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 © Peter Abbey
This week’s photo is of silouhetted figures on the beach and in the water. The sun is reflecting off the water. There are whispy clouds overhead.
Genre: Fiction with a lot of Fact
Word Count: 100
The first day of Hanukkah began with shots and wailing heard around the world.
LIGHT ONE CANDLE
“Hurry up, Milka!” said Eli. “We’re going miss the candle lighting on the beach. And it’s our first holiday in Australia.”
Ten-year-old Milka moaned, “I don’t feel so great.”
Noticing her daughter’s flushed cheeks, Naomi felt her forehead. “You’re burning up. No party for us.”
Reciting a prayer for the sick, Eli and Naomi tucked Milka into bed. Naomi’s cell phone rang.
“Hag Samayakh, Mom. How are things in New York?”
Mom’s voice was tinged with panic. “Please, tell me you’re safe!”
“Milka’s sick, but other than that…”
“You’re home, then?”
“Yes. Why?”
“HaShem be praised. Turn on the news.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Such a tragedy. I can only be heartened in knowing that the following day the governance in Australia put into action a seven-point strengthening measure to toughen its gun laws. We may not be able to quell all the hate and prejudice- but damn it- we can do something about all the guns! Our leadership should be ashamed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Violet,
I won’t lie. The eruption of global antisemitism scares the you-know-what out of me.
As for our “leadership”…SMH.
Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I cannot even imaging what fuels it!
LikeLike
Very poignant.
Sigh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mr. B and thank you for the lovely photo. Sigh indeed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very topical story, Rochelle. I wonder if she’ll suffer survivor guilt
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neil,
I’d hazard a guess that she will suffer survivor’s guilt. Seems to go with the territory. I couldn’t not go there. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Very topical, and so sad too, Rochelle. I saw the news just a few hours later on Sunday about what happened in Australia. Awful.
Still, a pretty photo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Chris,
It was the first thing that met me online Sunday morning on this side of the planet. Horrible way to start the holiday.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too sad for words. And too often for people who can do something to wake up and do it. A blessing for your characters.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Sandra,
A terrifying world we live in. And thanks to social media we get to see it in real time or close to it. I wonder if certain people will wake up. At any rate, thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
And still it goes on. Why, oh why?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Keith,
It goes on and is getting worse. Why, indeed? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
If only this story were ALL fiction. Sadly this week was a bloody bath of religious extremism taking lives on a beach while celebrating. A timely but sad story. Will we ever learn?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Whoever You Are,
I dispair of history teaching us anything. Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This is giving me goose pimples, Rochelle. I’ve been thinking of you so often these days. I’m not sure I find a story this week, or for the rest of the year, but want to wish you and your family a peaceful time and a good new year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Gabi,
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and your kind comments. Glad you took the time to comment. And when you’re ready to participate we’ll be here, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Hanukkah to you, Rochelle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Reena.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah. Antisemitism is everywhere and sometimes disguised as “I don’t hate Jews but I hate Israel.” Murder is murder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True story, James.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
It is sad to think there is prejudice in todays world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Diana,
It is sad. If only people could see how alike we are rather than focusing on differences. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
💯
LikeLike
I’m glad your characters escaped the worst, Rochelle. Too many do not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jen,
I figured there must be those who thought about going and for some reason or other didn’t make it to the beach. Much like 9-11. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too many deaths. Too many broken hearts. When will the hatred end? Isn’t a lifetime of persecution enough? It’s horrifying. Your story hit home beautifully, Rochelle.
I wish you and your family a Happy Hanukkah despite all this sorrow.
Shalom
🕊️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Nancy,
I fear that as long as there are people there will be hatred. Jewish history is fraught with centuries of antisemitism. Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good song to go with your story, Rochelle. Words escape me on recent tragedy at Bondi Beach. I will let the song speak for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lisa,
I love that song. So much truth to it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle, you are very welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
LikeLike
There will be a few stories in this vein being written at this time.
We stand side by side in resistance to the prejudice that is poisoning our world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Patrick,
Thank you for your kind words and your stance.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
excellent fiction – because you addressed such a heavy topic with finesse and still serious – and so sad, this news is – prayers for healing and recovery
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Yvette,
This has sent ripples through the Jewish community worldwide, nearly with the same magnatude of Oct 7. Horrifying. Thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
🌞
🙏
LikeLike
Excellently written, Rochelle. I shivered reading your story. What a horrific act. I cannot comprehend the level of hate that seems to be growing. A perfect song for this day. So many tears, but we must hold on to the light.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Brenda,
Someone has to be the light in the darkness. Thank you for your encouraging comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Rochelle, yes, this has been absolutely horrendous… our home country is devastated and in mourning. So many families, so many people affected… there are simply no words
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Laurie,
No doubt this hit you hardest being in close proximity. It certainly sent ripples of horror through the global Jewish community. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
The world is changing again. This event caught me off guard. What am I learning? Don’t let my guard down, and keep on praying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lynda,
It’s easy to become complacent, isn’t it? Thank you for reading and commenting and for your prayers.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This is truly heart-wrenching, Rochelle. A similar tragedy occurred in my country a few months ago, where joyful picnickers were shot down. Let’s not even talk about our blood-soaked festivals. Nowadays, you never know what your fellow passengers might be carrying.
No one dares to name them, and the media, which is on their payroll, is spreading false narratives as usual. Where will it all end?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Indira,
The world isn’t a safe place, is it? Gun control isn’t the issue IMHO it’s people control. Thank you for your thoughtful comments, my friend. Stay safe.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Beyond words. Stay safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, James.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Sadly a very real scenario in the world at the moment – I am aghast at the amount of hate there is which seems to be gaining pace, it is so frightening, stay safe Rochelle 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Angela,
It is frightening. Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tragedy after tragedy, it’s just too much. It should not be normalized or accepted anywhere for any reason as there is nothing we can do. People should be free to live their ordinary lives without threats to their lives.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Michele,
It is frightening to realize it can happen anywhere at any time. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
A sad day for Australians. We must be strong and fight hatred and division. Your story highlights the tragedy and relief for this family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Amanda,
A sad day indeed. Thank you for encouraging and thoughtful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person