KIKAR MAGAZINE A Literary Journal for Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Summer Workshop 2011

March 22, 2012 Issue 1: Passover

Issue 1: A PASSOVER READER

This past summer we for Pesach. experimented with a My goal was to treat each camper as a creative writing program professional writer, and I served as their editor. I for a number of campers. often sat during free periods or came to find kids I was honored to be during meals in order to go over edits, comments or brought in for this new changes. project; as I was already a In keeping with the idea of professionalism, a writer in residency with literary journal felt like the only appropriate to way Northwoods Ramah Theater Company, it seemed a showcase their work. good fit. Hopefully this is only the beginning of a I worked intensively over the course of a wonderful creative outlet for campers. I myself week with campers from Garinim to Bogrim and remember taking a creative writing class at camp, Tikvah. The campers in Machon and Nivonim and I held on to my notebook for years, constantly received prompts during a peulat erev (evening adding to the groundwork I had set at Camp Ramah. activity) and wrote for about 30 minutes. I was so impressed with what the campers Happy reading, created, and am thrilled to present some of the work here for the entire community to read, just in time Deanna Neil Nivo ’97 Alum, Editor

1 The Sea The Song of the Sea by Elissa Fertig (17) Contents Exodus by Nesya Graupe (18) Orphans and Visions Nachshon’s First Step by Joel (19) Shifra by Anonymous (2) The Sea at the End of the World by Dakota Schee (20) The Astrologer by Eli Krule (2) Susa’s Epiphany by Banoff (21) The Book of by Ethan Weiner (3) Last Breath by Golda Kaplan (21) A Baby in A Basket by Herber (6) The Four Sons

The Seder Plate The Four Sons by Naomi Cowans (22) Why a Bone? by Garon (7) Bricks and Mortar by Elissa Fertig (7) The Egg by Alli Biskowitz (8) Letter to a Prophet by Miles Ury (22) Elijah by Josh Hoffman (22)

The Plagues Dear Elijah by Tamar Blue (23) Blood by Batya Selis (9) The Door Opens by Batya Selis (24) Plagues by Zoe Tselos (9) Lice Outbreak by Samantha Brody (10) Masters and Pets Hail in Killed the Tree by Rose (10) The Best Round of Fetch by Mychal Herber (24) Insects! by Miles Ury (11) Free or Trapped? by Shira Forester (25) Darkness by Allison Schwartz (11) Darkness by Ari Pentelovich (11) The Four Questions And Thus the Watched by Anonymous (12) A Collection (26) Tonight, I kill by Nina Shragg (12) Slave Meets Taskmaster

A Hard Heart Looking Back by Anonymous (27) A Hard Heart: The True Confessions of Broderick Only Human by Anonymous (27) Restin by Tali Friedman (13) Just for Fun

Moses’ Staff Sad Man by Jordan Weinfeld (28) By the Hand by Morissa Pepose (14) No Getting Up by Tali Friedman (28) When Hope Rests by Rachel Small (14) Bob: An Imaginary Biography by Josh Hoffman (28) I Am the Staff that Freed the by Selis (15) Letter from the Depths by Eli Krule (28) Dang, , You So Smooth Lookin’ by Aden Freya Juliet White: A Biography by Elissa Fertig (28) Finkelstein (16) What am I? by Miles Ury (28) Kermit the Frog: A Biography by Ari Pentelovich (28)

Acknowledgements (29)

2 Shifra of an Israelite woman who was about to give birth. It By Anonymous (Nivonim) was her first born and the woman had really wanted a Shifra heard the decree of son. As Shifra ran in, she knew that she had come just Pharoah. He wanted her and in time. She brought the baby boy into the world and all of her midwife friends to quickly quieted him with her hand. She handed him to kill the firstborn male his mother and ran out. She went to her supervisor Israelite children. She and declared a stillborn birth. Once out of sight, couldn’t do it. Not because it was morally wrong, but Shifra prayed to that the newborn baby boy because she feared God. She quickly ran to the house would survive.

The Astrologer: A Haiku By Eli Krule (Bogrim)

Egyptian man gazed In the stars he sees the down fall of his Pharoah

3 The Book of Raphael “But Mother, what is all “Mother, Raphael is 15!” by Ethan Weiner (Shoafim) the commotion?” Marlene’s sleepy “It will harm him gravely.” eyes drifted to the baby. “And the damage will The underage mother trudged up “ O h M o t h e r , h e i s grow worse if we don’t wait any the slippery steps to the beautiful! Can’t we take him in?” longer.” orphanage. Her frail hands “There are no other rooms Both abruptly stopped; it gripped her baby in his blanket, and we already have 15 kids to a seemed they had come to a silent who no longer had enough room, with four rooms. He can’t agreement. strength to continue crying. She stay here, that’s for sure,” Mother “Come brother,” Marlene set him down on the front step. A grunted. encouraged, “we have something single tear cascaded down her face Marlene’s face dropped, to tell you.” and onto the blanket. The doorbell but lit up with an idea. “Can’t we Raphael sighed, “What?” was rung, and the poor, tired let him come home with us?” she A moment of silence woman walked away into the inquired. “He’s very handsome… enveloped them all for what London fog. Little did she notice he looks like you.” seemed like days. “You aren’t my the other orphans’ cries for food, Mother sighed, but liked brother; nor are you mother’s the broken windows, the despair this flattery. “I’ve always wanted a son.” Marlene’s confession broke and the lack of laughter. son.” the silence. Raphael stood, not After getting dressed, a “Oh, I hadn’t noticed this,” comprehending this long protected small plump woman opened the Marlene said. There was a note secret. “She is telling the truth,” door. She sighed. Another doorbell tucked under the baby’s arms. “It Maria confirmed. baby. Food was getting too hard says, ‘His name is Raphael.’” “You are lying to me,” he to find. “Those scrawny little runts denied. “I am Raphael Leif!” And are eating it all!” She said. She *** he truly believed it. His features scooped him up and carried him to were by coincidence nearly As years passed, Raphael grew up the kitchen. Setting him down near identical to those of the Leifs. with the belief that he was the fireplace, she took baby “What other lies have you kept Raphael Leif, son of Maria Leif formula from the cupboard and from me for 15 years? Perhaps I and brother of Marlene Leif. slipped it down the small baby’s am not even human!” Conditions at the orphanage got throat. Almost immediately, the He stormed out and walked even more miserable; the children boy coughed it up. to the family Orphanarium, which were malnourished and the “That formula was worth a was a mere 3 houses away. Often conditions grew steadily less fortune, you stupid child!” She he would go to the roof to sort out sanitary. exclaimed. “This one isn’t a good his feelings. The day was Friday, boy.” R a p h a e l l o o k e d October 13th; an omen of what A well-fed young girl menacingly upon the street 2 was to come. walked down the stairs, rubbing stories below. He saw Mother and Raphael stared confused at her eyes. “Marlene, go back to Marlene frantically trying to find his ‘mother’ and ‘sister’ arguing. sleep,” the woman yelled. him; there was concern in “He is too young.” 4 Marlene’s eyes, but only fury in gratitutde, pain, and horror return to my homeland, I will Mother’s. showed in his eyes. Raphael knew immediately be sent to jail.” “Where are you, you good he wouldn’t tell. The murderer “You must go back!” for nothing child?” Mother looked down. A pool of blood had “But why?” he wailed. shouted. Eventually, he walked formed around the man. Raphael “To save the children.” down to the top story. He stopped; almost regretted it, but then he Raphael woke up sweating a scream could be heard coming saw the past scars of fatigue all and hyperventilating. Although the from the door on his right. over the child’s body; from a sun had just emerged from the “Stop, stop! It hurts!” a broken nose to a mark of a knife horizon, he was wide awake. He child wailed. across his leg. knew that he must return to “Ha! Of course it does. A sudden realization hit London and save the abused This serves you right for taking Raphael: he must leave orphans. He had no doubt; he was more than your share of food!” immediately. commanded by God. Raphael recognized one of the Covering his eyes from the caretaker’s voices. The man had *** glare of the sunlight, Raphael always been kind to him, but had Raphael Leif, now Oliver Neil, exited the airplane he had rode to he ever wondered how the man lived humbly in Scotland for England. After passing security he treated the orphans? Another wail several years. He worked as a cautiously made his way to could be heard. gardener and kept a low profile. Maria’s house. Keeping his head “But I was so hungry,” the The police never found him, but down the whole way, Raphael orphan wept. why would they? How could they finally entered the home where he Raphael slammed open the connect a Scottish gardener to an had a been a carefree child, only door; he saw the caretaker cutting English murderer? worrying about schoolwork. Now the child’s arm with a small but After another monotonous he doubted whether he was able to sharp knife. day of clipping hedges and save the abused orphans from the Something inside him planting, Raphael settled into his torturous conditions. snapped. His eyes flickered from spartan room and fell asleep Raphael entered the foyer, the long expired fire extinguisher immediately. hearing the faint clattering of to the temples of the caretaker’s A dream flooded his mind; dishes from the kitchen. He slowly head. An impulsive decision was a bright light shown from the sky; opened the door and was made: the caretaker must die. it was not that of the sun nor a disappointed to see Mrs. Leif He silently crept up behind lamp. The light had an essence of instead of Marlene. Marlene had his victim. A blow to the head holiness to it. always loved him more. should do it. Raphael swung the “You must go back!” A “Mrs. Leif,” he began, “I fire extinguisher at the man. A voice thundered. Raphael have come back by the command small gasp escaped his body instantaneously knew what it of God, and I demand you stop before it hit the floor. meant. torturing your orphans.” The child now stood “But how?” he cried. “If I Surprisingly, as Mrs. Leif whimpering in the corner; a mix of slowly turned around, she was

