Our Mantra
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PHOTO PROMPT © Sarah Ann Hall
Please be considerate and keep your stories to 100 words. Thank you.
Once more another excerpt from my trilogy as I prepare the coffee table companion book, A STONE FOR THE JOURNEY. Designed for those who like art and very short stories. 😉 This is an excerpt from the third in the series, AS ONE MUST, ONE CAN. A little background for those unfamiliar. The menorah in the story is a ‘character’ of sorts. Crafted by Yussel’s father, it has survived the pogroms and the long journey to America.
Genre: Historical Fiction circa 1907
Word Count: 100
FAMILY HEIRLOOM
Arel scowled. “Lev, where’ve you been?”
“The library, I—”
“You missed supper.”
Havah grasped Arel’s arm and whispered, “Please let him explain.”
“My house. My rules.” Arel slapped Lev, knocking Yussel’s menorah off the table.
The ground listed beneath Havah’s feet.
Lev gasped.
Yussel cried out, dropped to his knees and searched with trembling hands until he found the broken pieces. He hugged them to his chest. Tears quivered in his sightless eyes.
“It’s only one branch, Papa.” Havah knelt beside him. “Surely it can be fixed.”
“Once a limb is severed can the tree be made whole again?”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Excellent excerpt from your book, Rochelle. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Maybe it’s the scars that life leaves on us and on things that make the difference between beauty and mere prettiness
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Dear Neil
An interesting thought. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I remember this passage well. I can so feel Yussel’s pain at having a – no, THE, family heirloom broken. It is more than a piece for the mantel.
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale
I’m so happy that you knew that passage. It was definitely more than mere candelabra. A metaphor for the Gitterman family. Thank you for your feedback and support as always.
Shalom my dear friend
Rochelle
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Always, my friend xoxo
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Exquisite writing and art works, Rochelle.
Love and regards,
Moon
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Many thanks, Moon. 😀
Shalom
Rochelle
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It’s always a quick second that you can’t take back… Great excerpt.
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You know it, Trent. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s simply a gorgeous bit of writing, Rochelle. I’ve asked my friend, who’s traveling to the US shortly, to grab a copy of your book. Cheers, Varad.
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Dear Varad
Gorgeous is as good as it gets. Thank you for such a compliment.
Also, I’ve sent you an email. Thank you.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Okay, this makes me NEED to read the whole trilogy 🙂 So many books, so little time. …
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Dear Linda,
Mission accomplished! 😉 I understand about so many books. I have a hefty stack myself. Many thanks.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a gorgeous and tragic bit of writing… that last line really closes it for me. Sometimes an object is truly such an important part that when it breaks there are other things that break in the same time.
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Dear Björn,
You’ve caught the correlation between the breaking of the menorah to a breakdown in family relations. Thank you for such a wonderful comment/compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rough justice often causes bigger problems than it solves.
Powerful stuff.
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Dear CE
And bigger problems for this family are on the horizon. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The last line just killed me! Acch! Once severed… indeed.
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Dear Jelli
Glad you liked that line. It’s one of my favorite lines in all three books. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Isn’t that typical? Survives all the way and then in one moment – destroyed. A metaphor for many things in life.
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Dear Iain,
In this instance, the menorah that has survived so much is a metaphor for this family. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom
Rochelle
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One moment, one mistake is all it takes to change life completely.
Click to read my FriFic!
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Dear Keith,
Truly it only takes a moment for life to change doesn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely and moving extract, Rochelle.
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Thank you, Claire. 😀
Shalom
Rochelle
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Brilliant excerpt. However, a new and healed branch will take the place of the old broken one. Nicely done, Rochelle.
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Dear Lavanya,,
It will take a skilled silversmith to restore the broken menorah. But I’m not divulging more than that. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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😇 I’ll definitely be reading your 📚. On a different note, my debut novel is up on kindle as well. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077515DCR/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_t2_rnk.zb8NC4T7T.
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That is so terribly tragic but I hope the Menorah, if not made perfectly whole again, can be restored and continue with the family and their posterity.
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Dear James
There just might be a restoration, but I don’t want to give the whole book away. Just enough to entice. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear What’s-Her-Name W(T)F,
Ha, the library. A likely story. Let’s hope this doesn’t lead to 7 years bad luck.
Nice excerpt – BTW. Filled with emotion. You certainly know how to make the reader care about the characters.
Junior, Jr.
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Dear Junior, Jr.
What we have here is a FAYulure to communiCATE.
If the reader doesn’t care about the characters what’s the point? Right? Of course right! 😉
Thank you and Shalom
What’s-Her-Face W(T)F
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Love that last line especially.
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Thank you, Josh. 😀
Shalom
Rochelle
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What sticks in my mind is the tears from sightless eyes. Even blinded eyes feel sorrow. That’s so poetic to me.
