Vocabulary:
Dreidel – (dray·dl) a Yiddish word for a special spinning top used during Hanukkah.
Inner Saboteur – (in·er sab·uh·tohr) is the little voice inside your head that sometimes says mean things and tries to stop you from feeling confident or trying new things, but you can learn to quiet it down and believe in yourself!
Nonna – (nohn·nah) a sweet grandma in Italian (Italian Jews use this term, too), who cooks the tastiest cannoli, fills the house with love, and tells the most captivating bedtime tales!
Parashah – (Pa·rah·shah or Par·shah) a special portion of the Torah, like a chapter, that we read and learn about each week to understand important lessons and stories.
Savta – (saav·tah) Savta means grandma in Hebrew, the wonderful person who gives warm hugs, tells the best stories, and bakes delicious rugelach!
Shabbat – (shuh·baat) the 7th day of the week when Hashem rested from working and commands set apart people to rest, too.
Chapter 4 – The Freedom of Light
Time drifted by, and GingerSnaps’ recovery was one of resilience. Her new indoor haven, adorned with a sun-mimicking light, a comforting heat lamp, and a protective cover, became her sanctuary. Levi and his parents were vigilant caretakers. She relished their attention. As she rehabilitated, Levi would often lift her out and cuddle her. He hummed tunes or played his ocarina, creating a healing melody that seemed to soothe not only her body, but also her mind. GingerSnaps couldn’t help but hope that she had found her forever home.
In the background, the father-son duo meticulously crafted an outdoor home for GingerSnaps—an enclosure fortified against potential predators, complete with a special chamber designed for her impending brumation. The vet strongly recommended this outdoor expanse, before the approach of winter’s chill. Mr. Kohen, Levi’s abba, took the responsible step of consulting the game warden to ensure the legality of keeping her in an enclosure once she recovered.
Levi, however, couldn’t shake the bittersweet moments that colored his thoughts; his winter adventures with his shelled sister were only dreams. He could already hear the coming silence. Once GingerSnaps is nestled in her impending brumation, she wouldn’t be awake to witness the Hanukkah lights, the very lights for which he lovingly beat and drained the olive oil. A downhearted realization settled in—he would miss out on sharing with her the simple joys of winter, like playful romps in the snow and crafting his favorite snow ice cream.
It occurred to Levi, that he had heard of a contest for the National Parks, at his school. They were looking for their next project, their next great idea. Something educational that would benefit their mission. Levi had an idea from working on GingerSnaps project with his abba, but just as soon as he started pondering the idea, the inner saboteur who resides in all of us, tried to convince him he could never win the contest so why bother.
Levi’s abba reminded him, “As our Kohen ancestors would say, ‘He who hesitates in building the sukkah will find no shelter for celebration.’ Seize the opportunity, while it is still today. Enter the contest, for in action, you pave the way for a legacy of triumphs.”
Levi and GingerSnaps dedicated the remainder of the day to capturing their heartfelt plea on camera. Their video essay passionately advocated for the establishment of a Box Turtle Sanctuary—a haven crucial in warding off potential threats to their species and enlightening families about the importance of their conservation.
As the sun painted the horizon in the west, the family gathered at the dinner table, and the discussion of a potential move to another state lingered. Levi’s objection, overloaded with the weight of affection for his “little dinosaur” (as he affectionately called her), reverberated through the room, “But I don’t want to move away from GingerSnaps.”
In an earnest attempt to lessen his worries, his parents offered assurances that their little zoo of pets would relocate alongside them. Unbeknownst to Levi, GingerSnaps, perceptive to the subtle shifts in his emotions, began to pace and climb on the walls of her enclosure. She mirrored his anxiety, sharing in his fear of an impending separation.
Yet, the prospect of relocation carried an undercurrent of unspoken tension. Levi, in his ponderings, ventured a question that unraveled a deeper narrative, “Is this about the war in Israel?”
His perceptive inquiry unfurled a dialogue about vulnerability, in the absence of a large Jewish community locally. They were feeling the tension of being set apart, especially in times when echoes of the Holocaust resurfaced, mingling with the unsettling rumors spreading that denied the truth of the past evil.
