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PHOTO PROMPT © Jean L. Hays
Click Frog for the Fun of it.
As this post goes live I will be preparing to leave for Israel on a humanitarian trip 😀 So my responses and comments are bound to be slow for the next couple of weeks.
I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone that I’m a huge Fiddler on the Roof fan. I suppose it’s because it depicts my heritage in such a lovely way. One of my favorite characters in the iconic movie has always been the Constable portrayed sympathetically by Louis Zourich. So here’s my take on what the Constable might have done after the eviction of the Jews of the fictitious town of Anatevka. You may notice, I gave him a name since he never had one that I’m aware of. 😉
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
SUNRISE, SUNSET
Ivan strolled along the deserted streets of Anatevka.
“What choice did I have?”
He had been a model officer, following orders to the letter.
Men and women, babes in arms, the old and lame—they took what few belongings they had while he made certain the edict was carried out.
Why did there have to be such strife? What made these Jews less human than he? Why shouldn’t Tevye hate him? The dairyman who addressed his poverty with faith and humor had earned Ivan’s undying respect.
He entered the commissioner’s office and laid his badge on the desk. “I resign.”
Tevye the dairyman
The Constable
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
An old story, expertly retold.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing…
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A good story based on the movie “Fiddler on the Roof”, Rochelle. Good writing as always. Have a successful trip. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
Thank you for your kind comment and the traveling wishes. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, CE.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We call it courage, but often it’s something else entirely. Not a decision but an inability to contiue in the old way. Good story, Rochelle
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Dear Neil,
The constable seemed like a decent man, caught in the system. “I’m just following orders.” There is a scene in the movie where he tries to get out of his assigned task. Anyway…Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Every system seems to be corrupt or gets corrupt at some point. The dark side of human nature.
Great story Rochelle!
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Thank you, Tanille. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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If more people rebellion against immoral orders we might get a bet world… on the other hand we might get officials that are even more brutal in following orders…. not an easy matter…
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Dear Bjorn,
It takes courage to stand up for what’s right. But it would be a better world if more people did. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great continuation. I like the fact he eventually came to realise what had happened was wrong, even if a little late. At least eventually minds have been awoken to the wrong that has been done. It brings an interesting new angle to the character. Safe trip Rochelle 🙂
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Dear Iain,
I don’t recall the hapless constable ever showing up in the Sholom Aleichem stories on which the play and movie are based. But the actor in the movie’s portrayal broke my heart for him–so much inner turmoil etched on his face. At any rate I’m glad you liked my story. Thank you for taking the time to say so and thank you for the well wishes for my trip.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I haven’t seen the musical or the film, but have read about the story. A very good branch story, Rochelle. Have a safe and satisfying trip.
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Dear Varad,
I read the stories before the musical came out. Glad you enjoyed my sequel. 😉 Thank you for your kind words re my story and trip.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Only following orders” never proved to be much of a salve for anyone’s conscience. Very nicely done, Rochelle. Take care.
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Dear Sandra,
And I think the constable had a conscience. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One of my favorite musicals. You did a great job on this post-show take.
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Dear Trent,
One of my favorites, too. In fact I can be obnoxious to see it with. I know most of the lines and all of the songs. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have the songs on my iTunes (Broadway version). I iTunes playing random all day, so they come up on occasion. What wonderful music!
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Rochelle, Have a safe and blessed visit to Israel knowing I envy you the opportunity. I will be praying for you and your fellow travelers. Your story hits on a side note to the story that I’ve often thought about. I saw the play live in Chicago in a small theatre in the round. I’ve always half expected that the constable left with them, or maybe I just hoped. I have the movie on DVD now, complete with a sing-along file with captions. Love it! TRADITION! ~ Bear
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Dear Bear,
The prayers are muchly appreciated. As for FOTR…I geek out whenever I see it. I recently watched it for umpteenth time and the constable’s inner conflict struck me. (So beautifully portrayed by Louis Zourich.) Thank you for your sweet comments.
Hokahey and Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great take. Kinda falls into the realm of fan fiction, but the historical background gives it weight. Well done.
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Dear Josh,
I suppose you could call it fan fiction. Not a bad thing. Fan fiction is what put me on the road to writing. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome. I haven’t gotten a chance to review the story you sent me. Hopefully I’ll get to it today. 😉
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My link isn’t working properly, Rochelle. I’m getting there’s nothing at that page and my story is listed down below to be searched for. I removed and did it over with the same results. 😦 — Suzanne
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No worries, Suzanne. I fixed it. it seems you were a letter off in the URL.