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Dear Eric,
We don’t need to see to feel, do we? Thank you.
Shalom
Rochelle
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A poignant little excerpt. Strange how sometimes friends and family can cause more harm than enemies do.
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Dear Penny,
No one can wound us as much as those who are closest. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
The beauty in this tragic piece is the hope, I think. Hope amidst heartache. Hope against hope.
Shalom
Kelvin
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Dear Kelvin,
Of course you’ll find all the answers when you get to AS ONE MUST, ONE CAN. 😉 Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The tragic consequences of lashing out in anger. This damage will take some repairing. So sad!
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Dear Edith (or is it Geraldine?)
Unfortunately lashing out in anger often results in tragedy. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Indeed. An angry response is never a good way to respond.
Best wishes
Edith
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Oh, what a heart-breaking scene! I agree with Edith – healing will take time. Nicely done, my friend.
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Dear Lish,
This is a pivotal moment for the family. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Powerful writing Rochelle, so many given in so few words.
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Thank you, Michael. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great, emotional excerpt on its own. Truly powerful moment in the novel. As always, super writing.
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Dear Jan,
It really is one of my favorite parts of all three of the novels. Thank for the support and a wonderful comment, m’luv.
Rochelle
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Oh no! I get the saying but still is so sad and cruel to hear. Is there a saying that well, we’ll try the best we can?
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Dear Blue Dot,
There is a saying “All’s well that end’s well.” But one has to read the book to know that for sure. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That slap was totally out of line. And the shifting of the floor is pretty ominous. It really is a breakaway moment.
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Dear Alice,
It’s definitely a pivotal moment in this book. Yes, the slap was indeed out of line. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a moving scene, Rochelle. Powerful question at the close. Leaves your reader trying to determine the answer in his own life.
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Dear Sandra
As I’ve said in comments before, this is a pivotal moment in the novel and for the Gitterman family with the menorah as the metaphor. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Poignant, with layered depths in its emotional nuances and words!
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Dear Sabina,
Thank you for reading and leaving such an affirming comment.:D
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great excerpt and still pondering the question….
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Thank you, Yvette. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Such a harsh scene. And for the menorah to have survived so much only to be broken in a moment’s violence.
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Dear Ali
It only takes a moment, doesn’t it? Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Some things once they change are never the same again. Lovely excerpt. You weave magic through your writings, dear Rochelle.
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Dear Neel
Life can turn on a dime, can’t it? Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Broken glass can be mended but it is never the same again..beautiful
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Dear Balaka,
Broken glass, or in this case silver, can be mended. It won’t be the same again, but perhaps it will be stronger. Thank you.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Oh dear!
Anger …..
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“Once a limb is severed can the tree be made whole again?”
Poignant. Yet a truth lingers there… Very intriguing, Rochelle! Loved it.
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Dear Vinay,
The question he asks is a pivotal place in the novel. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh dear, Rochelle. How sad. Arel was a bit aggresive here, she managed to hurt peole physically and emotionally, by breaking someting that had great meaning for the person. (Sorry, I’m afraid I haven’t read the book, so I don’t know how the are or what their relationship is). The flash is effective in its sharpness.
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Dear Luccia,
Arel is Lev’s uncle as well as adoptive father. He did act aggressively…of course there’s more to that story to be revealed. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Poor Yussel! A captivating scene.
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Thank you, Magarisa. 😀
Shalom
Rochelle
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Those drawings are gorgeous! Such a heartbreaking excerpt. I feel like something terrible is going to happen with this portent
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Dear Laurie,
The breaking of the menorah is symbolic of what is happening to the family. Thank you for reading and commenting. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Richelle,
Hace tiempo … era tiempo para empezar otra vez.
I felt that slap and more as I read this excerpt from your book … a back flash from when I had read it. “Once a limb is severed can the tree be made whole again?” this question has so few words but, I’m sure, many opinions could be discussed. Bravo … tears and tissues. 🙁
Your artwork with the sepia tones are perfect for your drawings. You are a super artist. Faces and figures are difficult to do. You’ve mastered them beautifully.
Shalom y Abrazos,
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
I didn’t think you’d read the third book yet. At any rate, your tears are high praise. Gracias amiga.
Shalom y cariño,
Rochelle
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Your writing always brings on the tears.
I went to Amazon and was looking at ordering the Kindle books for my Christmas gift. Among the comments, I became aware of some of the things that were to come.
Abarazos y besos.
Isadora 😎
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Your excerpt has made me want to get straight to your book. Love the last line. Your coffee table book sounds fantastic and the drawings displayed are lovely.
