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 © Sandra Crook
Genre: I’ll take Historical Fiction for 100, Alex
WORDS OF LOVE
Hemda mourned when her sister succumbed to consumption, but how could she honor Devorah’s final wish to go to Jerusalem to marry her grieving widower, Eliezer the heretic?
“Israel,” he insisted, “must have one language.”
The rabbis seethed. “One uses the holy tongue for prayer—not idle chitchat.”
Nonetheless, Hemda dedicated herself to her husband as, side-by-side, they activated the wheels of change. Together they developed a modern Hebrew dictionary.
Her heart swelled when 30,000 attending his funeral proclaimed him a national hero.
British historian Cecil Roth later wrote: “Before Eliezer Ben-Yehuda Jews could speak Hebrew; after him they did.”
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Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
A people without a language have lost touch with their past. Nice story. But is it really Friday already?
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Dear Jane,
Thank you for the read and the comment.
It’s still Wednesday here. 😉 The original reason for posting the prompt on Wednesday was to give writers time to write and polish their stories by Friday. By the time I joined four years ago it had already become a race to post early. When I took over I kept the name Friday Fictioneers in deference to the creators of the challenge. Not to mention it was pretty well known by the name. In other words, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’
Shalom and Happy Wednesday,
Rochelle
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It’s a constant source of confusion, the different time zones, the people who are having their high summer at the moment, I’m willing to believe anything 🙂 Will get on with a story before Friday really arrives.
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I love the wheels of change metaphor to go with the prompt!! What a brilliant quote that is about ability versus action.
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Dear Jessie,
Your words are very encouraging. I’m glad you picked up on the metaphoric tie to the prompt. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is what you do better than anyone, m’lady, explain history with a personal touch.
Superb, as always.
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Dear CE,
Your words mean a lot to me and warm me on a very cold morning. Thank you, kind sir.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love the idea that Hebrew was only used for prayer and other languages for everyday. People are endlessly inventive with their linguistic rules. It reminds me of what I discovered, and used as the basis for one of my stories, that in early nineteenth century Scotland, English was only used in school and Scots in everyday life. If you spoke English outside school it was a sign you’d lost your temper
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Dear Neil,
Language fascinates me. If I could speak them all I would. Thank you for sharing that tidbit about Scots.
As for the Hebrew, I still remember the old men at my synagogue in the lat 60’s arguing. Not only had Israel chosen to use the prayer language as the spoken language, but had also chosen the Sephardic (Mediterranian) pronunciation which is different than the Ashkenazik.(Eastern European).
Interestingly, Theodore Hertzl, the father of Zionism thought German should be Israel’s national language. Go figure.
In any event, thank you for coming by to read and leaving a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What an inspiring story, I love your history lessons. Superb as always!
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Dear Loré,
As I’ve said before, I’m usually passing on things as I learn them myself. 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I often keep working on mine until Friday, tweaking he odd word here and there. I like this story, too. The style reminds me a bit of Czeslaw Milosz.
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Dear J hardy,
I had to look up Czeslaw Milosz. Now I’ll have to read some of his works. You’ve broadened my horizons with your compliment.
It’s never too late to tweak and I’m never above it. That’s what I love about this exercise. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This post is so full of language, I am jealous. I learn so much from you. Thank you. Mike
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Dear Michael,
I can’t say I’m an expert on anything but have been told I have a head for trivia. I’m glad you enjoyed and took the time to comment on my story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s not trivia, its pure gold. Lovely use of words
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Great story. Powerful last line.
One language. One people. One God. No?
Randy
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Randy Y’kar,
Nakhon. Am echad v’adonai echad. Todah rabbah.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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B’vakasha.
M’daberet Evreet Tov M’ohd.
Rueven
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Thanks once again for opening our eyes to a little snippet of history. I love the wheels of change line! Well done, dear, well done.
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Dear Alicia,
I’m glad to see that my story resonated with you. Gratifying for an author. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Can’t have been easy, to be with a man determined to change an entire state, the way a religion views itself! She must have been as extraordinary as her husband. Thanks for this, Rochelle – a fascinating tale of people making history.
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Dear Lynn,
From what I’ve read, Hemda was a very determined woman and did a lot of writing herself. History shows that she was the perfect wife for Ben-Yehuda. They really had to face a lot of opposition. But today we see the fruits of their labor.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A fascinating pair and time in history. A great read Rochelle
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Another gem of information. And so expertly couched in a story. Well done!
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Dear Sandra,
Thank you for such a gem of a comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You do have a knack to bring little and not so little snippets of history to the fore. Love this so much, my friend!
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Dear Dale,
I love the challenge and history. I’m happy to take you along for the ride. L’chaim, chaverah.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely way to give us a brief insight into how and who brought things to pass 🙂
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Thank you, Dahlia. My pleasure.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The bravery to make such a seminal change always impresses us and rightly so. But every new idea with merit always generates its share of naysayers. How impressive his change is and how glad I am to know about it now. My knowledge of such is very limited. Thanks for the knowledge adding 100 word story.
