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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.
A few of you might recognize the following story from a couple of years ago for What Pegman Saw. A little nip and tuck to make the story 100 words and it’s a Friday Fictioneers story. 😀
Genre: Fiction
Word Count: 100
MOUNT SINAI IN TANZANIA
Jelani’s ebony cheeks glisten, “I was but a child when Idi Amin’s henchmen destroyed our synagogue. On his deathbed my father grasped my hand and said, ‘Son, promise me, never forget who you are.”
The Torah scroll I brought from Canada is processed among the people. As it passes, Jelani touches the scroll with the tzit-tzit attached to his belt, then brings them to his lips with such reverence I weep.
Yehuda Kahalani leads the congregation in a Hebrew chant. My pulse races. I add my voice to familiar prayers and songs. Although we are different, our hearts are one.
*Tzit-tzit are the fringes G-d commanded the children of Israel to attach to the four corners of their garments in the books of Deuteronomy and Numbers. So when Tevye asks “How did this tradition get started?” You’ll know. 😉
Click to read the true story that informed my flash fiction.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Excellent piece on how we frame identity…
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Thank you, Reena. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A fine example of faith bringing people together.
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Dear Iain,
If only people could focus on how much we’re the same rather than quibbling over our differences. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We are our pasts. And we are also our dreams of the future. Lovely, Rochelle
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True story, Neil. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I vaguely remember 😉 And this is a lovely story of carrying our faith into the world we create.
Shalom and lotsa faithful love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
To be fair, I posted the story two years ago. No doubt you’ve slept since then. 😉 Again, if only people would focus on our common ground…what a wonderful world it would be. (you’re welcome for the ear worm).
Shalom and lotsa shared hugs,
Rochelle
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Haha! Right.
And yes, I so wish people would just respect and accept each other.
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That would have been a deeply moving occasion. Strong story, Rochelle.
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Dear Penny,
I can only imagine what the real event was like. Thank you for your supportive comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A good story to remind us that our only salvation lies in coming together with hope and trust and belonging and forgiving.
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Dear Neel,
One of the things I’ve always loved about Friday Fictioneers is our diversity. Different countries, different races…one heart. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is such a precious heritage. I have long been fascinated by the true story of this “people-group” who have retained the Hebrew heritage.
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Dear Linda,
No doubt in my mind that Someone has preserved this people for His purpose. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes.
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A great story even if a tweaked redo. Many people have no idea of the large Black Jewish presence in Africa.
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Dear Jan,
We come in all shapes, sizes and colors. There’s more of a Jewish presence in Africa than we realize, I think. Thanks, m’luv. Finally getting around to doing some replies. (This past week sucked BIG TIME.)
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Big time. For sure.
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Well described procession of the Torah scroll and the touching of it with the tzit-tzit.
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Thank you, Frank. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a heart-warming story, Rochelle. It was meant to be that the community receive their own Torah from Canada.
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Dear Lisa,
I’ve no doubt that was meant to be. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
Yes ❤
Shalom,
Lisa
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Faith shared, we could all use a little more of that.
Tracey
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Dear Tracey,
It’s a shame we can’t share faith and hope rather than tear one another down, isn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great tale, I think some folk in this sometimes rotten world of ours could learn something from this
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Dear Shrawley,
Sadly some people will never learn. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very cool. I guess I didn’t know this bit of history.
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Dear Andrea,
One of the brilliant things about the internet is being able to find these obscure nuggets. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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faith brings people together regardless of background. that’s the beauty of it.
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Dear Plaridel,
It’s true…faith can bring people together. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely tale, your last few words are so true.
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Thank you so much, Keith.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’ve hinted again at how much connects us when we look beyond our differences. A song that all can sing is a powerful thing.
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Dear Jen,
Again, if we concentrate on our similarities and learn to appreciate our differences. 😉 thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well done, Rochelle.
Oh, the world we live in.
Peace (if at all possible),
Bill
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Thank you, Bill. So many if onlies in the world.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Although we are different, our hearts are one. ” – the perfect sentence, and one to live by… if only.
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Yes, Gabi If only. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh my goodness, this gave me the goosebumps. A powerful story of recovering something once lost. I loved the last line, Rochelle. Peace to you!
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Dear Brenda,
I couldn’t ask for higher praise. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a moving story. There are so many things that could unite us as humans, if we would only let ourselves see them.
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Dear Margaret,
What a shame more people don’t come together and share the things we agree on rather than quibbling over the differences. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a profoundly moving story of faith uniting rather than, as sadly is mostly the case, dividing. I enjoyed this.
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Dear Sandra,
I’m so glad you enjoyed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story of faith bringing people together
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Thank you, Vartika.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a fascinating glimpse into the history of an action and why we come together to feel better
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Thank you, Laurie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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