he died? I also loved The Prestige. Did you happen to see The Illusionist? It was in theaters at the same time. I liked it a little better because it wasn’t as dark. That stuff fascinates me… I have seen David Copperfield 3 times! 🙂
Your story was awesome and well done…. loved your subject!! Courtney~
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Dear Courtney,
Nope. I haven’t seen the program nor did I know of it when I wrote this. Scout’s honor.
Glad you liked it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You can watch them online for free. The 2 part series was on The History Channel! It was really good!! I think you will like it! 🙂
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Actually I recorded it on DVR but haven’t had a chance to watch. Adrien Brody is a favorite of mine since he made The Pianist. 😉
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He is quite wonderful…awesome actor! Does a marvelous job as Houdini! 🙂
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Dear Courtney,
I finally got to watch it. I can see why someone might think I used the movie as my jumping off point for my story. It really made me smile to see how close I came with the little flash fiction. Not to mention, as I said before, I love Adrien Brody and he did an amazing job as did the other actors. Very enjoyable.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t have a blog yet so I’m placing my story here:
Title: Not In The Frame
Word Count: 100
What’s missing in this reflection? Me, of course. It’s always me. The angle is never right. I am always out of the picture. Georgia, sweet Georgia. Your burnt golden hair waltzes in the breeze as those intense green eyes gaze upon me. Something thickens in my throat. My breath shortens. My pulse pounds in my ears. Then, awareness. Behind me, Blake. He’s the focus of your attention. I am but an obstacle. I bury my face in my hands.
Kojo, I love your musical accent. I long to touch your smooth, ebony cheek. Why will you never hold my stare.
johnmatsui.com
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John…this is awesome! You should create a blog on WordPress.com It really is easy and user friendly (mostly) I would love to see more of your writing! Courtney~
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Dear John,
Lovely writing although I was a little confused by the switch at the end to Kojo. I must be missing something.
Two things…three actually. First, welcome to Friday Fictioneers. Second, you won’t get too many reads or comments posting your story in my comment section and third, I’d really prefer you didn’t post here.
It appears you have a WordPress site. Please post your next story there.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Did you watch the program about Houdini on the History Channel? This fit perfectly with his life. I thought about you while watching it – the name and all.
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Dear Alicia,
No I haven’t had a chance to watch Houdini yet. I wrote this before I knew of the program. Can’t wait to watch it, though. I’ve recorded it and am waiting for the right time. Timing is everything, isn’t it?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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P.S I spelled Deceit wrong (too early, no coffee AGAIN!) Can you help? Any suggestions besides a totally red face?
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Dear Alicia,
It happens to all of us, thanks to technology. I’ve fixed it. 😉 No worries.
shalom,
Rochelle
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That was awesome! I had no idea Harry Houdini was born Ehrich Weiss! Thanks for the bit of history. 😀
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Dear Zombie,
I didn’t know that either until I followed the research trail. Happy to pass things along as I learn them.
Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I really enjoyed this !! Houdini is such an interesting character, I love stories that weave him in somehow. Wonderfully done 🙂
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Dear Rachel,
I really enjoyed learning more about the man. Glad you enjoyed reading.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very nicely done — getting so much into such a short piece. I never heard that Houdini was the son of a Rabbi, but then you know that they always say about preacher’s kids.
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P. S. I really like your new background.
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Dear Sandra,
Yes, I’ve know a few PK’s ;). When I found that tidbit of Houdini’s history I couldn’t pass it up.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I maintain that if you had taught history to me in school, I would have loved it much earlier in my life than I did. Love the story, what I learned from it, and the visit with you and your friends.
I have a book recommendation for you: “He, She, and It” by Marge Piercy. It was published in 1991. I think you would enjoy the story of the Maharal in 1600’s and the way it unfolds into a dystopian future. It is not a gloomy read, though the subject matter can suggest that. I personally wouldn’t have found the book without the book club I belong to on Goodreads.
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Dear Gina,
What a lovely thing to read. In school I wasn’t fond of history either. It was always pretty dull and I couldn’t figure out why I needed to know those things. Ah hindsight.
I’ll look up the book.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
It’s always a pleasure to share with you.
Gina
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A smart brain can really do magic!
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Dear Elizabeth,
Houdini certainly had one, didn’t he?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a great piece of history.. as always you capture a great story within the mirrors.. just like Harry Houdini you do magic.