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Dear Joe,
Given the amount of opposition Ben-Yehuda faced, even from Hertzl the father of Zionism, it’s a pretty amazing history. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved the last lines. Thanks for the insight Rochelle.
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Dear Graham,
Thank you for reading and commenting. Glad you liked. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Awesome
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Thank you, Tamal. 😀
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Thanks for the insight, packaged in a lovely story
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Dear Siobhán,
Thank you for such a lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like to learn things.. and obviously the language and how it can unite is fascinating. Thank you for the intriguing background, and how it changed the world.
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Dear Björn,
It’s always a pleasure to share what’s nearest and dearest to my heart…history. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fascinating stuff, as usual Rochelle. I think I might be too tired to read well today, but the first paragraph took me a couple of readings to work out who was who – originally I thought the dead girl wanted her body to be taken to Jerusalem, which seemed really quirky! I got it figured out in the end though
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Dear Jen,
Sorry to cause any confusion. The dead girl was already in Jerusalem. She bequeathed her husband to her younger sister. Now that’s selfless. Glad you figured it out. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Methinks you must’ve been a tad tired, Jen… No confusion here! 🙂
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A tad tired doesn’t begin to describe it, Dale. 😉
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Thank you for another delightful, enlightening, bite-size history lesson Rochelle, I have learned so many interesting things from your stories. I hope when the fruits of your writing have filled your table you will continue to entertain and indulge us with your beautiful tales. Happy New Year 😊
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Dear JWD,
What a wonderful comment. Thank you so much. 😀
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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an awesome quote to end the story. well done.
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Thank you, Plaridel. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another wonderful bit of historical fiction, Rochelle. I almost always learn something with your stories! 🙂
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Dear Dawn,
Nothing pleases this author more than when a reader says she’s learned something from my writing. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great historical piece. I’m just glad they didn’t go the same way with the Christian church and we all ended up speaking “modern Latin” in everyday conversation 🙂
Great quote from Roth.
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Dear Ali,
Modern Latin. Now there’s a concept. Ya never know what might happen in the future. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully written Rochelle and the tribute is so sweet. I had no idea! I love the things I learn from your posts! 🙂 ❤
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Dear Courtney,
I only recently learned this bit of history myself. I knew there had been some controversy over using the ‘Holy Language’ for everyday conversation, but I knew little about the ‘instigator.’ Happy to share. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a lovely story Rochelle. It’s amazing how often yesterday’s heretics are today’s heroes. A poignant reminder of how much courage and love is needed.
Shalom,
Anne
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Dear Anne,
Ben-Yehuda and Hemda were determined people. A nation is grateful to them as I am to you for such a nice comment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I really like the way you tied in historical information to fit with the wheel image. Nice story!
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Dear Debra,
You might have guessed by now that historical fiction is my favorite genre. 😉 Thank you for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Mary Tyler More-or-Less,
Hemda could have done much worse. She could’ve gotten stuck with someone like me who ain’t yet mastered Hillbillese after 60 years. We would entitle that story, Wheel of Misfortune.
Where’s Vanna White when you need her?
Dr. Ben Case-Uvem
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In that case, Pat, I’d like to buy a bowel movement for 200 …
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Bing! Bing! Bing! (Flashing lights)
You hit the Daily Double, Kent. Name the actor who couldn’t get the toilet to flush in Dumb & Dumber?
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Dear Ben Case-Uvem,
Hemda’s ears are sizzling in her grave. Many thanks (I think) for spreading your comments like manure. Thankfully, I don’t know the answer you put to Cuzzin Notnek. Don’t wanna know.
Shalom,
Mary Tyler More-or-Less (considerably less than more)
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Dear Rochelle, It is always that i finish your post with a little more learning, bite sized history and put forth with your usual elan and flurry. Loved the end quotes too.
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Dear Neel,
You taught me a new word-‘elan’. So I’d say we’re even. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Remember when we were at the McDonald’s and I read “meelk-shehk?” One of the highlights of trying to glean something “grand” out of a word, I guess, and it turns out to be something I could have read at home. Oh well …
Fun story, appropriate irony.
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Dear Cuzzin Notnek
Ah, yes, McDrive. The one that cracked me up was the Hebrew Motor-rolla sign. Thank you for using the drive through. Enjoy your koka kola and latkes.
Shalom,
Cuzzin Shelley
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And a babaganouche to you, too.
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And when the women’s heppy, evrybody’s heppy. 😉
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“… and there is no snow today.”
Well, almost. 😀
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Don’t worry. Be Happy.
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“I am Zvi, which means the gazelle in Hebrew …”
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Every week I learn something new. You never disappoint. Well done my friend.