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Dear Irene
Naturally I hope you will read my book(s). Any one of them do stand alone but I’m told by some they a person must read them in order. Who am I to argue? Thank you for your lovely comments/compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I agree Rochelle. They have to be read in order. I started the second soon after it came out and although enjoying it university got in the way but now that is finished I look forward to getting back to it and then number 3 soon.
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Dear Irene
I’d forgotten that you’d read PSKFM and left an Amazon review a couple of years ago. I hope you’ll do the same with other two. Of course I hope you’ll enjoy them. Nothing warms this author’s heart more than to know a reader connects with her characters. Thank you so very much.
Shalom
Rochelle
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A very poignant piece, Rochelle. Our actions, knowingly or unknowingly, can sometimes cause distress to others and the last line expresses it very nicely.
Oh, and lovely drawings, too, Rochelle. 🙂
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Dear Norma
All too often, one unfortunate moment can have a ripple effect and serious repercussions. Thank you for your lovely comment/compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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the last line is so powerful and true about life- such wisdom and depth Roch
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Thank you for such a wonderful comment, Akshata.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Yussel’s heartbreak is palpable and Havah is clearly the diplomat and negotiator in the family. Such strong characters. Hopefully Yussel’s pain will pass in time, with the repair of the menorah’s arm. It won’t be the same but, like the tree, it can be strong again.
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Dear Sarah,
Your comments are perceptive indeed. Of course I can’t divulge the how’s and when’s. They’re in the book. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Ok. Hint taken. I’ll go buy 🙂
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He has far too short a temper. Good dialogue, as always. I can see this happening so easily.
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Dear Liz,
Poor Arel’s overworked and stressed. He’s going to have to face his inner demons very soon. 😉 Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hello, Rochelle, I’ve joined in the Friday Fictioneers at last, after following one or two regulars for some time.
This excerpt was wonderful to read – very intriguing and full of resonance.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Dear Susan,
Welcome aboard! I’m happy you decided to get off the sidelines and join the fun. Thank you so much for your comments re my story/excerpt.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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On first glance, some might dismiss an object as just that – a mere thing, not as important as the people around it. But when an object is at the centre of your faith, a focus for family gatherings, when it has survived so much, it becomes a symbol of just that – survival. A survival of the family, a survival of faith, of a culture some seem determined to destroy. I can see why Yussel is so devastated.
Beautifully, sadly told, Rochelle.
Sorry I’m so late joining in this week – nice to catch up with everyone eventually 🙂
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Dear Lynn,
I think we all have heirlooms that remind us of someone special. I have a lead crystal bowl that belonged to my parents. It fascinated me as a child and is one of my prized possessions now. I hope that my children will cherish it, too. Thank you for your affirming comments.
As to your tardiness,…not to worry. I’m just now getting around to answering my comments. 😉 And then wrote a Pegman story on top of that.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Must be getting hard for you to keep up with it all, as the numbers for FF keep growing and growing. You’ll soon need to employ a secretary to take on some of the load! Yes, although belngings are never as important as people of course, they can also embody them, hold your history in them. There’s something slightly supernatural about a very old object, everything it must have seen, the people who owned it. I’m sure it’s my imagination, but I almost feel these objects absorb a little of the world.
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What a gripping last line, Rochelle, and what a wrenching tale. I can imagine how important this item is to the family, and how crushing it is to have it broken, especially so needlessly. I’m very sentimental about family objects myself, more so than the rest of my family I think. Enough that I’m still lugging around grandma’s old dining room table, even though it’s far too big for my apartment and it desperately needs to be completely refinished But it’s grandma’s! All those memories!
I won’t be around much this month because I’m focusing on writing for NaNoWriMo, and not doing any flash fiction challenges, but I wanted to say “hi” and remark on what an interesting photo you have this week! Have fun with FF while I’m “gone”. 🙂
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Dear Joy,
I notice our numbers down a smidge this week and suspect it has something to do with NaNoWriMo. 😉 All my best to you. I’ve too much else going on to get involved.
At any rate, thank you for stopping by to read and comment. It means a lot. I, too, have possessions that I wouldn’t part with.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This story reminds me that there are more important things – than material things. The last line truly causes one to think. Nicely written.
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Dear Mike,
The menorah is most definitely a metaphor. It will also remind Yussel of what’s truly important. Thank you for your intuitive comment. It’s very kind of you to take the time to read.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great excerpt, Rochelle. Very powerful and very moving
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Thank you for such an affirming comment, Michael.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And just like that I was there again.
Thank you Rochelle.
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You made me smile, Dawn. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle 😀
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Dear Rochelle, You are so much fun to read! I don’t know how to repair a broken branch but I would try to make it right. Very well written!!!
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Dear Nan,
It’s up to this family to figure it out. 😉 I won’t divulge the plot though. Thank you for such a lovely comment/compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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