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Dear Björn,
The magic of your comment brought me a smile. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the Houdini picture – after I saw that and Googled “Ehrich Weiss” it all came together! Great piece of history.
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Dear Ali,
Of course the conversation as I wrote it and Ehrich’s unlocking his door are fiction. Although from what I read about Houdini, I think it’s possible.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i love the ending. it couldn’t be any better than that.
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Dear Plaridel,
I couldn’t do better than Houdini’s own words. 😉
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved your story!! have not been around for a while, I must add a logo on my site for this to remind myself…emails don’t seem to work. Thanks for hosting this!! Shalom, Oliana
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Dear Oliana,
Happy you’re back. Hosting Friday Fictioneers is nearly as addictive as writing for it.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, I am already addicted to haiku and writing…I think now that I put the badge on my blog, I will remember to look:) shalom, Oliana
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I almost missed the “Erich Weiss” reference. I should have known, with you at the helm. Nicely done. 😆
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Dear Archon,
Glad you caught the reference. Fascinating individual, wasn’t he?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story! I tried my hand at this, but always seem to go right over 100 words. Hopefully one day and with more practice, I’ll be able to successfully keep it at the 100 word limit. Thanks for the great photo prompt!
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Dear Mewhoami,
Often I start with over a hundred words and then sit back and read it again. There are always expendable words…adjectives, adverbs. Perhaps a “she or he said” that is unnecessary. Don’t give up. It’s great practice for writing longer pieces.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. Looking forward to doing more of these.
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Oh yes! I haven’t stopped by for a while but this one definitely hits the spot Rochelle 🙂
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Dear Carol,
Nice comment to read. Glad it hit the spot.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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So that’s how Houdini did it: He had a double who looked just like Christian Bale with sideburns! Great bit of history and interesting story, as always.
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Dear Perry,
Well done! You figured out his secret. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a fun take on this prompt. So very creative. I have story envy. 🙂 Well done!
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Dear Grace,
Story envy? 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your stories never disappoint!
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Thank you, Patti. 😀 Always nice to hear.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I love where these prompts take you… even if I can’t begin to figure out how it happened! How? How did this photo take you to this wonderful story? The links were the kind of bonus I’ve come to really appreciate with you. 🙂 Shabbat Shalom, Rochelle.
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Dear Dawn,
You just asked my favorite question to be asked. Great sentence that, eh?
When I chose this photo I first went to ‘history of glass–boring. My next thought was ‘smoke and mirrors’ so I went to magicians in history. I came up with Alexander Herrmann and his wife Adelaide. Both interesting illusionists and started to look for a story there. They did do an act where he made her disappear and reappear in a mirror. I just couldn’t find a real story there.
Then I went to the most famous of all (to me anyway) Harry Houdini. When I found out he was the son of an Eastern European rabbi it was a done deal. Hence you’ll note my ‘genre.’ 😉
As always I learn a lot. It was only after I wrote this story that I was made aware of the Adrian Brody mini series on the history channel. I’ve recorded it but haven’t watched it yet.
And there you have it…that’s how this Yiddishe Kopf works. Aren’t you glad you asked?
Shabbat Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am indeed! Thanks for sharing, Rochelle. It gives me some insight into your other stories too, I think. 😉 Shalom! d
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A lovely story and I like the concluding phrase very much! Wonderful!
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Dear Georgia,
I couldn’t miss with a quote for the Great Houdini himself. 😉
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I guess you’re right … but you worked the tale very well, and I’m not sure everyone could do that 🙂 And you’re welcome of course! Ciao, Georgia.
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Aha! Sad for the rabbi, though, all the new ideas and modernity. Hard to keep up epsecially if you don’t have the language.
And a fun piece of history.
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Dear Patrick,
As soon as I found that piece of Houdini’s history I was hooked.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Clara (deer slayer) Barton,
I’ve always been fascinated by Houdini. I remember reading a biography about him when in Jr. High. (Harry was still a kid then himself). He would have loved this piece.
Raul
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Dear Raul,
Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat.
Thanks for your encouraging words.
Shalom,
Clara
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Wonderful take on the prompt.. Love reading your short stories.. 🙂
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Thank you, Vinitha. 😀
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Rochelle, I like the clash of cultures portrayed here between the father and son, and the historical aspect of it. You should write a book of historical fiction. 🙂
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Dear David,
I did have fun with this piece although I might have taken some liberties with the father son relationship. But that’s why it’s called fiction, right? Of course right.