5 utterly calm. “I knew you would He jumped forward and turned woman, and it is time I retired. come back someday, you brat. I around; the house had burst into You take the brats. If you want to know you ruthlessly murdered my an inferno of flames. God had take care of them so badly.” best caretaker. The police can’t done it! This was the punishment With that, she wobbled prove it, but I always knew. What Raphael had warned Maria about. into her home and slammed the provoked you to do such a thing? A screech came from inside. “All door. Raphael smiled as he ran Oh, and now you want to start right, all right, I will do as you down the street to the loving some parentless runts? say!” Orphanarium. As he stepped Well you can forget that you As quickly as it started, the inside he called the children ungrateful orphan!” fire ceased. The house remained together. Raphael stood unblinking untouched, but the damage was “My name is Raphael and and furious. “As I said, I have done on Maria. She was gasping I have come to find each and been commanded by the king of for air, and her skin was black every one of you a good home. the universe. If you don’t agree, with ash, but God had decided not Until you find it, you will get terrible things will happen. I have to burn her alive. enough food, care, and most warned you!” With that, he “Raphael,” she rasped importantly, love.” whirled around and left. between coughs, “you take the At that moment, the Immediately, the hair on children and do what you want children smiled for the first time the back of his neck was singed. with them. I am now an old in years.

A Baby in a Basket By Mychal Herber (Bogrim)

Rocking on a tree Unaware of where it is Branch snaps and it falls

A Baby in a Basket Floating in the stream Protected by woven reeds Young but surviving

It started quietly to shiver The people who passed by Started to cry the moon was only a sliver

Without guidance on its way The baby’s sister stands by And sings a song Perhaps to calm it At the end of the journey The stoop of a palace

6 Why a Bone? blood replaced a death. God only wanted one death By Noah Garon per home. (Solelim) Later on we would sacrifice lambs at the temple in memory of this. After both temples were There are numerous destroyed, we had no way to sacrifice the lamb. We reasons for a bone on might keep a bone in remembrance of that. the Seder plate. The first Another reason is to symbolize that Pasagh is because of the lamb’s blood we used on the door. (Passover) is one of the major holidays in Judaism. It The second is to remember the sacrifice at the temple. may be the largest. A bone is the structure of bodies Thirdly, it is to represent that Passover (Pesagh) is while Passover is the structure of the Jews. one of the structures of the Jewish religion, and lastly Finally, wanted his bones to be moved Joseph wanted his bones to be buried in Israel. to the land of the Jewish people. This shows that During the 10th plague, Jews were told by God Joseph believed in us. Joseph swore that God would to put the blood of a lamb on the doorpost. This also remember us and the sons of Israel should carry would stop the Angel of Death from killing the his bones. When the time came, Moses took Joseph’s firstborn son. One plausible reason for this is that the bones as we were asked to do. So we have bones to represent that God does remember us.

Bricks and Mortar By Elissa Fertig (Shoafim)

Every day my hands blister Ground into them stone and pebble. Pasted onto the stone is gray glue And each day I look at the pyramids Smeared with guilt That brick was the last one we ever felt or The blood stains on the mortar each day I see them grow Bricks and mortar Bricks and mortar

