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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.
PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot
Due to circumstances beyound my control I”m posting a rerun from four years ago. A few of you might remember it .
Genre: HIstorical Fiction
Word Count: 100
THIS HOT MADNESS
Benjamin shoved a notebook under his son’s nose. “What is this mishegoss?”
Although the boy had expected his father’s wrath, he trembled. “They’re my stories, Papa. I’ve decided to become a writer.”
“A sixteen-year-old child decides?” Benjamin shook his fist and thundered. “For this we send you to yeshiva?”
“I make straight A’s in Talmud class. Why can’t a rabbi write fiction, too?”
Benjamin flung the binder to the floor. “Frivolous nonsense!” Pages scattered like dry leaves.
***
In 1967, thirty-eight-year-old Chaim Potok marveled when his debut novel, The Chosen, became a NY Times best seller. “What would Papa say now?”
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If you have 4 extra minutes and want to know more, CLICK HERE
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Great for him, to persist with his passion.
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Dear James,
Young Chaim wasn’t deterred from his passion and we are all the better for it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An entirely worthy retread, Rochelle
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Thank you so much, Neil. Glad you thought so. 🙂
Shalom,
Rochelle
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An inspiring story Rochelle
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Thank you, Sadje. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Most welcome
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Happy New Year Rochelle, all the best for 2023. Here’s to writing that’s as inspired as the Rabbi!
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Dear Iain,
A happy new year to you as well. As for the writing, I’ll be delving into my novel this week. Just got the edits from the publisher. Going to be a big job and an exciting learning experience. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
I’m not sure where I was 4 years ago, but I don’t remember this one. Either way, it’s worthy another go for all us writers to read! I hope the circumstances beyond your control are pleasant ones… or that they change quickly.
Happy New Year!
Jen
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Dear Jen,
It seems you took a rather lengthy break from FF. It was probably during that time. At any rate, I’m glad you liked this one. It pays to have a lot of recyclable stories. 😉 I wish I could say the circumstances were pleasant. ;). But I’m happy to say I’m on the upswing from a tummy bug today. Thank you and Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aw, on the upswing is a good start. I hope complete recovery is on the cards very soon.
I did take a break for a bit, and probably will again sometime. I love how long FF has continued and thrived though – you’ve added a highlight to so many weeks!
Jen
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Writing is a passion, may 2023 be filled with great stories! Nicely done, Rochelle.
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Dear Fleur,
Amen to that! Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Dear Rochelle,
Ah yes, I remember this one… you were on a kick reading all his stuff, were you not? Good choice for this dubitable pic!
Lotsa love and good reading,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
You have a good memory. Yes, I was on a Potok kick. A fellow writer compared my writing to his so I had to find out if that was a compliment. 😉 Thanks for coming around for a second read.
Shalom and lotsa happy literary hugs,
Rochelle
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I have my moments… 😉
Hope you’re feeling better!
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LOL. Much better thank you. Not ready to run a marathon, but much better. 😉
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Take it slow and easy!
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Goes to show, always follow your dreams.
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Dear Tannille,
Agreed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You don’t choose to write, writing chooses you… Good story.
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Dear Trent,
That was certainly the case for me. I had no idea that my little idea for a story would turn into four books! Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Take pen to parchment and you are down the rabbit hole…
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It was worth a second outing, Rochelle. Very much so.
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Thank you so much, Sandra. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A good rerun to start the year off. I was blessed to have been encouraged to write in my youth. Not everyone was.
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Dear Bear,
I was also encouraged to follow my dreams and ambitions. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
This story pretty much sums up the tension most of Potok’s books covey, one of my all time favorite novelists. I assigned my kids “The Chosen” as required reading and went on to read others including his non-fiction, “Gates of November.” So good.
Shalom,
Dora
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Dear Dorah,
Perhaps that’s where Mr. Potok drew from when it came to the tension between parents and children. I loved his one and only book about a girl, “Davita’s Harp.” Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I imagine his father’s attitude made him all the more determined to succeed.
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Dear Keith,
That kind of parental attitude can make or break the child. It’s a good thing for all of us that Chaim didn’t allow himself to be broken. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember this great story of a dream realized. He certainly realized his dream and was greatly recognized for it.
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Dear Jan,
Chaim Potok was one of the greats for sure. And he proved that a rabbi could write fiction. 😉
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There will always be detractors. Anyone who succeeds will have to overcome it, but it’s sad when it comes from within one’s family. The bigger the obstacle the bigger the success.
I love Yiddish. It’s so expressive. It might be even more effective as Yidlish (Yiddish mixed with English). What’s the difference between “mishegoss” and “mashugana”?
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Dear Nobbin,
Chaim definitely rose above his father’s objections, didn’t he?
Yiddish is an expressive language. I love it, too. I wish I’d learned more than a few words here and there but that’s a whole nuther story. As for mishegoss and mashugena, they are of the same root and mean crazy in one for or another. Mishegoss is craziness referring to ideas. What? Do you think I’m mashugana? I’m perfectly sane. 😉
Thank you for asking.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s how I interpretation mishegoss (crazy idea) and mashugena (crazy person). Thanks for the explanation.
