Our Mantra
The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Lucy Fridkin (my friend since kindergarten…wow, that’s a loooong time!)
The following is a tweaked scene from my first novel PLEASE SAY KADDISH FOR ME.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 99
MOMENT OF MOMENTS
Like an impetuous child, Havah hopped from foot to foot. New York City’s imposing skyline appeared to be painted against gray clouds.
What kind of life would they have in this unfamiliar place? She wound and unwound the fringes of her shawl around her index finger. Would Americans understand her English?
Yussel grasped her arm. “Is she there?”
“Yes, Papa. Like a queen with flowing robes and a crown, she’s standing in the harbor holding her torch high in the air for the entire world to see.
His sightless eyes brimmed and he smiled serenely. “Yes, I see her.”
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HAVAH COHEN GITTERMAN – Original Artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
YUSSEL GITTERMAN -Original Artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
The final edits are complete! The third book in the Havah Cohen Gitterman trilogy is out!
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
The story’s lovely. I don’t even know if I can participate this week, too much work… just wanted to say: the book, the book, hooray! Congrats, Rochelle! I go and read now…
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Dear Gabi,
No doubt you recognize this story. I understand about work, but hope you can find the time. At any rate, thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the next leg of Havah’s journey. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s hard, Rochelle, to successfully lift a moment from a larger work and make it self-contained. You did that. Congratulations
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Dear Neil,
I’m pleased that this snippet worked as a stand alone. A bit of nip here and a tuck there. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The story is superb, a touching moment brought vividly to life.
And the Trailer is quite thrilling!
Great stuff all round.
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Dear CE.
Your affirming comments make me smile. Many thanks.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations on the book!
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Thank you, Lorraine. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Most welcome. 🙂
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The hope people see when they see Lady Liberty is something we must not forget or take for granted. Especially as we we remember the past on this Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th. Great story within a story.
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Great excerpt Rochelle. Thank you for sharing it with us. I love how the blind man can “see” it after being told it is there.
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Dear Al,
Yussel is an insightful man and an important part of the series. He sees in ways most people cannot. Glad you liked. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a great moment of hope to see it, I can really understand that it can be “seen” also by the blind man…
Yes and the book… hope to be able to catch up on reading and read the new one as well…
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Dear Björn,
There are some blind folks who see things more clearly than the rest of us, aren’t there? I picture Yussel as being such a man.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This scene from your book is a lovely one, Rochelle. All the best on your latest book, AS ONE MUST, ONE CAN. Excellent writing. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
Now it’s onto the next one, A STONE FOR THE JOURNEY, which will include the character studies and illustrations. Glad you liked the scene. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A touching story. And congratulations on your book Rochelle 🙂
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Thank you on both counts, Dahlia. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully written Rochelle.
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Thank you so much, Colline. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There are a million stories in the naked city. Love this.
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Thank you, J hardy. 😀 You gave me a smile.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Gettin’ deja vu all over again.
Lovely work, my friend.
Yours,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
Busy times make it necessary to take the “easy” route. Thank you for your lovely words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was a very touching story, Rochelle and the last line was incredible.
I’m Australian with no person connection to America and have never been there but I have read stories of people arriving by boat to New York, especially during the Irish Famine.
Congratulations on the book.
BTW, the portraits are amazing. You’re very talented!
Shalom,
Rowena
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Dear Rowena,
I’m so pleased you liked the scene. I can imagine how my 19 year old grandfather must’ve felt the first time he saw the Statue in 1906. He had no family so he hitchhiked to the Midwest.
BTW, I did have a friend from Australia who was a dancer. She passed away a few years back, way too young.
Thank you for your sweet compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, do you know why he migrated to America?
Our immigrant ancestors were so brave. Traveling to the other side of the world alone and leaving everyone and thing thing you know behind and not being able to pop back and letters taking so long. We have no idea what they went through!
xx Rowena
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Dear Rowena,
What little I know about Grandpa came from my mom. From what she told me, I’d say he had little or no family to leave. She said he didn’t know his own birthday which would’ve been a result of the pogroms in Poland. I suspect he saw more of the violence than he ever cared to speak of. I really wish I’d known him better. He was never a very approachable person. In retrospect, there’s so many questions I would love to ask him. I can only read the history and guess. Hence, the reason for my novels.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That generation seemed to keep a lot more to themselves…especially when you consider what young people put on Facebook these days! No doubt that wall of privacy was stronger when there was so much suffering behind it too. I have some Irish heritage and they had it rough too. I also have some German/Polish heritage and possible Jewish blood. I am wanting to take the Ancestry DNA test and see what shows up. Your novels sound interesting and hopefully I will get a chance to read them. I’m rather embroiled in research and writing at the moment and don’t want to break the spell while it’s going. I was going really well on this project last year until a series of disasters intervened.