7 The Egg This couldn’t be happening, I thought. I By Alli Biskowtiz (Solelim) pinched myself. “But, life still goes on. Babies are born, “Here’s your breakfast, Mom,” I said, trying to be people get sick and die. Sometimes when you can’t cheerful. I placed the plate down on her bedside understand why. But that’s life. That doesn’t stop, table and plunked into a chair next to mom’s bed not for anything.” where she was lying down. She looked pale, skinny We both thought in silence. Her frail hand and tired. Moments passed. reached up and closed around mine. “Mom?’ I asked, shattering the silence. I pulled away my hand. “Um, I think I’m “Yes, Jordan?” she said. going to go do my homework,” I said abruptly and “Um…” I trailed off pondering how to rushed out. Suddenly being in there was too much to phrase what I wanted to ask. Walking on eggshells. bear. I grabbed my backpack, went to my desk, sat “Did you do your homework?” Mom asked. down, and pulled out my Religious School “Um… yeah. Of course.” I lied. homework. “Write a paragraph about an item on the “Jordan, go do your homework,” said Mom, Seder plate,” the top of the page said. I thought seeing straight through me. about it for a little bit. What was the point of it? “Fine, I’ll do it,” I mumbled, giving in. “But What would I write about anyway? But then, of Mom, what about your eggs?” course, my thoughts drifted to my mother. I began to This time it was her turn to lie, “Uh… I’ll eat write: them later.” I shook my head. Mom used to love eggs. The Egg Scrambled, poached, sunny-side up, you name it she By Jordan Greenberg loved it. Eggs are rebirth. Any second they could “But Mom, eggs are your favorite.” She hatch a tiny, young chick and bring new sighed. Silence. life. Though that chick might be small and I finally mustered up my courage and asked weak it will grow bigger and stronger. the question that was looming in the air. That chick will, too, eventually lay her “What’s wrong?” own eggs thus continuing the cycle she “Nothing’s wrong, dear,” Mom said, even was born into, just like year after year though I’m pretty sure she knew exactly what I had winter melts into Pesach. meant. After a few moments of silence she said Eggs also hold many possibilities, many tiredly, “I haven’t been doing so well, lately.” forms and many appearances. They are as I looked at her waiting for her to continue. varied as the choices that the tiny, young “Okay,” she said, her voice cracking. “I chick will make in the life ahead of her. didn’t want you to worry, but I’m sick.” When the chick’s life ends, the cycle will “How sick are you?” I asked, not sure if I continue because no matter what, the cycle really wanted to know the answer. of rebirth continues. That’s something “We’re not sure. But I could, you know…” every Pesach, every day, you can count on. She trailed off. What happened to my strong, healthy mother? “Why didn’t you tell me you were sick earlier? Did you think I didn’t notice?” I held back I put down my pencil. “I’ll make eggs for Mom tears. “I’m your only daughter.” again tomorrow,” I thought. “Maybe she’ll eat them “Exactly, you’re my daughter, my little girl.” then.”

8 The Plagues 1. Blood 2. Frogs 3. Lice 4. Flies 5. Animal disease 6. Boils 7. Hail 8. Locusts 9. Darkness 10. The death of the firstborn.

Blood: A Haiku By Batya Sellis (Solelim)

Flowing red liquid Life death and very salty After injuries

Plagues By Zoe Tselos (Solelim)

There was a terrible disaster To change the mind of a master It started with just one plague Where did it come from? The answer was vague Then 9 more came even faster

Then one day “yes” was said by Pharoah The Jews started to make bread from dough Then the Jews ran out of time They made matzah flat as a dime Finally they all got to go.

Moshe split the sea Asking for God was the key Pharoah came after, “get them!” he said But in the end the Pharoah was dead The Jews were free

What does this mean to every Jew? We’re alive thanks to what Moshe decided to do We can remember how strong everyone was Let’s thank God like every Jew does We can learn to be brave, too. 9 Lice Outbreak strong enough to knock out a glass By Samantha Brody (Garinim) window can remove it,” she explained. “All of your parents are Ouch! There’s something coming to pick you up. Until on my head I need to itch! Focus, further notice, you will not come , focus, I thought. to school.” I am sitting in math class, Shock moves throughout bored out of my mind, as usual. the room, but it soon turns into I’m going to have to fix that joy. Zack yells, “No more mental checklist: try to get placed pencils!” Alex his best friend in advanced math. replied just as loudly, “No more Mrs. Hexford, my math books!” In unison they yelled, “No teacher, is writing problems on the more teacher’s dirty looks!” board. Not the really simple stuff like 70 + 30 (105), but things like 805 x 78.475 (6416.6375, still easy!) I notice that Amy Mear’s desk is empty. She’s not the kind of person who misses anything, so something must be really wrong. As if on cue, Mrs. Hexford announces, “I’m sure you’ve noticed that Amy is absent and I’m here to tell you why. She got lice in Puerto Rico and went home last period. If anyone’s head is itchy, raise your hand.” The whole class raised a hand. Mrs. Hexford seemed surprised. “Oh my. Everyone? Well, I’ll have to send you down to the nurse in alphabetical order.” I groan. My last name is Zirkus, so I’m always last. The Hail in Egypt Killed the Tree: A Train of Thought lucky first, Nicole Ackerbett, By Aaron Rose (Nivonim) stands and leaves the room. Then Nick Backrett, Sandra Cohen, and Hail falls from the sky. Other things fall from the sky, too. Cows and Amira Flamhurst. The strange motor homes can be lifted into the sky by tornadoes. Tornadoes are thing is, no one returned. The really cool. There is a show on the discovery channel about nurse came in after Max Roalin tornadoes. Mythbusters is also on the Discovery Channel. Once on and told us that everyone had Mythbusters they crashed a car. Cars run on fossil fuels and other gotten a serious case of lice called highly potent forms of energy. Fossil fuels are dead organic matter Popularus Lice. that has been put under high pressure and temperature for many “This kind of lice sticks to hundred of years. Hail in Egypt killed the tree, which became a fossil your head so hard that only a wind fuel that is now ruining the environment.

10 Insects! (To the tune of Colonel Bogey) By Miles Ury (Solelim)

Insects: They creep and crawl around Insects: Are in are in air and ground Insects: You’ll cry in fear

Because they even, disturbed, the Pharoah of Egypt

Before: Egypt had lots of food Before: It was a better mood Insects: They ate their share So they even, annoyed, the Pharoah of Egypt

After: Egypt was gaunt and starved After: The Jews were scathed and scarred Pharoah, he almost freed slaves, because the locusts, angered, the Pharoah of Egypt.

Peseach: says this is the 8th Plague Peseach: The story’s clear not vague Insects: the crops objected

So in the end, they helped stop, the Pharoah of Egypt!

Darkness By Allison Schwartz (Nivonim) Darkness By Ari Pentelovich (Garinim) The coldness overwhelms the soul It surrounds the emptiness until there is no escape The Darkness plague is most Only sadness seeps through likely molten ash forming a It shutters through your bones huge cloud. Some philosophers And comes alive during times of despair think it means an emotional darkness: depression. It’s the cloud hanging over your head Bringing you farther down from the sun The captured light suffocates under its power Gasping as its last rays are smothered

11 And Thus the Angel Watched Tonight, I Kill By Anonymous (Nivonim) By Nina Shragg (Nivonim)

Day in and Day out the Angel of Death escorted the I am death. It is not my choice, rather something I souls of the living from the earth up to the heavens. am forced to be. I do not like it. I am pain. I cause He worked tirelessly, always working, sweating, and pain to all the families of the lives I take. I am toiling to complete his sacred task. After many years, darkness. I bring forth a time of blackness and the Harbinger of death discovered that he often had despair. I am fear. I strike fear into all who see my to journey to the land of Egypt for one nation was face. being crushed by the oppressive hand of another. For Although I am all of those things, I am also a ages the people of Israel cried out in anguish as he savior. I provide assistance to the Jewish people in came to take their parents, brothers and children. The their time of hardship. I give them opportunity. Angel of Death heard these cries of agony and Opportunity to go make the nation they deserve. pleaded that G-d open the gates of heaven for Opportunity to live their lives free from the bondage Israel’s prayers. G-d listened and opened the gates of of Egyptian slavery. prayer and heard the cry of Abraham’s children. G-d Tonight, I kill. Yet, I also save. swiftly sent the Angel of Death with G-dly weapons I have the blood of Egyptians on my hands against the Egyptians and Death brought blood, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about that. Dirty? frogs, lice, wild beasts, disease, boils, hail, locusts, Cruel? This might sound harsh, but I don’t think I and darkness in order to inflict the same amount of feel anything. I feel no anguish over the lives I have misery upon Egypt as Egypt had on Israel. Yet Egypt ended. No sorrow. No guilt. Just nothing. Nothing at would not yield, they brushed off the pain and all. continued to enslave Israel. The Angel appealed to G-d once more, yet G-d could not give the angel a weapon strong enough to execute judgement upon the Wicked for G-d alone possesses the power over life and death. And thus the angel watched as the blood, sweat and tears of Israel was avenged and G- d’s chosen people reached freedom.

