Chapter 1 – The Importance of Light

Chapter 1 – The Importance of Light

In the beginning, according to the tales passed down by Bubbie Serach bat Asher-Turtle, an ancient ornate box turtle with wisdom as vast as the ages…

On the first day, the Creator Elohim spoke, “Let there be LIGHT!”

On the sixth day He created animal and human life. As Elohim fashioned the first ornate box turtles, their shells were dark, and in awe of the Creator, they looked up, smiling with gratitude. Suddenly, rays of divine light shot forth and danced upon their shells, creating a stunning contrast. They became temporarily paralyzed.

The entire earth stood in silent reverence, fearing Elohim had terminated them with lightning bolts. Even the rambunctious cheetahs paused, shedding tears, believing the precious turtles had perished. Elohim, gently touched each ornate box turtle, transforming the pattern into intricate rays of light, making them not only beautiful but truly mesmerizing.

He then immortalized the cheetah’s tears running down their faces, symbolizing their compassion for the box turtles. And so, with smiles on their tiny faces, the ornate box turtles unfroze, and in joy, they frolicked in the Garden of Eden, joined by the cheetahs and other creatures.

According to Bubbie Serach, “And on the Sixth Day, Elohim saw everything that He made, and behold it was very good.”

Fast forward through the tapestry of time, and so unfolds the Legend of GingerSnaps…

In the crisp embrace of a fall morning, where the air was just right and leaves painted a vibrant mosaic, a nameless juvenile ornate box turtle ventured into a world of endless possibilities. She was discontented with the lack of a name bestowed by the mother she never met, as mother turtles lay their eggs and then leave them to hatch and survive on their own. She clung to the hope of finding not just a name but, perhaps, a mother, too.

While box turtles are typically creatures of solitude, our little adventurer had a contrary heart. Yearning for friendship, she pressed further from her familiar territory, exploring beyond prickly pear cacti and through an inviting gate into a backyard oasis. It was a beautiful city in her tiny eyes.

Hungrily, the little turtle began her search for grubs and worms, navigating the lush grass, bushes, and trees. Suddenly, a black and white dog named Malcolm caught her eye. Fearful at first, she observed Malcolm’s innocent grub-hunting antics, and felt he was incapable of the harm rumored coming from dogs.

“Chicken Jerky,” called out Malcolm’s owner and as speedy as a gazelle, Malcolm scampered inside and danced in counter-clockwise circles. As he ran in, a new character emerged – Mr. Vader, a black cat with a white tummy. He eyed the turtle curiously, seeing a potential plaything. A quick pounce, and the turtle withdrew into her shell, transforming into what seemed like a decorative box.

Perplexed by the sudden stillness of the turtle, Mr. Vader, the black and white cat, approached with a mix of confusion and curiosity. He sniffed and meowed, pondering aloud, “Why did the camouflage tank toy quit moving?” Inside her shell, the little turtle held her breath, waiting in silence for the cat to lose interest. When Mr. Vader eventually leapt away, she cautiously peeked out, only to discover her potential new friend had disappeared.

Mr. Vader headed towards the sliding door, letting out a cry that echoed through the air, summoning Levi, the peculiar boy. Familiar with Levi’s radio-controlled tank encounters, Mr. Vader hoped Levi could bring life to this motionless turtle toy. However, Levi, unaware of the cat’s expectations, offered him salmon treats. Vader, in a display of feline dexterity, sprinted up one side of a tree, down the other side, and darted into the house. The little girl turtle, impressed by the cat’s agility, marveled at the spectacle, as she had never climbed a tree before.

Levi came outside, and became engrossed in constructing what resembled a fort, reminiscent of those he had seen during his recent visit to Israel for Sukkot. Brushing his brown hair away, he arranged sticks with focused intent.

However, distractions were common to Levi, and per usual they ensued. He found himself pacing the yard, lost in contemplation. His thoughts delved into the marvels of space’s creation, a subject that might seem obsessive to some but held an insatiable curiosity for Levi. He often wished he could have witnessed the moment Elohim formed the sun, moon, stars, and planets. Especially the planets!

Humming a mournful tune, Levi shuffled closer to the little girl turtle, oblivious to her presence, engrossed in the White Winged doves’ calls above. His melody echoed the birds’ mournful song but with additional notes.

The little turtle girl grew increasingly intrigued by the human boy. He displayed no intention to harm her, nor did he retreat in fear. Perhaps they could be friends! Stretching out her head and neck, she tried to appear as large as possible, hoping Levi would notice her. Convinced she looked quite sizable now, she anticipated catching his attention.

Carefully reaching into his pocket, Levi retrieved a turtle-shaped clay instrument, akin in shape to the little turtle girl. An ocarina adorned with beautiful markings, though not kissed by the Creator’s rays like the turtle. Levi put the turtle-shaped ocarina to his mouth, and the little turtle girl recoiled in horror, retreating into her shell. Trembling with fear, she wished she could burrow quickly to evade this potential predator, but time was against her.

As she remained still within her shell, a lovely sound reached her ears, prompting her to cautiously poke out her head. The enchanting melody emanated from Levi and his turtle-shaped ocarina. He wasn’t consuming the turtle; he was creating music. How did they do that? Playing the same haunting tune he had hummed earlier, it carried a touch of sadness, yet it was the most beautiful sound the little turtle girl had ever heard. Eagerly, she approached Levi, hopeful that this was his way of expressing a desire for friendship.

Levi played in minor chords, his heart heavy with grief. The prior week, a day after his return from Israel, the land of his ancestors, hateful people had wreaked chaos, affecting Levi’s relatives. His family knew people who were kidnapped, injured, and killed, including his very own cousin, David, who served in the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces).

His cousin had always been extra kind to him during their visits, even though they were of two different sects of Judaism, which often caused uneasiness within the extended family. Life felt forever changed, and Levi, grappling with overwhelming sorrow, expressed his emotions through a mournful song.

“Levi,” called his ima. “Come help me set the table for dinner.” Quickly, Levi slipped his ocarina into his pocket and hurried into the house.

“Oh no, now I’ll never make my new friend!” Sadly, little turtle girl felt the urgency to take cover as the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the time to burrow. Swiftly, she retreated to a bush, expertly burying herself under leaves and sandy loam. Snuggling safely in her temporary home, anticipation bubbled within her. She couldn’t wait for the dawn, hoping it would herald the big day when she’d finally meet her new friend.

She drifted into slumber as vivid visions danced with possibilities—imaginings of creative antics and clever ways to capture the boy’s attention should they cross paths again. In her TINY TURTLE MIND, adventure awaited, and the promise of friendship beckoned with the rising sun.

LET’S TALK:

How is the LIGHT important in your life on this first night of Hanukkah?

FUN BOX TURTLE FACTS:

Did you know an ornate box turtle can see more shades of colors than most humans?