Vocabulary:
Autism – (aw·tiz·uhm) is when someone’s brain works in a special and unique way, making them see and experience the world differently.
The Hammer – Judah Maccabee’s nickname stems from his bravery and military prowess during the Jewish rebellion against evil.
Holocaust – (haw·luh·kawst) was a terrible time in history when many innocent people, especially Jewish people, were treated very unfairly and hurt by others just for being Jewish.
Maccabees – (mack·uh·bees) were a family of brave Jewish heroes who stood up for their faith and freedom, fighting against those who wanted to take away their freedom to worship Hashem.
Chapter 3 – The Courage of Light
With the dawn of a new day, GingerSnaps, the spirited box turtle, opened her eyes, eager for the adventures that awaited. She pushed aside the pile of colorful autumn leaves where she had been sleeping and the air smelled of fireplaces warming houses.
How many hours remained before Levi would join her in the yard, ready for another day of friendship? As the morning sun bathed her in its warm glow, she spotted Levi approaching, a sight that filled her heart with joy. He had just returned home from shul with his abba.
Levi, his face adorned with a wide grin, could barely contain his excitement. “I have the most wonderful news for you, my friend,” he declared.
The ten-year-old boy proudly revealed that his family had chosen a name for her, and he was confident she would love it. “GingerSnaps!”
“GingerSnaps? GingerSnaps! Oh, I adore it! It’s perfect in every way, the best name any box turtle has ever had!” GingerSnaps exclaimed with delight.
In his characteristic enthusiasm when he wasn’t feeling awkward, Levi chimed in, “And it’s perfect for a CUTE GIRL turtle, just as you determined it must be.”
Embarrassed but overjoyed, GingerSnaps playfully turned her head, glancing around as if something was missing. “Wait a minute,” she said. “You cannot name me. You are not a mamma. Only mammas can give names.” Yet, truthfully, she has already accepted and embraced her new name.
Puzzled, Levi responded, “What are you talking about? My abba named me.”
“That’s messed up; mammas have to name their children,” GingerSnaps insisted. She found gratification in being feisty.
Grappling with the unfamiliar concept, Levi agreed, “Fair enough. But I will call you GingerSnaps in the meantime. No mamma will come up with a better name for you!”
Grinning, GingerSnaps approved of this arrangement, secretly hoping that when a mamma did name her, she would keep GingerSnaps. The two spent their time together, with Levi digging in the earth, helping GingerSnaps search for grubs and worms.
She asked if he had ever tried them, sharing that they were quite delicious. Levi, both grossed out and amused, declined politely. “No thank you. But I did knock down a yellow jacket nest once and tried the larvae in the honeycomb thinking it was honey, when I was much younger, of course.” And then GingerSnaps feigned being repulsed by the thought before giggling.
A few days later, GingerSnaps embarked on a solo adventure in the yard, hunting for her next meal. The tranquility was disrupted when a roadrunner stealthily approached. She quickly withdrew into her shell, but being a juvenile turtle, she could not close fully and securely yet. The determined bird pecked and clawed, drawing blood.
In a surprise rescue, Levi burst onto the scene, wielding a handmade toy sword and declaring, “I AM THE HAMMER!” With warrior-like zeal, he clashed his sword against the tree and it made a loud thud, which sent the Roadrunner scurrying through the sand and over the wall. Levi had fended off the roadrunner, saving GingerSnaps. He didn’t actually want to hurt the roadrunner, as he was rather fond of them, but he would not stand by and allow a big bully to pick on his best friend. Although she didn’t quite understand the entirety of Levi’s actions, she was grateful for his timely intervention.
Amused but cautious, GingerSnaps decided to keep a safe distance from Levi as his adrenaline pushed him to continue with an imaginary battle. It was a good thing she did, as Levi slipped into a world of his own. She heard “I am the Hammer” shouted more than once.
Little did she know, Levi was using the opportunity to vent his frustrations. With each swing of the sword, he released the fury he concealed due to the challenges he faced at school, particularly because of his autism and Jewish identity amidst the ongoing conflict in Israel. His pent-up frustration at being different had come to a head, along with the fear he was feeling of the possibility of another holocaust, something up until a few weeks ago, he believed to be impossible.
Levi pretended to have fellow warriors following him, as he bravely led and encouraged them in the battle, “It is not the size of the army. Our strength and victory come from Hashem. They dare to come against us in great disrespect and torahlessness with the intention to destroy us. They will not prevail! Do not be afraid of them!”
When Levi, exhausted but triumphant, again declared, “I AM THE HAMMER!” GingerSnaps applauded and hailed him as her hero. Levi, smiling, acknowledged her, and all the rage seemed to dissipate.
As they shared a moment, Levi spoke about the history of the Maccabees and expressed his desire for courage like Judah Maccabee, the Hammer. He wished to stand up to the bullies at school who targeted him for being different. Though weakened and unable to find the words, GingerSnaps empathized with Levi’s struggles. Before she could convey her thoughts, Levi noticed her injury, and his emotion turned to concern. Hollering for his parents, he scooped her up, cradling her in the fabric of his shirt, promising to take care of her. He cried out to Adonai not to take his best friend from him. GingerSnaps’ heart began to glow; he had called her his BEST friend.
Levi’s parents, quick to action, called the local reptile vet and rushed GingerSnaps to receive treatment. Levi spoke words of reassurance, promising to guard her. Levi’s ima quickly filled out the paperwork when they arrived at the vet’s office.
The vet, Mrs. Levine, recognized the unique bond between Levi and GingerSnaps and recommended indoor care for her recovery. Still, she also expressed concerns that Levi was too young and inexperienced to care for a box turtle, let alone an injured one. The vet suggested GingerSnaps be sent to a professional reptile rehab.
Facing the possibility of separation, Levi and GingerSnaps huddled together, discussing a plan to run away. Levi’s parents, after a discussion with the vet, decided to provide the necessary items for GingerSnaps’ care at their home, taking it one day at a time. They would supervise and it was made clear that if GingerSnaps did not quickly show signs of recovery, she would have to go to the rehab.
Levi, overjoyed, revealed the official paperwork where GingerSnaps was listed as “GingerSnaps Kohen.” The little box turtle had become a part of the Kohen family. Levi exclaimed, “I guess GingerSnaps is officially your name, because our ima, also known as mamma, filled out the paperwork! You are now my little sister and best friend!”
GingerSnaps was deeply touched but very tired and snuggled into Levi’s hands. She had never felt more loved or safer than at that moment. She was quite certain this was the happiest day of her life. She started to drift off and her mind vividly dreamt of her new house in her TINY – TURTLE – MIND.
Excitement and uncertainty filled the air as Levi and GingerSnaps prepared for a new chapter in their unlikely friendship.
LET’S TALK:
How does the LIGHT bring courage in your life on this third night of Hanukkah?
FUN BOX TURTLE FACTS:
Did you know juvenile box turtles do not develop their hinge to fully close their shell until they mature?