12 A Hard Heart: The True a month on themselves and left Everything for me was good. Until Confessions of $100 for our food, our pathetic Lynn knocked on my door. Broderick Restin excuse for a house and our basic I had trusted a young By Tali Friedman (Shoafim) education instruments. Some days woman, Lynn, to file papers in my it got so bad that I had to get food office. I was not awful. I was plain and from the garbage. She opened the door and forceful. Breaks were limited to 15 I remember one time, slammed the file on my desk. minutes. Work proceeded until 8 when my parents didn’t work for Articles, pictures, codes and on Mondays, Wednesdays and weeks, my brother, sister and I had memories fell out of it. On the Fridays and 9 on Tuesdays and to go on the streets and beg for front it said “Broderick Restin.” I Thursdays. Occasionally, when money. Another time our parents glanced up at Lynn and saw a look work at the law firm wasn’t went out drinking and we got of terror that reminded me of my completed or efficient, I took locked out and had to sleep in the mom when she was hung over. money off of paychecks. I needed cold, unsafe street. Lynn had a tear in her eye and she to show that if people were lazy, When our parents took all sat in one of the two suede Paris money was less. of the money and left us for good, Connection chairs in front of me. I Some could say that I was I was 14. The twins were 13. We slowly opened the file. Inside were born without a heart. Some could really needed help. three newspaper article headlines. say that I am the . Neither of The landlord wasn’t “The Pikes help three lost those are correct, but the real, getting paid, so he took us to Children.” “Juvi for 3?” and truthful story is worse than having court. We were in the system for “Once Homeless, Now a no heart or being . two months. We were transferred Professional.” I was purely I was born the oldest of 3 to Daily Skies Foster Care. astonished. children. My parents were It seemed like the tides had Lynn quickly put her arms unmarried, unsupported, and turned when a rich couple, out and wrapped them around me. unable to take care of themselves. billionaires “adopted” us. But we I had no idea what she was doing. We lived in a rusty, broken down were only their new charity case. She apologized for my childhood. apartment in the worst part of the For their publicity they got us a Then and there, I had an epiphany. Bronx. The ceiling had a huge new Manhattan condo and a My emotions were dropped like a gap, and the running water was permanent Nanny, who was the ball on the ground. I saw myself usually burning [why burning?]. most motherly figure we ever had. struggling. I could remember fear. The air conditioning was [broken] As I got out of college and My eyebrows lowered. I felt I and the smell of the room was looked at life, I had a critical eye. couldn’t breathe and through it all, atrocious. People who thought life was easy, I was amazed. If I wanted to eat, I had to fun, or happy, were obviously Just because I had a work. All the money we had, idiots who lived in lanzy-pansy miserable life, didn’t mean I had which was $450 a month, was imagination land. to treat others like scum. I gave spent on cigarettes and alcohol. Of course, I never told my employees two months winter My parents washed their lives anyone about my past. vacation. I came to my senses at away watching TV and getting I became successful. I one point and I decided I wanted wasted. My parents were 26 started a firm and treated workers them to come back. But they were blowing their futures away like like men. People need to work for gone. I had a hard heart, and I’m bubbles in a . My dad a good life; it’s not handed to you the one who has to live with that. couldn’t hold his at the on a silver platter. I got my own It was okay though, because for Blockbuster and my mom was a condo in NYC and a PHD, once in my life, I knew someone tattoo artist. They blew about $350 Masters degree and MMD. cared about me. 13 Moses and his Staff The man and the magic...

By the Hand By Morissa Pepose (Nivonim)

An ordinary branch, Molded by the hand of G-d To become something more, The staff. An ordinary man, Molded by the hand of God, And guided, To hold the staff, To lead the Jews, To become our Moses. An evil man, And unsympathetic man, Forced by the hand of G-d, To bow before him, And bend to the will of G-d and Moses and the staff.

When Hope Rests By Rachel Eve Small (Machon)

Moses’ staff, Hope, found Moshe. Moshe stumbled upon the staff while escaping into a lush brush. He was losing faith in himself and saw strength in the smooth, scarred surface of a branch. It was soft, but it had suffered many sandstorms. Through Moshe’s trials and triumphs, Hope was with him through it all. Hope was sneaky as a , slick as water, but had Moshe’s temper. Moshe died on Mount Nebo, Hope in hand. When Moshe died, Hope, as well, went to rest forever.

14 I Am The Staff That Freed strike the water in the with Earthly Masters’ anger to the The Jews the rod that’s in my hand, it will incident of the spies and the date-- By David Selis be turned to blood; and the fish in the 9th of Av--the date that will the Nile will die” (Exodus live in infamy in the stored record I am the staff 7:17-18). of my people. For on that day it I am the staff of Moses! was decreed that my Master would I was a witness to the great I am the staff that witnessed great not enter the land to which he had triumphs and disasters of the miracles. led his people (Numbers 16). generation of the wilderness from the plagues to the striking of the I began the cycle of retribution As we journeyed through the rock and my master, Moses’ ordained by God, which brought wildness my master had less use descent from greatness (Exodus Egypt to its knees. And following for me, as God did not ordain 20:9 +3). the plague of blood, I was witness Moses to perform open miracles I am the staff with which Moses to the greatest seen miracles that as He did in Egypt. struck the accursed Egyptian God worked to the eyes of the As my master reached the end of taskmaster (Exodus 2:11-14). people of Israel (Deuteronomy his mission, Hashem instructed 34:10-12). him to prepare to meet his father I am the staff with which Moses in Heaven. ought off the shepherds that I was witness to the greatest and As he prepared to meet his harassed the daughter of the most iconic moment of the Heavenly Father, Moses ascended of (Exodus 2:16-17). Exodus: the splitting of the sea. to Mount Nebo. I am the staff that Moses turned As Moses held me in his hand, and into a snake as a sign from stretch the hand that held me, I He ascended to the summit he saw Hashem, the Lord of the Fathers realized that the Jewish people the land that his master had of Israel that He did appear to my will always have a special place promised to the great leaders master (Exodus 4:1-5). on earth as God’s Chosen people. before him. I am the staff that consumed the When I struck the sea, the world And so, with my mission staffs of Pharaoh’s magicians witnessed the awesome and awe- accomplished and his successor, (Exodus 7:8-13). inspiring power of God’s holy, son of Nun, prepared to I am the staff through which the sacred and awesome Name. take his place, Moses ascended to Lord worked miracles in Egypt. When the sea split the people heaven, his physical appearance I am the staff through which realized that as long as God was had not chanced nor had his Hashem took revenge on the with them they would triumph as countenance diminished Egyptians for the hundreds of is written in God’s holy , (Deuteronomy 34). years that they enslaved his “Hashem is my strength and Chosen people. might, he will become my And to this day no one knows I am the staff that was the deliverance!” (Exodus 15:2). where I am but God does and he instrument for the miracles about placed me as a sentinal to stand which Hashem spoke, “By this From that high point, the fortunes watch over my masters tomb. you shall know that I am of our people took a turn for the Hashem” (Exodus 7:17). worse. I am the staff of Moses which freed the Jews and to this day I And about these wonders my I was a witness to the great watch over my master Moses’ master father spoke to the king of disasters of our people from the grave. Egypt saying thus, “See, I shall and my Heavenly and