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You’ve rekindled my love of his works. I feel a binge-read coming on 🙂
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Dear Linda,
You’re welcome. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I think the parental disapproval and the child’s resistance to it are important steps in the separation process. Many cave and become miserable. I’m so glad he persevered. Good story.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Dear Lisa,
The literary world is a better place for his perserverence, isn’t it? Thank you for your comments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, indeed! You are most welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Fascinating as always. I always learn something from your stories.
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Thank you, Athling. Good to see you here.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I attempted to borrow the book from the library and alas, I have to go on a waiting list! Must be a good one, I hope to read some day soon.
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Dear Clare,
The Chosen is a very good book. I also enjoyed My Name is Asher Lev and The Gift of Asher Lev. Perhaps those are available while you wait. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, Rochelle.
When your first rejection is such a father, all the others are easy.
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
That’s a good way to look at it, I suppose. I’m just glad he didn’t give up on his dream.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
A delightful story so I thankful for the rerun. Good for Chaim. I’m happy that he wasn’t discouraged from his desire to become a writer.
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
I’m glad you enjoyed my rerun. There are only a handful of the writers who would remember it left in FF. We have kind of a revolving door. 😉 I’m also glad Mr. Potok didn’t give up on his dream. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy New Year, Rochelle.
What a wonderful and inspiring story, all writers must love it.
I’m glad to read in the comments that you’re feeling better and yay for the novel, too.
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Dear Gabi,
As we’re preparing for another round of FF, I’m pretty much feeling back to “normal.” 😉
Thank you for your well wishes and comments on my story. Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Glad he stuck to his guns.
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Me, too, Liz. Me, too.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Inspirational indeed.
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Thank you, Dawn. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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what an inspiring story. good for him that he didn’t give up on his dreams.
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Dear Plaridel,
I, for one, am grateful he didn’t give up. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Always follow our dreams and passions – happy new year 🙂
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Dear Angela,
We’re never too young or too old to follow our dreams, are we? Happy new year to you, too. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle for this edifying read. Drive and perseverance, qualities essential in pursuing a passion.
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Dear Susan,
I’ve heard it said that many writers fail simply because they quit. How sad. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy new year Rochelle.
He sounds like a remarkable man.
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Dear Chioma,
He was certainly a remarkable writer. 😉 Happy new year to you, too. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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His story is worth repeating! Thank you. I hope you are well and that 2023 is a great time for you. with writing, painting, and swimming.
I thought I was in with the fictioneers this week after a loooong absence but the photo prompt led to a poem (not a story) from another prompt so I gave credit but won’t be linking in. I hope that’s all okay.
D.
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Dear Dee,
I’m glad you ended up linking in. Your poem certainly fit this week. We’re not locked into prose or even fiction. 😉
Glad you enjoyed my rerun. And yes, I plan to continue all of the above. 😀 And I look forward to having a new novel published…hopefully this year. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Follow your passion but have a Plan B to keep your parents happy. Well done to him! Thanks for sharing his story. Looking at the photo of his house, on the link, it reminds me of traditional Polish architecture! Inspired by his background perhaps?
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Dear Amanda,
He did manage to be both things–a rabbi and an author–didn’t he? I’m glad you enjoyed his story. It’s my pleasure to share it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for sharing, Rochelle!
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Dear Rochelle
Happy New Year!
You give us a vivid picture by using significant details (Talmud classes; flinging the folder to the ground) with your customary skill
Shalom
Penny
xx
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Dear Penny,
Thank you for your kind words. They’re a sweet start to the new year.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh I love this piece. Indeed what madness and passion a writer is made from. Still, need a normal job to pay the bills so to speak.
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Dear Laurie,
I’d say Chaim did well or himself. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, what would papa say now? Parents tend to come around in the end, so good on him to pursue his dreams.
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Dear Brit,
I’m not sure where things ended up between Chaim and his father. Surely he must’ve come around. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story! I’m sure Papa would find some other fault. 😀
Shalom,
Ronda
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Dear Ronda,
Hard to tell with fathers, isn’t it? So good to see you in Purpleville.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I trust that you are on the mend, and so getting well. It was well worth being reminded to follow one’s dreams.
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Dear Michael,
I’m most definitely feeling better. 😀 Thank you. And still following my dreams. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love his work! I just recommended “The Chosen” to a friend of mine who apparently managed to live life till now without knowing it existed. Scientifically an enigma how that can be!
Thanks for this, Rochelle!
I did get mine in, under the wire, but so it is … Hugs!!! Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
You’re welcome any time. 😀 Happy to see your sheyna punim in my neck of the woods.
I was kind of late when it came to reading his books, although I certainly knew who he was. 😉
Now I’m heavily engaged in edits. Oy. This editor/publisher has many suggestions…good ones for the most part, but daunting nonetheless.
Hugs back atcha,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, editing can be daunting, even as it is – eventually, at least – a bettering of the work. Still, it doesn’t make it easy! Sending good editing juju! I just finished a chapter that was overdue to a professional textbook (used my holiday break as a writing sabbatical of sorts), and I’m sure I’ll have my share of edits as the editor pulls the chapters from different writers together to a cohesive book and needs us each to ship-shape ours. It’ll come … 😉
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I definitely appreciate the juju. She’s asking me to slaughter some of my darlings. She has her reasons and they’re good ones…still…painful.
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Yes … I feel you … xoxo
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Read “The Chosen” in college – didn’t realize his writing had not been supported by his family. Great story, Rochelle – you brought it to life.
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Dear Clare,
Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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