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Thanks, Rochelle. I appreciate it. 🙂 — Suzanne
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No problem. Anytime I can help, Suzanne. 😀
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I love “Fiddler,” too, Rochelle. And I love the empathy you have shown in the Constable. This is a timeless story, repeated way too many times in history. Well done 🙂
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Dear Linda,
I could always see the conflict inside the constable, trying to make sense of it all. So I had to write it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Have a good and meaningful trip, Rochelle! I’ve just returned from a 3-week work/teaching/family-stuff visit in Israel, which ended up being in may ways more than I’d expected to have to attend to, and exactly what I needed to attend to ….
Another blogger is there now. Seems there’s a pattern here … 😉
May the trip be all that you need and hope it to be and then some.
As for the Anatevka story — I love what you did here, for as always you choose an angle, and a player, who is not necessarily center-stage and yet is central to the human experience, conditions, choices, and relevance.
Sometimes the mark of a good man is making a decision to do what goes against the grain of their indoctrination/orders. A touch of humanity can be rare in times of power-seeking, hate, and corruption. And yet again and again we see good humans settling to do the real job needed, while the chaff makes all the noise and flies in people’s eyes.
Love this!
Hugs and נסיעה טובה,
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
As many times as I’ve seen the movie, I always feel the constable’s dilemma and like to think he did the right thing in the end. Since the screenwriters didn’t see fit to write it, I took it upon myself. 😉 I like to think he’s a good man. Thank you for your kind words.
Lovely weather in Tel Aviv. Today we visited Holocaust survivors and took them lap blankets and sang Yiddish songs to them. Smiles, tears and kisses were the great rewards.
Shalom v’todah,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, this sounds like an important and heart-felt thing to do. There are fewer and fewer Holocaust survivors still with us today, and not all of them are as sheltered and cherished in the practical day-to-day as they ought to be. I know there are those who actively work to alleviate any unnecessary hardship, and I am glad that as part of your visit you are engaged in this important care for those who’d endured the unendurable.
Thank you.
Na’ama
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I never watched the movie, got reminded last week that I have to work on my movie-bucket list. Lovely post!
Have a safe trip!
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Dear Lady C,
I believe you’re in for a treat. Enjoy the movie. Thank you re my story and well wishes for a safe trip. So far, so good. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve always heard and read things like this about many of them
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Dear Larry,
Yes, thank heaven for them,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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At least someone stood up and did what was right.
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Thank you for the read and comment, Alice.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for warning me about the photo credit. I forgot to update it. Fixed now.
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All part of the service, my dear.
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Dear Rochelle,
I like your continuation of the Constable’s story. I’ve watched Fiddler on the Roof a couple of times and I can see why you’re such a huge fan. It must be hard for people like the constable to see people who were once their friends and neighbors be evicted from their homes because they are Jews.
I watched the movie, The Pianist again the other day and a couple of the Germans thought what was happening to their Jewish friends and neighbors was disgraceful. I’ve read stories of some of them helping them at risk of their own lives.
I liked how you explored the conflict the constable must have been experiencing. A wonderful and powerful take on the prompt as usual.
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
The Pianist is another favorite of mine and true story at that. The German officer who saved Spielman’s life sadly died in a Russian prison camp. I’ve read excerpts from his diary. He was a righteous man.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Suddenly the musical is playing in my mind. A delightful way of retelling the tale.
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Thank you, Keith. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Times come when an enlightened person must question the status quo. Luckily, some people make the right decision. Wonderful stuff, Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
I like to think of this man as a moral person. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was a wonderful take on a much loved movie. Well done, Rochelle 🙂
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Many thanks, Maria.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great twist on a story we know so well. Obviously, he policed his soul, lost his badge of discouragement and escaped the prison holding his ethics. Well done m’luv.
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Well said, m’luv. Thank you. 😀
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“Where is that little girl I carried?where is that little boy at play? i cant remember growing older–when did they?” Makes me cry every time. 😢
I hope such characters as your constable show some nerve in our own uncertain times. Pleasant travels, Rochelle.
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Dear Andrea,
The whole movie makes me cry. 😉 And certainly that song. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Indeed.
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Shamefully I have never seen he film, I love what you have done here though, if only more folk could be like him…
Have a good trip.
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Dear Shrawley,
You owe it to yourself to see the movie. Thank you. Having a wonderful time thus far.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I love where you took this. It would be nice if more took the high road – no matter when. Have a fabulous trip, my friend!