Shalom,
Rowena
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I understand about being embroiled in research and writing. For the first couple of years of my series I became a virtual recluse…even in the midst of a crowd. I think I’ve learned to balance that, but my husband might beg to differ. My books will be there when you’re ready to read.
I’d love to do the DNA testing also. I know I’m pretty much Eastern European Ashkenazi Jew, but I’d like to know what else flows through these veins.
Hope things are smoothing out for you, Rowena. Thank you for the great conversation thread.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
What a moving scene you’ve shared between Yussel and Havah. I love it! And your friend’s photo is especially lovely, too. Happy writing (and marketing)!
Shalom,
Leigh
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Dear Leigh,
Lovely to see you here. I’m glad you liked the scene. Ugh. Marketing…that’s the rub. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yeah, but at least you do the marketing part well, Rochelle–you’re personable and don’t seem to be introverted (much, if at all)! 🙂
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Leigh, it’s easier to be outgoing on the internet. I’m more introverted in three dimensional situations. 😉 It’s still necessary. Oy.
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Good. Stands by itself with no problem. Everything’s in there.
I have also been reminded that I think it’s time to start a new trailer for a new book that’s coming out, don’t you agree? 😉
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Dear Cuzzin Notnek,
Do chickens have beaks? Definitely need a new trailer!!! Thank you for the nice comment, too. 😀
Shalom,
Cuzzin Shelley
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Huge congratulations on the book, Rochelle – well done you and wonderful news. And what a lovely snippet to share with us today, full of such excitement and hope for the future in a new home. Love the way Havah describes Lady Liberty to Yussel. Great story
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Dear Lynn,
Thank you on all counts. Glad you enjoyed the story. Yussel is an important person in all three of the novels.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely portraits.
And such a heart warming story. the last line reminds me that sight is more than just opening my eyes.
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Dear Chioma,
There is definitely more to sight than meets the eyes. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I absolutely love the trailer. Very well done, it leaves me wanting to drop everything and read.
Your story hit home, I know how she felt, I have been there myself so many years ago. Thank you for another great photo-prompt.
I wish you and yours a great winter. 🙂
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Dear Bridget,
This scene is actually toward the end of the book. I’m pleased you liked it and it made you want to read the rest. That’s what these teasers are about. 😉 Oops! I shouldn’t reveal my ulterior motive, should I?
Thank you for affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice story Rochelle, I saw a similar thing in the prompt, but from the future not the past.
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Dear Iain,
Glad you liked my story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a regal description of Lady Liberty. I hope her arms will open wide again to immigrants.
Tracey
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Dear Tracey,
We can but hope. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A new book, well done, you must be working day and night
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Dear Mike,
I’m an early riser. My best hours of writing are usually before the sun comes up. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a delightfully touching scene.
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Thank you for such a lovely comment/compliment, Alicia. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You know I love it. (As does my mom… 😉 )
You managed to make it stand alone… Oy! The talent of this girl!
Still waiting for my copy of book 3…
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Dear Dale,
So happy to have found a fan club in Canada. 😀 High praise that your mom was captivated by my novels. Thank you. Thank you. And, thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Captivated…that’s a good word…😉
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What a powerful snippet, thinking about a blind man “seeing” the Statue of Liberty for the first time through someone else’s eyes, imagination and hopes and fears going wild about what might happen next.
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Dear Joy,
Yussel is a special person whose blindness has caused him to see more than most. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can just “see” the scene in my mind’s eye, just like Yussel. It must’ve been a nerve wracking experience voyaging into the unknown like that. Beautiful story, Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like to come to a new country without knowing the customs or the language. Writing these books has made me feel closer to my grandparents who did just that. Thank you for your affirming words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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very touching story. being an immigrant myself, i can relate.
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Dear Plaridel,
I’m pleased you could relate to my story. Perhaps one day you’ll share yours.Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story on its own, Rochelle. You wouldn’t know it had been distilled from something larger but do want to know how they fare next.
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Dear Michael,
The books are all available on Amazon.uk.co and a few other places. 😉 I’m pleased this scene stood alone. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ahh, I love that last line. So much of what we see is inside us.
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Dear Claire,
There are times those of us who have eyes to see are totally blind. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So beautiful, Rochelle
Best wishes
Helene
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Thank you, Helene. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A scary yet exciting time. It must be quite a sight to see the Statue of Liberty waiting there to great them.
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Dear Ali,
There was a time when the Lady of the Harbor was much more welcoming. For Havah and Yussel she represents a new life. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I learned to describe things to a blind friend a few years ago – nice snippet.
I can’t say the same for your photo – for an awful moment I thought that was the prompt!
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Dear Liz,
That photo of Kent and me is a bit disturbing, isn’t it. 😉 Sorry to frighten you like that. Thank you for your kind words re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story! My paternal great-grandpa came through Ellis Island from Austria-Hungary (he was an ethnic Croat); on my mom’s family, some were here before Columbus, others came in chains from Africa, others came from Europe, but I don’t know their stories of how they got here. Thus, I’m connected to many aspects of American history!
