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 © Susan Rouchard
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sandra Crook@ 😀 She ‘s the one who shows us how it’s done and was a Friday Fictioneer before I joined.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
DON’T LET THE LIGHT GO OUT
Mom stuck a candle in each of the nine holes she’d made in a potato. “We’re ready to kindle the lights.”
Ranit rolled her eyes. “Why can’t we get a pretty hanukkiah like Tali’s family?”
At the stove, Savtah stirred potato soup. “Even in the camp, Hanukkah came. We girls stole a potato and some machine oil. From threads in our sheets, we made the wick. We lit it where the guards wouldn’t see and for a while, we were happy.”
Swallowing her tears, Ranit lit the candles and whispered, “Isn’t it the most beautiful hanukkiah in the whole world?”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
So poignant and powerful Well done!
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Thank you, Carol Anne. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy Birthday to Sandra Crooks!
We’ve cut an apple or watermelon whatever was available while travelling or in unusual situations. The spirit matters.
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Dear Reena,
The spirit does indeed matter. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Children ask these things, I think, not because they’re naturally acquisitive, but because they need to understand
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Dear Neil,
Children do need to know. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a lot of thought & resourcefulness.
Definitely the most beautiful hanukkiah.
“We shall overcome”. Celebration & making the most of every situation.
Heartiest Birthday wishes for Sandra.
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Dear Anita,
Hanukkah is a story of overcoming. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very moving story Rochelle
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Many thanks, Sadje. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure
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A moving story. Happy Hanukkah, Rochelle. And happy birthday to Sandra.
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Dear Trent,
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aww, thank you for your birthday wishes Rochelle. And happy birthday to your husband too! A lovely story, a reminder that is sorely needed in these times. Happy Hanukkah! x
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Dear Sandra,
Yours is one birthday that’s indelibly etched in my memory bank. 😉 Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Heartbreaking.
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Indeed. Thank you James.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story. I am always amazed at the resourcefulness of those interned in the death camps, and how, if they survived, their spirits were often stronger than when they went in.
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Dear Linda,
I, too, am amazed at the stories. I can’t imagine. And just when I think there aren’t any more stories to be heard, another one comes to light. Blessings to you in this holiday season,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, and a Merry Christmas to you!
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Now you’re made me cry, Rochelle. Beautiful, and I’m sure so true for too many.
Happy Hanukkah, may the light shine for you forever.
Jen
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Dear Jen,
There are so many stories from those dark times. Yet the light never went out. May we all keep it alive. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
You’ve brought a tear to my eye with this beautiful story.
Shalom and lotsa candlelit love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Your tears. My compliment. Thank you, my friend.
Shalom and lotsa bright hugs,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
This is so beautifully written, it brought a lump to my throat. Let us never forget.
Glad to touch base after a story writing hiatus.
Shalom, my friend,
Dora
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Dear Dora,
It’s so good to see you back in the FFFold. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Poignant and beautifully told, Rochelle.
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Thank you so much, Lisa. Glad you liked and took the time to say so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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❤ Happy Holidays, Dear Rochelle.
Shalom,
Lisa
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To you, too, Lisa. 😘❤️
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I hope you have a bright Hanukkah Rochelle
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Dear Michael,
It was a sweet and bright Hanukkah this year. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Necessity is the mother of invention and in this case, it was necessary. Faith has pulled countless people through the torment and struggles of life. You do what you have to do. Good story.
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Dear Jan,
I’m ceaselessly amazed by the true stories of courage, strength and faith. They should never be forgotten. Thank you, m’luv.
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Powerfully written. Well done.
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Thank you so much, Connie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She’s passing on so many things to her daughter here – culture, faith, her own history and values for living. Wonderfully encapsulated in one small interaction. Happy Hanukkah, Rochelle.
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Dear Margaret,
In Hebrew we say “L’dor v’dor.” From generation to generation. Thank you for your lovely comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Keeping traditions was possibly the only thing that kept them alive in that horror. Happy Hanukkah and happy birthday to Sandra.
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Dear Anonymous,
It’s amazing what people do to survive, isn’t it? Thank you for your comments and good wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A powerful and moving story. Happy Hanukkah!
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Thank you, Gabi.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A touching tale indeed.
Happy Hanukkah, Rochelle!
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Many thanks, Keith.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A heart-warming story, Rochelle, set in a dark background.
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Dear Bill,
The light shines brightest in the dark, doesn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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A very touching piece, Rochelle.
Hope you’ve been having blessed Hanukkah.
Shalom 🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
It was a sweet Hanukkah this year. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A sad yet beautiful story of remembrance and overcoming. One Ranit needed to hear and remember. Blessed Hanukkah, Rochelle!
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Dear Brenda,
I doubt that Ranit will ever see the potato menorah or her grandmother in quite the same way. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
This is a beautiful, touching and heartwarming story. A blessed Hanukkah to you and your family.
Shalom,
Adele
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Dear Adele,
I’m glad you found my story so. Thank you for your kind wishes. It was a good Hanukkah this year.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a lovely story Rochelle ❤️
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Many thanks, Angela.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a powerful story. Well done!
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Thank you so much, Fleur.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are welcome 😊
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Don’t know quite what to say to this one, Rochelle. Being resourceful is to be commended, but the suffering behind it beyond comprehension. Having the easy life probably isn’t good for the soul, but full immersion is another thing altogether. Beautifully written and with you and yours a Happy Hanukah.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Dear Rowena,
People do what they need to to survive, don’t they? These stories of human resourcefulness and courage never cease to amaze me. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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In a way, your story is similar to mine. Must be a mom thing. 😉
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Dear Dawn,
L’dor v’dor…from generation to generation. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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❤
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Beautiful
Love and light and joy is what you make of it.
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It’s also the really slow way to make latke.
It’s hard to fathom such hardships, which is a blessing, but it’s important for those stories and traditions to be passed down. Beautiful story, Rochelle. Happy Hanukkah!
My mom loves Peter, Paul, & Mary. She has a copy of the performance from which the video you included was taken that she watches every year.
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A very moving story. Quite touching. Human resourcefulness and endurance knows no bounds.
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