15 Dang, Moses, You So Smooth Lookin’ By Aden Finkelstein (Machon)

It was another hot day in the desert, a time when the sun was more unforgiving than ever. Moses emerged from his tent, a thin layer of sweat dripping from his brow. As he wiped it he said in an annoyed tone, “Oh, God, it’s so stinkin’ hot.” “Oh, is that right?” Replied a voice from the sky, presumably God. “Well, I’m sorry you feel that way, but I can’t change the weather too oen. It’s not like I’m God or anything. Oh wait, I totally am!” God always had that large ego of his. Jerk. “Oh God,” said Moses, who was totally shvitzing by now, “Can you please make it cooler, just this once?” (Sigh.) “Fine.” And so God made it a little cooler in the desert, but then there was a breeze so chillin’ it made penguins go, “Oh, man, what the freak was that?” Moses got cold, so he decided to go back into this tent to put on a robe. Now all decked out in a festive robe, Moses felt there was something missing. He turned up to God and said, “Yo, G-dog, G-dizzile, how good do I look in this robe?” God looked at Moses and replied, “Dang, Moses, you so smooth lookin’, you doin’ to a party or something?” “Naw man, I’m just headin over to the Pharoah’s to free the slaves, heh, heh, like you asked…” There was a small silence, then Moses continued, “you’re paying me back on this favor, right?” “Yeah, uh, totally…once we get to that Promised Land, we’re goin’ all out and we’re just gonna have this awesome party, what up!” They high-fived. “Yeah, but seriously now, am I missing something here?” “Well, I mean, it looks…oh yeah. I know just the thing!” There was a flash of light and suddenly in Moses hands, was a staff so fine it would make Sinatra look like a hobo. Moses took one look at the staff, grinned, and said, “Daaaang, bro, I’m likin’ dis pimp staff!” “Heck yeah!” They high-fived, and it was good.

16 The Song of the Sea “You know you’re amazing, right?” A boy in By Elissa Fertig (Shoafim) a graying Thorns and Roses t-shirt called out to her. “What-what did you just say?” She Lori adjusted the knot on her swimsuit and ran rather stammered. desperately across the sand and into the salty water. “You’re so good,” the boy enunciated Her red hair fanned around her and salty bubbles carefully. He had hazel eyes and black hair. He had a rose in her mouth. Tears? Sea Water? Who knew or sprinkling of freckles across his nose and a wide even cared. smile. She peeked up over the water and peers at the “But I bet you hear that all the time, don’t beach, which was empty. She let the song rise to her you?” lips. The tune was sweet. The words tumbled in her “No-no, never,” her eyes widened. His brow mouth. A rush of white overtook her vision and she crinkled. rode on the wave. “Are you in the school choir? Speaking of Why did people hate her? What was she which, I’m Alex.” Lori sank lower in the water and doing wrong? All gave a shy wave. she wanted from this “People at school hate me because I’m world was to be able strange and different. I mean, once this girl Abbie to sing the song of found out that I sing the song of the sea. I mean, I the sea, which never practically stopped singing because the song is so ended and never happy and I’m …not.” Lori said in one breath. began. Was that so “Wow,” Alex raised his eyebrows. “You terrible? should try joining choir. You’re certainly good Earlier that morning she had gotten up, put enough.” He smiled. Lori ran out of the water as he on ripped jean shorts and a tank top. She tucked it in began to walk away. with a belt and pulled on flip-flops. She brushed out “Wait,” she said breathless, grabbing his her hair and stared at herself in the full length mirror, wrist. “I’m Lori.” a pale girl with blue eyes, knotted red hair and a face He smiled and kept walking. that looked like someone had thrown sand at it. She padded downstairs. She went back in the water and considered what “Breakfast love?” Her British mother sang. Alex had said. A loud “Sure, mum.” At home she spoke with a s p l a s h c a m e a n d British lilt. At school she barely spoke at all. overtook her thoughts. People hated Lori. As usual, she came home It was a dolphin! from school crying at something Abbie, the meanest, Never before had she most popular girl at school had said. Today was been quite so close to especially bad. Abbie had told her that singing, a dolphin. It made especially about the sea was incredibly stupid and a rapid clicking noises waste of time. and smiled at her. The dolphin whistled and laughed. Now she could forget about it as she changed It splashed around. Soon there was a pod of into her swimsuit, plunged into the sea, and sweet dolphins. At first the others ignored the scene, but song filled her mouth. Only the sea and the salty eventually they followed the first dolphin’s lead and waves ever even cared if Lori cried. joined her laughing. The dolphins chattered in the “Hey!” A voice called. Lori spun around. same monotone, happily in the waves. She was “Yes!” 17 filled with an overwhelming feeling of self- expression.

The next morning she stood in front of her mirror, put on a long white tank-top under a blue shirt with glitter waves, and [light] blue pants to remind her of the sea. She ran a brush through her hair and slipped on her old flip-flops. Lori ran out the door and walked the 10 minutes to school. She pushed open Exodus the mahogany doors that led to the choir room. “Finally!” said a boy with black hair. “I know By Nesya Graupe (Garinim) you think everyone in the school hates you, but the choir group has been waiting for you to find us!” of the Jews was a marvelous The boy’s hazel eyes sparkled. It was Alex. sight. “Give her space,” a lyrical voice interjected. After being slaves for Pharoah, working It was the choir teacher. The next hour was a blur. with fear and fight, Lori did harmony tests and sang songs and smiled G-d sent ten plagues to change Pharoah’s and smiled and smiled. mind, “Practice is at 4:45 on Wednesday and at 5 on such as turning day to night to make Friday. Congratulations,” Mrs. Leonard smiled. “Welcome home.” Pharoah blind. Soon enough, Lori had the whole school Finally Pharoah let us go singing the song of the sea—even Abbie. to suffer in the desert far from rain and snow. Pharoah changed his mind and ordered we be trapped G-d split the sea as we cheered and we clapped. G-d gave Moses the torah as we danced the horah.