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Thank you for such a lovely compliment, Bridget. It means a lot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting story, I learn so much reading you 100 words every week Rochelle. As always great work
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Dear Laurie,
I think if I had it to do over again I think I’d be a teacher. I love hearing that someone learned something from me. 😉 Actually, for a while I taught beginning Hebrew. Loved the experience of seeing the ‘aha moment’ on someone’s face. I said all that to say, “thank you. or todah rabbah”
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sounds wonderful Rochelle 😊
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We take so many things for granted like dictionaries. I love your historical fiction.
Tracey
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Dear Doc,
Your words are a healing balm. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle I would have to say having a unified language for a country is very important, especially when it comes to things such as religion. The situation in your story presented this well and it made me think of history in the Middle Ages where the common peasant or even the Lords couldn’t read. The Catholic Church only spoke the Bible in Latin and nobody but Church related people understood it. They could tell them anything they wanted and the people were not the wiser. Hence, indulgences etc… A very important topic and a wonderful take!
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Dear Amanda,
I wonder what would’ve happened if the Catholics had modernized Latin? I’m glad my story resonated with you and you took the time to tell me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle. As well for the comment on my FF piece. I’m sorry I spelled your name wrong!
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No worries, Amanda. It happens all the time. 😉
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Thanks 🙂
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Love the metaphor and the story!
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Thank you, Karen. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Is that like bringing Latin back?
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Sort of, Alice. Only different. 😉
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Another piece of history you’ve brought to life. Well done.
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Thank you, Lizzy. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love the whole thing. You surely keep educating us. Thank you very much!
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Dear Sabina,
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the ‘lesson.’ The teacher is also the student. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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😉
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What a wonderful learning experience. Nice to know the origins of the dictionary. I used to have one it was so well worn. I’ll have to find another. 🙂
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Dear Jelli,
You might have noticed in my photo at the bottom that my dictionary’s pretty well used. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
That bit of history, unknown to me before, is such an inspiration on many fronts. I love stories that demonstrate tireless dedication to achieving a goal, and the way Hemda stood by Eliezer’s side to help him complete his monumental task. How wonderful that he ended up acknowledged as a National Hero.
Fabulous stuff.
All best wishes
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
This was one of those where I’ve passed on what I only recently learned. I’m happy that you enjoyed my story. There’s always so much to try to cram into 100 worlds so when it comes across the way I want it I’m pleased. Thank you for reading and leaving such a wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I always learn so much from you. You should put all the stories into a book I for one would buy it.
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Dear Louise,
We’ve talked about doing a book of flash fiction but it hasn’t happened yet. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve written in going on five years…although I did take the summer off of writing them. 😉 Thank you for such a wonderful compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s always in the back of my mind but there just isn’t enough time is there?
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I did have a publisher interested but now it’s a matter of which ones stand alone the best. I wouldn’t want to use all of the photo prompt as that would require getting permission and some of the photographers are long gone from our midst. However, that being said, it’s a project on the back burner. 😉
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I cast another vote for loving the “wheels of change” line that ties this into the prompt. So fun, how a prompt can take people in so many different directions — and especially fun when I get to learn a little history because of it!
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Dear Joy,
As you know I rarely tie myself to the prompt in the literal sense. I’m glad you picked up on m “wheels of change” line as the connection. Very astute.
There’s so much to learn from history, isn’t there? I heard it said recently, “Without history, there’s no future.” Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Agreed — and without history, we can’t understand the present nearly as well, either.
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A powerful epitaph.
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Thank you, Joe. 😀
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Most welcome.
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Oh that last line!
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Glad you liked it, Clare. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My favorite class with my favorite instructor.
Thanks Rochelle.
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Dear Dawn,
You get an A+ for that comment. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love how you can take any picture and turn it into such a great story, and lesson. You never cease to amaze me.
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Dear Anonymous Husband,
In the words of Rod Steward, “Every picture tells a story, don’t it?”
Thank you, m’love,
Rochelle
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Well told and fascinating as ever Rochelle.
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Thank you, Michael. I couldn’t ask for a better compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Inspiring story.
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Thank you, James. 😀
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Hitchhiking this week:
http://scraps-from-life.blogspot.in/2017/01/you-unplugged.html
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Hi Rochelle! Every picture tells a story but few could catch it like you. Shalom. I had difficulty to understand the last line.
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Dear Indira,
What a lovely thing to say.
Let me try to explain that last line. Before the Jews settled in Israel, they knew Hebrew. It was the holy language of the Torah and prayer books. But they never ‘spoke’ it as a conversational language, although they had the ability. After Ben-Yehuda’s work, Jews DID speak it all the time. I hope that makes sense.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle for taking time from your busy schedule to explain this to me. It makes sense. Shalom. God Bless you.
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Dear Indira,
I appreciate your sincere questions and ave the utmost respect for your desire to learn.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So nice of you dear. Thanks.
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