As for the book, refer to my web site http://www.rochellewordart.com to read about my historical novel set in Eastern Europe being represented by Jeanie Loiacono. 😉 The sequel is in the works and a third after that.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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PS Once you get to the website click on PLEASE SAY KADDISH FOR ME at the top of the page.
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Loved this. Took me a while to see the link to the picture, then I scrolled back up to the genre. You crafty writer.
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Dear Claire,
I really did start with the mirror, it’s just that Melete took me in another direction. Where she leads I must follow. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love your story! My mother is a great story teller. I learn of our family history through her stories. She would surely love yours.’ Her mantra is Education sets you free.”
Lily
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Dear Lily,
Your mother sounds like an interesting and intelligent woman.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle,
This was entirely too much fun! I’ve always enjoyed watching magic shows and studying up on Houdini. Very interesting guy. Great take on the prompt, too!
Take care,
Emilie
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Dear Emilie,
I love a magic show that leaves me scratching my head and saying, “How on earth…?” Houdini was a fascinating person and I couldn’t resist the Jewish connection.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful piece of history that is not well known Rochelle! Amazing as always. Oh yeah, I’m back!! LOL
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Dear Jackie,
My favorite bits of history are the most obscure. 😉 I really did write this flash before I knew anything of the recent History Channel movie. I felt so validated when I watched it yesterday.
Again…Welcome back!!!!!
shalom,
Rochelle
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Harry started at an early age… every parents nightmare. Great story.
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Dear Ruth,
I’m pretty sure young Ehrich was a challenge, particularly to his father.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful. These two have such strong voices and personalities. And the last line is so true.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
Your words make me smile.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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little Houdini…starting off a bit on the sassy side with his father. 🙂 thanks for the mini history lesson. great to know the obscure upbringings of a great magician.
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Dear Sun,
History is so much fun, particularly when it comes to the little known tidbits. When I found on the research trail that Houdini’s father was a rabbi I knew my direction.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I don’t know if anyone else has mentioned a problem, but I couldn’t bring up story #18 on Anita’s blog. I got an “error” warning. —Susan
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I went there and didn’t see a problem.
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Wow Rochelle, I love it and you are so good at the macabre! Thanks!
Nan 🙂
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Dear Nan,
Macabre? Hm. At any rate thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Houdini’s life is fascinating. It seems he was born to be a magician. It’s so interesting that religion competed with magic, and that he came from such a strong religious background. I would never have guessed that. Such a refreshing and creative take, Rochelle. Truly magical!
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Dear Amy,
Houdini’s life was fascinating. Not much is said in the articles I found about his religious upbringing although we can certainly imagine, being a rabbi’s son, that there was plenty of religion to go around. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oho! I always love learning a bit of history from you this way, Rochelle. I imagine Houdini was a bit of a challenge to raise up. Great story!
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Dear Eric,
Happy to oblige when it comes to sharing history. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating. Great photo too. It’s intriguing to think about famous personalities as children. One wonders what circumstances shapes them as they grow. Enjoyable story.
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Dear Margirene,
We all begin as children don’t we? I wonder things like that. What makes some of us grow up to be monsters and others creative and loving? And sometimes within the same families.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle (History Mistress)
I loved this story, as I do all your historical fiction.
We have a tv programme about Houdini on at the moment, so it was great to get his early life that wasn’t covered by the programme.
Researchers….
Well done as always
Take care
Dee
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Dear Dee,
History Mistress could be something of a tongue twister. 😉 I really enjoyed the research path for this one.
Thank you,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Every time I read something of yours, I learn something new. I guessed it was Houdini right away, but didn’t know his real name, and that led me to look him up and find out more about him.
I really liked your story, and the last line is perfect. (I also enjoyed the Yiddish-flavored grammar of the old rabbi when he says, “Better you should…”)
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Dear Vijaya,
I had fun finding out about Houdini’s background. As for the Yiddishkeit…it’s part of my heritage. 😉 I grew up hearing the speech patterns.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great concept, so neatly put. For months past I have been reading Claire Fuller’s contributions to Friday Fictioneers. This will bring me within daring distance of taking part myself.
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Dear Hilary,
Claire’s one of the top writers in this group. She was part of it before I came aboard.
I’ll warn you, though, this is highly addictive. Once you start it’s hard to stop. 😉
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for the encouragement. Re the addiction, I feared as much. Each time a read one, I think – when I have this or that project out of the way… I shall probably continue to dangle my feet in the water for a while yet, but will eventually jump in.
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