We finally went to Israel.

18 Nachshon’s First Step By Joel Abraham (Machon) There is a legend that Nachshon Ben Aminadav was the first person to cross the . This is his story. I could hear around me the discontented whispers of one more step. Taking a deep breath, I tentatively the Jewish people. Though Moses stood in front of us, stepped forward. I closed my eyes and completely his staff raised and the power of God whipping immersed myself in water. through his matted hair, the refused to For a few moments I stayed, eyes closed, believe that God would aid them. under water. Then I opened my eyes, and in front of I will admit, I was scared too. me I saw the same scene The Egyptians were gaining on us from behind, forcing themselves nearer and nearer, constantly pushing the pillar of flame that had separated them from us forward. The Jewish people had every reason to fear these tyrants after the oppression we faced at their hands. But that fear did not entail doubting the power of God. If anything, just the opposite. I knew something had to be done. Though Moses had said the sea would split at his command if the people just held their faith, nothing was happening. This just strengthened the notion that God was not with us. I had to take action, or we would be annihilated on the spot. Pushing my way through the whispering people, I arrived at the shore of the Sea named “Red” for the pillar of fire reflecting on its waters. Reaching the sand of the beach, I ran to the water until the waves lapped at my feet. I stopped when the water was up to my ankles, hoping something would happen. As I waited, I noticed the cool, soft sand sifting through my toes. The clear, sparkling water enabled me to see far down into the water. I watched fish swim in and out of the reeds peppering the sandy I had seen from above the water, but this time from floor of the sea. below. As I observed the beautiful fish in the reeds in After a moment passed, I continued walking, front of me, I was certain God was with us. Then, in a hoping once again that something would occur. moment that was breathtakingly amazing to behold, However, as I got deeper and deeper, the water the sea split, and I knew that the Jewish people would reaching my knees, then my waist, then my shoulder be safe. and finally my neck, I continued to view the underwater scene. My faith waning, I decided to take

19 The Sea at the End of the Chariots and horse hooves, like The sea laughed a deep gurgle World hammers and mallets, pounding the in her depths. She was not a mere By Dakota Schee (Nivonim) Earth, flying through her until they mortal to be commanded by this reached the very edge of the sea. babe. The leader tried once more, The Sea was restless. She churned There they came crashing to a halt, screaming into the wind bravely. and tossed, rocking the vessels the horses and chariots surrounding She did nothing. Arrogant fool. nestled in waves, and stirring the a mass of humans, huddled right at Slowly, and in a voice of quiet creatures sleeping in her depths. the edge of the sea like leaves desperation, he pleaded. “Oh sea, The sea was restless because scuttled together by the wind. They sea from which I was drawn as a something was happening. cried out to the sea for shelter from babe, Sea which saved and Something big. She had heard it their pursuers, these lost huddled protected me, Sea at the end. from her friends the Earth and the slaves breaking free form Please. Help these people. Save Sky. She had felt it in the vibrations everything they had ever known. and protect them as you save me. trembling through her body and in They cried out for their children, Please.” the breezes plucking at her skin. their lovers and friends, they cried The man was weeping now, It’s the humans, the world for their hope, which was lost and slow tears which dripped and whispered. It’s the humans led by their lives, for which they feared. dropped into the sea, the salt and G-d. And the people cried out for water of his pain mixing with her The Earth trembled harder, their leader to save them to bring lifeblood. And the sea felt causing waves to crash in the sea. them to safety. The man was something stirring deep within her The sea did not like this, this powerful in youth and strength, but heart. It was the poor, huddled, lost slamming and splashing. She was still unsure of his leadership, still children, weeping salty tears. used to calm, quietly rocking and weak of heart. He walked to the The pity welled deep within swaying how she willed. Nothing sea, an outward presence of calm her, and as it rushed out, so did her happened at the end of the world. collectedness, assurance and waters. Far up they flew, into the Just a quiet little corner at the edge leadership, inside trembling with sky, through her body, a bridge was of the globe. Nothing happened at fear. He walked to the very edge of opened for the lost children to flee The End…except today. the sea, his feet tickled by her to safety. A bridge to protect and The Earth screamed, pounding waves, and raised his staff. He save and give hope. and slamming a great drumbeat filled his lungs with air and yelled, A bridge to the beginning of the rolling through her into the sea. “Part, Sea! For G-d and the world. Hebrews!”

20 The Egyptian Chariot Horse

Susa’s Epiphany Last Breath By Rachel Banoff (Nivonim) By Golda Kaplan (Nivonim)

I am Susa. My story is about how I was swallowed I started racing faster and faster as my Egyptian by the sea while following the Israelites. master continued whipping my back. I felt like I was running faster than the wind. I knew we would have I was always treated well by the Egyptians. They fed to stop when we got to the Red Sea, but as we me and I served as their mode of transportation. We approached I began to see the distinct split in the sea were not as close as one would think. We were and the people crossing through. I was so excited. acquaintances. It was a very formal relationship. This was the most thrilling thing that ever happened in my life as a chariot horse. As I began racing One day my owner screamed, “The Israelites are through the Red sea, all of the sudden the watery getting away!” He hopped onto my back and walls started to collapse, waves came crashing down followed his friends in the great chase after the on my head Israelites. Little did he know that Moses had a n d I performed a miracle; he split the sea. All the people gasped for of Israel had their belongings packed with them. My air. It got owner wanted to witness God’s powerful act, he harder and looked ahead of him but I kept on going. He ran me harder to straight into the split sea. It was beautiful. There reach the were fish glistening in the water on both sides of me. surface for Then…Bam! Out of nowhere, the wall of water a b r e a t h . collapsed. I struggled, striving for air. People were M y l e g s kicking, wheels were stuck in the mud. It was utter d a n g l e d chaos. I looked one last time at my people, the and felt helpless as the water level rose. I sucked in Egyptians, and had an epiphany: The Israelites were one last breath and then… indeed the chosen people. 21 Dear Elijah Some thoughts and ideas...

The Four Sons By Naomi Cowans (Nivonim) I think they’re all just misunderstood. The wicked son has been known to put some green dye in milk, but that’s not because he’s wicked, it’s just because he wants to make everyone’s days better by giving them a little laugh. The simple son is a genius but feels like no one understands him unless he simplifies what he says. In reality, his mind works at a mile a minute and he has a vocabulary of 10,000 words. The wise son was the only one who the “simple” one felt he could confide in, so he became wise from copying what the “simple” one had to say and actually articulating his arguments. In the old days people didn’t know what it meant to be mute, so last son was pegged as the one who didn’t know how to ask because he was speechless, despite being a master of the arts.