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Dear Kevin,
What a right heritage you have! It would be wonderful if you could connect with your ancestor’s stories, although I’m sure that it’s hard to find much about the African slaves. 😦 I ran into difficulty in local Kansas City history when it came to African Americans. Very frustrating. Important people glossed over with an honorable mention. Of course I also ran into stone walls with my own family histories. So I ended up inventing a family instead, for the novels.
Glad you liked the story. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Huge congratulations on completing the final edit. Hope you are celebrating!
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Dear Louise,
Yes…celebrating indeed. The release date is tomorrow although the Kindle version is available now. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hope you have a fabulous publication day x
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Oh gosh I have tears on this one. You grabbed me right there Rochelle. Great last line
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Dear Laurie,
Tears are a huge compliment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ohhh, I can almost see it myself. She is beautiful, our Lady of Liberty! Love your story.
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Thank you for such lovely words, Jelli 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
A touching moment for many immigrants. Their anticipation of the sight statue of liberty
is palpable. His blindness a big jolt to the tear ducts. Beautifully told in such a small vignette.
As always – a winner.
Muy amable mi amiga,
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
Gracias for such a lovely comment. I can only imagine what it feels like to be an immigrant and see the Lady for the first time.
Yussel is a very important character in all three of the books. He’s been blind since he had ‘brain fever’ in his forties. It never stopped him from being a Rabbi.
In any case, I’m pleased that this scene stood alone.
Abrazos y shalom,
Rochelle
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Yussel must have seen the Lady Liberty in the true sense – for what she stands. Good one. Congratulations on the book.
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Dear Ansumani,
Although Yussel is physically blind, he’s a man of great insight. He’s a very important person in Havah’s life and a very important character in all three of my novels. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a well captured scene, Rochelle. Great work! I loved this book. 🙂
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Dear Amy,
I know you loved the book. I still get warm fuzzies when I go back and read what you wrote on your blog. 😉 Glad you liked the scene, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So realistic that the last line is actually an eye-opener!
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Thank you, Sabina.:D
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
That’s a well-chosen excerpt, and of course you know that I love your book from beginning to end. By the way, the trailer is brilliant. It says a huge amount in so few words and has real clout. Well done.
All best wishes,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
The time you took to review my books is still appreciated. I can’t take much credit for the trailer, however. That goes to my cousin Kent who has made quite a few trailers. He has quite a knack for it, doesn’t he?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
He certainly is good. Does he do these trailers as a day job, or as a sideline? I might be asking you for his contact details some day!
All best wishes
Sarah
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Sarah,
He does it as a sideline, although I think he’d love to take it on as a new career.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Sarah! I appreciate the vote of confidence.
Let’s talk trailers.
kdbonham@mac.com
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Thanks, Kent. I’ll email you this week 🙂 Do you do audio clips as well?
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I could. I don’t usually, but audio IS part of video production. So … 🙂
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Beautifully done. I felt her anxiety and the feeling that by virtue of seeing the Statue of Liberty they would be alright.
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Thank you for such an affirming comment, Cindy. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I recognized this scene. Love it. Congratulations on the new release.
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Dear Stephanie,
I’m happy to read that you recognize the scene. Feel free to leave a review on Amazon. 😉 Thank you on all counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember this scene from the book and if your goal is to get excited for your most recent sequel, it is working.
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Bwahahahahahahahah. 😈 Thank you, Dawn. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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touching!!
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Thank you, Shaktiki. 😀
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Man! It’s a long way down to the final comment! Love this tweaked scene, Rochelle, beautifully done! The video was great! Mazel!
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Dear Dawn,
I’m pleased you liked the tweaked scene. One of my favorite scenes in the book actually. Cuzzin Kent gets credit for the video. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is a well-told scene full of hope. I imagine millions have seen that skyline and statue over the years and felt that same emotion
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Dear RG,
I imagine how my 19 year old grandfather might have felt. Thank you for such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the optimism in this and the obvious closeness of Havah and Yussel.
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Dear Clare,
There is a very special bond between Havah and Yussel. Fate put them together and love keeps them there. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story Rochelle. I’m reading ‘ Say Kaddish…’ Beautifully written, impressive. You choose beautiful titles dear. Shalom.
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Thank you , Indira. You choose beautiful words for comments. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can’t express what I feel dear but thanks for encouraging me. Shalom.
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It would have been such a reassuring sight. Maybe less so in 2017.
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Dear Patrick,
I’m sure in those days that it was a reassuring sight. I wonder went through my grandparents’ heads. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great portrayal of the moment of arrival in a place of refuge. I love the characters. Congratulations on Book 3! It’s so exciting.
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Dear Margaret,
Thank you so much for you kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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