Shalom and lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
A bit of fan fiction perhaps. 😉 I’d like to think there were people like that in the day. Thank you, my friend.
Shalom and lotsa hugs,
Rochelle
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Fiddler is one of my all time favorite movies as well. Your story is a fitting followup piece, I imagine Ivan resigning. You expressed well his admiration and doubt. I hope you have a meaningful and wonderful trip. I’ve always wanted to visit Israel. Stay safe!
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Dear Brenda,
Fiddler and the stories that inspired it have always been favorites of mine. Thank you for your kind words.
Despite what you might hear on the news, Israel is safer than the States IMHO. I’m having a glorious time. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A visit to Israel is on my “bucket list!!” I would certainly agree that it’s not so safe in the States. I meant ‘stay safe’ in general. (haha) On one of my trips from Hong Kong last summer, my passport was stolen in one of two airports or on the plane itself. I noticed before going through Hong Kong immigration. Very annoying!! I’m so glad you are having a wonderful time. 😀
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The world is better off ‘coz of some good men. Excellent reprising of a fictional scene based on history. Have a lovely trip, dear Rochelle
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Thank you on all counts, Neel. I am indeed having a wonderful trip. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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He had the courage to say “enough is enough”. Lovely story.
I hope your trip to Israel goes well 🙂
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Dear Ali,
I’m writing from warm, sunny Jerusalem. 😀 I’d like to think the constable would eventually have enough and take a stand. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Like it very much. Hope Israel goes well. Hang on to your humanity.
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Dear Patrick,
Glad you liked my story. This trip is being a wonderful experience.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fiddler on the Roof is definitely a love we share, Rochelle…
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Dear Violet,
I smiled when I read your story last week. This one was scheduled and ready to post. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I, too, always thought the Constable was caught between a rock and a hard place. You captured him perfectly. Travel safely. Bring back wonderful stories.
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Dear Lish,
I’m seeing some beautiful sites in the Land. 😀 As for my story…thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I trust his resignaiton didn’t earm him severe penalties for not going through with the exection.
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Dear Liz,
I don’t know what the penalty would’ve been for resigning his commission. But, then, I only had 100 words. 😉 Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Humanity wins over sense of duty. He may lose his life. Nice story.
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Thank you, Abhijit.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I had seen Fiddler on the Roof as a student and guess I have t revisit the film. Rochelle you have given the constable a name and thus brought him out more lively. He , as per his conscience, resigned and kept the little flame of humanity and empathy alive. We will hear stories about your trip to Israel after you come back.
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Dear Kalpana,
Many thanks for your kind comments. I have seen the movie many times ;). Glad you enjoyed it, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good people inherently know the right things to do.
Safe travels!
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Dear Sascha,
I like to think he did the right thing in the end. 😉
Shalom from Israel,
Rochelle
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You tell the story with honesty and compassion. An individual standing up against a cruel regime is being really brave, a role model of what’s possible I think.
Good luck with your trip, hope it goes well.
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Dear Francine,
I like to think there are good people in all walks of life. 😁 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story. I saw that movie as a kid so I don’t really remember much except for this song. Time for a revisit perhaps.
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Dear Francine,
I like to think there are good people in all walks of life. 😁 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I mean Subroto,
Hard to comment on my phone. Thank you for commenting and understanding.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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If only more followed their hearts and challenged authority. Another side of Fiddler. Nice.
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Many thanks, Stu.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You caught the feeling of the film nicely. Ivan’s actions were admirable and costly; it must be very difficult to speak out against a violent regime.
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Dear Penny,
No doubt there would be more to the story if I had more words. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully done, Rochelle. And happy trails to you — greatest success in your endeavours!
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Thank you so much, Valerie. 😘
Shalom,
Rochelle
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People claim Rudolf Hess supposedly changed completely and became Catholic. Israel Zolli, Italy’s most important rabbi in WWII, became Catholic and changed his name in honor of Pp. Pius XII, who was one of the best. They’re only a couple of examples of the positive side.
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Great fresh take on the story. Safe journeys, my friend!
Salom,
Ronda
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Thank you, dear Ronda. ❤️
Shalom,
Rochelle
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When you place your hand over your heart, you accept the responsibility for the world.
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Truer words were never spoken, James. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great twist. Enjoy your trip!
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Thank you, Dawn.
Shalom from Israel,
Rochelle
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Gteat story Rochelle. I love to see stories and history through your eyes. Makes it more lifelike and real to me. A great dip into a character in a story we know little about.
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Thank you for such a lovely comment, Laurie.
Shalom,
Rochell
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