Letter to a Prophet By Miles Ury (Solelim)

Dear Elijah, Yo, dude! How was your year? Do anything fun and exciting? You look handsome in that suit. Come and stay! We even set up your cup. You are awesome. Let me teach you how to play video games. See, there are lots of virtual puzzles. Oh, and here’s a book. You can read the words and it makes a story. Cool, huh? Miles.

Elijah: A Haiku By Josh Hoffman (Bogrim)

Different wines fill Brings the mashiach with him Open the door now

22 Dear Elijah, First Seder, 2012 To: Elijah The Prophet 4321 First Street Jewtown, WI 54321

Dear Elijah,

I appreciate that you take your time to visit every Passover Seder. I’m sure we, as the Jewish people, love welcoming new guests. Every time you enter my home on Passover it’s always a mystery. I always wonder how you come in without making a sound or how you are invisible to the human eye but still make it seem like there is an extra person in the house. I also wonder how you come to every Passover Seder in the world. The magic of your appearance is extraordinary. You probably have to take a long nap at the end of the day.

You probably experience different ways to celebrate the important holiday of Passover. I wonder how they celebrate in Africa? Is it fun learning the new ways of keeping Passover? Do you feel that some of these ways should be taught to the United States?

If you’re not too busy, maybe you could answer some of these questions. I’ll see you next Passover.

From,

Tamar Tamar Blue (Garinim)

23 The Door Opens word blood I find myself falling By Batya Selis (Solelim) into a memory again. This time I see my brother, Right now I am sitting through the Zach, laying in a puddle of blood. first Seder of the year and I am Zach had the great idea to bike off wishing I were somewhere else. our roof and onto the grass. He did The Best Round of Fetch It’s just not the same since my not take the huge maple tree in our By Mychal Herber (Bogrim) brother, Zach, left to some fancy backyard into account. As soon as school and can’t come home for Zach was airborn, he smashed into Another long day. Daniel woke the holiday. the tree and landed in our up, got ready for school, and I was Yeah, it’s fun to see all of rosebushes. Ouch. As I came back left alone. As I saw his mom’s car my family and the food (even to reality I asked myself why these drive way, I started to whine and without the bread) is always good, memories were ambushing me. sniffed around for other people. but I still want to get away. Maybe I had no time to answer my No one else was home. As the day it’s my new dress and my too-tight question because we began our dragged on, I realized how long it shoes or the fact that I’m the meal. After dinner when I was had been since he had taken me on youngest one here by at least 20 looking for the affikomen I had a walk. I missed spending time years and most of the conversation another flashback. with him. After all, it’s important surrounding me consists of “when It was of Zach and I for a dog and its owner to have a I was a kid…” I just wished, playing hide and seek. I hid on the loving relationship. In fact, it’s hoped, wanted, whatever -- to be couch under all the pillows and critical. I felt like I wasn’t wanted. somewhere else. blankets. After what seemed like I was constantly alone. Daniel Now the Seder is starting. hours but was probably only 15 rarely made an effort to spend First the Kiddish, then washing minutes. Zach sat down on the time with me. hands, and now dipping the couch and (and me). Upon hearing Time passed and Daniel vegetables in salt water. As the me squeak as he sat down Zach finally came home. Then, a serving dish comes my way I stop ran out of house screaming, miracle happened. Daniel’s mom and think. thinking the couch was possessed. suggested he take me to the park I remember sitting at the I loved making him scared. As the to play fetch. I hurriedly jumped beach with my mom, dad and younger sibling I took joy in of the couch and ran to the front brother. We had been having a moments where I was superior to door. Luckily, Daniel was willing picnic by the water when my plate him. to go, so he opened the door and of salad fell into the ocean, As I bring myself back to we went. Once we got to the park, scattering pieces of lettuce, tomato the Seder I notice that we are we started playing right away. and onion all over the sand. To my almost done and I realize how After a while, though, he got tired parents’ disbelief, my (now much I miss him. After Birkat we and decided to take a break. That’s absent) brother and I ate the salad sit down and sing hallel. In mid- when I realized that maybe I’d be with the sand. song, the door opens and a young better off on my own without I laugh to myself. Back at man comes through our front door. Daniel. I bet I could give myself the Seder, I sit through breaking My first thought is, “It’s Elijah!” more attention than Daniel ever the matzah, I sing ma nishtanah When I look at him again I see would. and then listen to Passover stories. IT’S ZACH! This really was a I slowly started to walk My grandfather recounts the cool Seder, even if all the away, but then Daniel got back up plagues and as soon as he says the interesting parts were in my head. and threw the stick for me to fetch.

24 It flew so far that it ended up in “I’m so sorry, again. Do What? Why are they the forest. I bolted for the trees, you want to play another round of yelling at me now? I thought I was the wind blowing through my fur. fetch?” freeee. Finally, I found the stick in the I nodded my head and Mmmm, I’m hungry. I middle of the forest. Daniel smiled as the stick fell out of my sniff my way to the kitchen. eventually caught up, but I was mouth. I was finally getting the Whoah! Humans get to eat so too entranced by the sight before attention I deserved. It only took a much! I begin eating everything I me. Daniel tried to get my miracle! can see. Yum. Why are they attention, but I wouldn’t respond. yelling at me again? Oh no… Then he saw it, too: the bush that Free or Trapped? they’re locking me in a small was not consumed! The mare of By Shira Forester (Bogrim) room, now! I thought this was the red, orange, purple and yellow that free life… surrounded its brown, withering I am finally out of here. I’m done I notice something. I look branches was mesmerizing. with all this puppy drama. Being around, and see if anyone else can All of the sudden, it spoke: in a puppy orphanage sure makes see the brand new chew toy lying “Daniel Green?” you feel so trapped. But now, I’m before my eyes. I suddenly grab it. At the mention of his so free! No more sharing the same This is a sensation I have never name, Daniel walked up to the bowls as others, no more strange felt before. I’m chewing a chew bush. “Y-Yes? That’s me.” visitors that take my friends, and toy, and there is no one else trying “Is this dog yours?” no more dog bullies. to grab it from me. “Yeah, he is. Why?” I’m finally in a car, feeling Then I notice another cool “I’ve been watching you, the freeness as I stick my tongue thing. There is a bowl of water. I and it seems as though you out the window. I’m so excited, I drop the chew toy and step closer haven’t spent enough time with can’t stop wagging my tail! I can’t to the bowl. It’s so clean, I can see your dog. In fact, I know he has a wait to see what a free life is like. a dog in it. Is that me? I begin to plan to run away because he feels I feel a sudden stop. Why drink some. For the first time, I he can take care of himself.” aren’t I moving anymore? I hear a can drink as much water as I want. “Is that true?” Daniel voice, “Welcome to your new Maybe this new life isn’t too bad. asked me. Since I can’t talk, I home, Daisy.” I guess I’ll never be really slowly nodded my head. Daisy? Who’s name is free or trapped. I guess in some “Oh my Gosh, I’m so Daisy? Whatever, I like that name. ways I’m more free at my new sorry! I promise I will spend much I’ll be daisy. I begin moving home, and sometimes also more more time with you. I can’t around and jumping to show that confined here. I guess that’s life believe it took a to I’ll take that name. I follow these and I can’t wait to see what tell me this!” people around this mysterious happens to me next. “Neither can I!” The bush building. I sniff around a while, said. then decide I have to go to the Daniel ignored this and bathroom. Back at the orphanage, thanked the bush. As we walked I always went to the bathroom out of the forest, Daniel outside on the green grass. I guess apologized for not doing the best this green floor will do! job taking care of me. Ahhhh. That felt nice.

