7 April 2023

Published April 5, 2023 by rochellewisoff

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 © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

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To many this is Holy Week. Not only is the Christian celebration of the Resurrection coming up this Sunday, the Jewish observance of Passover begins Wednesday night at sundown. Here’s my own little glimpse into what one family scene might have been like.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100

L’DOR V’DOR*

Before Yosi could open the door, his mother whisked him into her arms. “No, my son! The Angel of Death lurks out there!”

Dafna sat him on the floor beside the infant who slumbered in her basket. “Watch your sister while I prepare for our journey.”

“Where are we going? Why is this night so different?”

“So many questions, Yosi, my firstborn.” Oriel dripped lamb’s blood on the doorpost. “Someday you’ll understand and teach your own children.”

***

Forty years later, Yosi prepared the Passover in the Promised Land.

“Abba,” Yosi’s son asked, “Why is this night different from all others?”

*From Generation to Generation

Although not reflected in the following video, the questions mentioned are preceded by the youngest child at the seder asking, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” TRADITION!

And just for fun…

HALLEL

Published April 11, 2020 by rochellewisoff

Today Pegman takes a trip back to the old country, Polanczyk Poland. As always, your mission is to roam around using Google Street View until you find something that inspires you to write up to 150 words, then share your finished work with the other prompt participants. Remember that reading and commenting is part of the experience!

Do your best, and have fun!

Click the frog to join the other prompt participants!

Thanks to Josh and Karen for the challenge!

What can I say? It’s Poland and Passover. חג פסח שמח to those who celebrate.

Genre: Fiction

Word Count: 150

HALLEL

Bubbeh Sylvia’s silver-white hair gleams in the candlelight. Her eyes are sparkling blue clouds and her withered cheeks glow. “Papa loved it here. At night he took us for moonlight boat rides on Lake Solina.”

At her insistence, we’ve come to Poland so she can see her homeland one last time. After days touring the gorgeous countryside, we settle in to celebrate Passover with her brother Vladek, who bought the house from Jan Buszko and built a resort in Polanczk after the war.

“Remember how excited you were when you caught your first fish, Sylvie?” He chuckles.

I add a fifth question to the traditional four. “Uncle Vlad, why are we celebrating in this musty old cellar instead of your dining room.”

Tears do not dim his smile. “Where else, bubbeleh? For in this very cellar Adonai used the Buszkos to deliver us from the most despicable pharaoh of all.”

***

*Hallel, part of the Passover celebration, means Praise

*Bubbeleh is a Yiddish term of endearment.

Click here for a 7 minute explanation of the meaning of the Passover Seder from Mayim Byalik

10 April 2020

Published April 8, 2020 by rochellewisoff

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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 © Jeff Arnold

CLICK ME! PLEASE!

Thanks to my husband Jan who found an article about the following event. As soon as he shared the article I knew what my story would be. Just in time for Passover. Matzo and sweet wine for everyone.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 100

WHY IS THIS NIGHT DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER NIGHTS?

PFC Nachman Levy recited the four questions for the hastily-organized Passover seder. At nineteen, he was the youngest in the “Rainbow Division” so the task fell to him.

“We’ve taken Dahn from the Third Reich.” Wearing his tallis over his fatigues and a twinkle in his eye, infantry rabbi Captain Bohnen led the ceremony reading from the hagaddah. “This is the first Jewish publication in Germany in seven years.” He brandished a crumpled ink-stained Nazi flag. “We put this to good use—cleaning the printing press.”

1,500 Jewish-American soldiers cheered.

Nachman’s pulse raced. He raised his cup and shouted. “L’chaim!”

The Haggadah begins with a message from Major General Collins: “My Jewish Soldiers– The celebration of Passover should have unusual significance for you at this time, for like your ancestors of old you too are now engaged in a battle against a modern Pharaoh. This Pharaoh has sought, not only to enslave your people, but to make slaves of the whole world.”

General Collins also told attendees, “I am sure this Passover will live in your memories forever. You celebrate it in Germany, the land in which Hitler said no Passover would be celebrated for at least a thousand years.”

Rainbow Division Insignia

DELIVERANCE

Published March 31, 2018 by rochellewisoff

This week Pegman takes us to Nigeria. Feel free to use the location chosen or chose from one of the many photo spheres available throughout the country of Nigeria. if you drift over to Lagos along the southwest shore, you’ll also be able to take a streetview.

The Pegman challenge is to write 150 words inspired by this week’s location. Will it be historical fiction? Fantasy? Contemporary? Or does the location bring out your poetry muse? It’s up to you. When your piece is polished, please share a link to it at the linkup below:

Although the photo I chose is from the Pegman buffet and is the Garura Waterfall in Nigeria, I traveled far afield. What can I say? Tis the season when a Jewish princess’ thoughts turn to Moses, Matza and Maror (bitter herbs). Enjoy! Chag Samayach (Happy Holiday) Whether you celebrate Passover, Easter or all or none of the above.

As always, many thanks to Karen and Josh for hosting the Pegman Party.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Word Count: 150

DELIVERANCE

Yosi pushed at the door, but before he could open it, his mother shoved him aside and shouted, “No! Not tonight. It’s not safe.”

Yosi’s lower lip quivered. His black curls clung to his forehead. “Your cooking makes me hot.”

Dafna whisked him into her arms, kissed his cheek and sat him on the floor beside the infant who slumbered peacefully in her basket. “You must watch your sister for me while I gather our belongings for our journey.”

“Why are we leaving Egypt? Where are we going? Why is this night different?”

“So many questions, Yosi, my firstborn son?” Oriel dripped lamb’s blood on the doorpost. He smiled and shrugged. “Someday you’ll understand and teach your own children.”

***

Forty years later, Yosi recalled the parting of the Reed Sea and prepared the Passover in the Promised Land.

“Abba,” Yosi’s son asked, “Why is this night different from all others?”

PASSOVER EXPLAINED

***

COMING SOON!