25 The 4 questions What are the four most important questions for Jews today? Nivonim and Machon decide.

1. How do I maintain my Judaism in a secular/Christian world? 2. What is my relationship with Israel? 3. How do I find meaning in davening and Torah? 4. How do I stay connected to a Jewish community? 1. Why do we do this? 2. What is the point of this? 1. Are you going to marry a nice Jewish boy? 3. Are the stories in the Torah true? 2. Are you cheap? 4. How is this relevant to me? 3. Have you ever considered a nose job? 4. Are you kosher?

1. Should all Jews live in Eretz Yisrael? 2. Is a good Jew a Jew who believes in God? 3. What is the value of a vibrant Jewish community? 4. What is the most effective way to advocate for the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael?

1. how can we combine traditions with modern times? 2. How does being Jewish affect our connection with Israel? 3. How can we really believe in so many things that we can’t see? 4. How does being Jewish affect our moral compass as people?

1. Why do I have to follow all of the mitzvot when most don’t apply to me? 2. What role does God play in my life? 3. How can I use Judaism to be a better person? 4. Makes a Jew a Jew?

1. How will Judaism continue as we continue to assimilate to regular secular and unreligious society? 2. What will the pillar of Judaim become as the Holocaust and Israel become realities? 3. What is happening to Conservative Judaism and how will it survive?

26 Slave Meets Taskmaster

Looking Back course, I recognize one of their faces. The man I see By Anonymous (Nivonim) was my taskmaster. This is the man who beat me while I had bricks on my back. This man abused me, I only know one life: The life of slave labor. I have hurt me and wasted the first thirty years of my life. worked for decades under the whip doing nothing I could have thought a of things in this but manual labor. When finally the day came to moment. I could have hoped more plagues would leave I could not express my joy. Looking back I haunt him. I could have wished that he would be saw the man who tortured me his whole life about to executed by being burned alive at the stake. While be drowned in the Red Sea. I felt no pity and no my anger is strong and I am furious, I look in his sympathy. eyes and see only pure sadness. He lost his son, his cattle, and now he has lost me. Were his eyes Only Human wishing he had done something different? Maybe By Anonymous (Machon) believe in God after the first plague? All of these thoughts compile into one quick glance at him. Freedom. This two-syllable word has had such a I don’t know what to think. palpable affect on me. I am no longer a slave. I am a As I leave to cross the Red Sea tomorrow, I free man and I know wherever Moses leads us, it know there will be a lot of hardships that I’m willing will be a better place. to face up against. However, if there is one thing I As I leave Egypt there is a swarm of can learn from this brief moment in time, it would Egyptians behind me. I think nothing of this until, of be this: Everyone is human in the end.

27 Sad Man No Getting Up Just By Jordan Weinfeld (Tikvah) By Tali Friedman (Shoafim)

for fun There once was a man in a shoe. There once was a dog named cat. He lived there when he was just two. And he was incredibly fat. The very next day, He found a bone, Bob: An Imaginary biography He moved far away And sat on his throne By Josh Hoffman (Bogrim) And that made the man very blue. There’s no getting up after that.

Bob is the simplest person alive. He wakes up every morning wearing black boxers. He walks down the stairs, takes out the plain white bowl out of the cabinet, takes out the milk, kept perfectly chilled at 34 degrees Farenheight, and bran. He pours the bran and the milk with a blank expression on his face. When he is done he puts the bowl in the washer. He returns the milk and the bran. He walks back up stairs to make his white, sheeted bed. He then puts on a black tie. He then grabs his navy blue brief case and walks downstairs to his Camry. He drives to work. He works. He works ten hours at a desk. He then comes home and goes to bed. He does this every day. But is Bob really boring? Maybe not… At his desk he types stories of far away places. What he types touches more What am I? Haikus by Miles Ury (Solelim) people than you can count. Freya Juliet White: A Biography Letter from the Depths It has hands and feet By Elissa Fertig (Shoafim) A brain more complex than all By Eli Krule (Bogrim) in a starfish form. Freya White was normally Dear Mom and Dad, referred to as Miss White, a. Humans Madam White, or “that I am stuck inside a giant whale. Tell camp White girl” by Piers the center of a hand to stop feeding the only kid named Finnigan, in private. Her That name is one of a tree with whale bait. It is very slimy in here husband, Piers Finnigan drooped with coconuts and I am developing forced schizophrenia married her because of a 48- in this wet, lonely environment. I am hour lasting love potion. Her a. Palm Tree forced to eat fish mush every meal of the daughter’s name is Snow day and my friend Kevin keeps hogging White, the famous princess. buzzing of the wings the food. “Hey, stop it Marc! Get your Freya White lived in creepy, crawly, brown and black own food!” Marc likes fish too. Got to go. England during the Victorian common visible Kevin is punching me. Era. She was breathtakingly a. Insects gorgeous and her sister Love, Eli raised her daughter Snow White because she was, unfortunately, Kermit the Frog: A Biography murdered by her husband, who really just wanted her for her looks. By Ari Pentelovich (Garinim) She was born on My 15th, 1863 and lived 23 years.

Kermit the Frog was born/made on June 31, 100 B.C.E. His girlfriend is a glamour pig who enjoys speaking in French. His best friend (now deceased) was a dragonfly named Lunch. His grandfather was beheaded by King Louie the XIII for making a joke about high taxes in France. He sings and plays the banjo. He has trouble catching flies because his Tongue-Recoil-Unit is broken.

28 Thanks for Reading! This document was created with Pages on a Mac. All clip art was free online.

Creative Commons Images via flikr.com

- door knob by visualdensity - Night Sky by G... - Baby Toes by sabianmaggie - Ocean-Basic1 by Temari 09 - chariot by homeschoolator - Bricks by Fey Ilyas - Passover plate, Lamb shank bone included! by idit. - Red paint splash by G10web - spring lightening storm in Alabama by scottfillmer - Making light of darkness by Sudhamshu - pyramid & sphynx, Egypt by polanfong

Please Note: There was more where this came from. Some writing didn’t make it in for logistical reasons, mostly students missing a final class, which meant I couldn’t procure their notebooks.

Age Divisions (edot) Explained:

▪ Kochavim (entering 4th grade) ▪ Garinim (entering 5th grade) ▪ Halutzim (entering 6th grade) ▪ Solelim (entering 7th grade) ▪ Shoafim (entering 8th grade) ▪ Bogrim (entering 9th grade) ▪ Machon (entering 10th grade) ▪ Tikvah (Program for campers with learning and social difficulties) ▪ Nivonim (entering 11th grade)

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