Levi, grappling with the weight of history, had often heard the word ‘Holocaust’ in the previous month since the attack on Israel. The haunting images it evoked, coupled with the unsettling denial, added layers to the family’s fears. His Great-Savta Kohen’s survival stories served as a reminder, a call to vigilance, and left Levi pondering the meaning of being “on guard” in a world still haunted by shadows of the past.
The weight of these discussions sank into Levi’s awareness. He grappled with the responsibility of ensuring history’s disturbing chapters wouldn’t replay. “How do we keep it from happening again? What can I do? How do I transform this chaotic world into a dwelling place for Hashem” Levi questioned, seeking not just answers but solutions.
His ima’s response breathed hope into the room, reframing the challenge as an opportunity to reshape perceptions. A family brainstorm ensued, illuminating a path forward. Levi, drawing inspiration from the current week’s Shabbat study – Parashah Vayera (“and He appeared” from Genesis 18:1), envisioned extending hospitality like Abraham did, but to his peers at school, offering a glimpse into the richness of his culture and the joy of Hanukkah.
In the quietude of his room, Levi pondered the misconceptions surrounding his people and their religion. The truth is that Torah isn’t a shackle but a guide, bestowing liberty. Psalm 119 echoed his convictions, “I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts.”
Levi, steadfast against the fear of oppression, found security in the precious gift of freedom bestowed upon him by Hashem. Empowered by these realizations, he resolved to illuminate the lives of his classmates with the radiant joy of Hanukkah. Armed with the rich tapestry of his culture, having family in Israel and Italy, he embarked on a mission to dispel misconceptions born from ignorance. Consulting with GingerSnaps, they plotted to demystify his culture. And hers.
GingerSnaps, in her unique way, expressed affection—a gentle nose bump, a whimsical circle dance. Levi drew comfort from her spoken companionship, cherishing the shared moments that transcended mere words. With box turtles being a threatened or endangered species in many areas, the bold idea of bringing GingerSnaps to school emerged, not merely as a pet but as an ambassador for box turtles. Together, they envisioned educating Levi’s classmates, fostering a proactive mindset for the hope of the future.
Excitement resounded through Levi’s household as plans took shape to share the delectable Nonna Cantarini’s Cannoli (mouthwatering sweetened ricotta cheese filled pastry) and recreate the historical swords of the Maccabees. Fueled by a passion for teaching, Levi envisioned enlightening his peers about the authentic essence of Hanukkah, striving to bridge the gap and portray his people as less foreign. It removed the shroud of mystery that invoked fear. And, deep down, he held a confident belief that his friends would be captivated by the heroic tale of “The Hammer.”
A surprise package from Israel, bearing the words “Do Not Open Until Hanukkah,” arrived for Levi—a touching reminder of the deep connection to his cousin David (may Hashem avenge his blood), lost in the war. Levi, torn between grief and curiosity, clutched the package, a linking to a world now forever altered. His favorite cousin, the one relative who seemed to accept and understand him. Levi suggested he be permitted to open it now, since everything has changed. His ima insisted he honor his cousin’s wishes and wait. He hugged the package, as if hugging David. His tears stained the paper. The package would have to wait.
As Levi and his parents shared their culture with classmates, the uncertainties dissolved into curiosity. The educating of traditions, delicious treats, and spirited sword fights invited living culture which breeds understanding. The children spun on the sugar from the chocolate gelt (coins) as quickly as they spun the dreidels. Laughter filled the air.
GingerSnaps’ chirping sounds (at least that’s what others heard when Levi could hear her words) and adorable antics captivated everyone. She gracefully climbed on top of her plants, stretching her neck to survey her surroundings, putting on a captivating display of hunting and devouring Canadian Nightcrawlers (a type of worm) to the delight of the boys present. She effortlessly became the limelight and darling of the gathering, basking in the attention that perfectly suited her performing personality.
Levi, thoroughly enjoyed his “practice run” of Hanukkah in November with his classmates, some of whom Levi now called “friends.” But he also looked forward to the real Hanukkah still to come, when he would see his sweet Savta and Nonna (along with his grandfathers) and at long last open his gift from his cousin, which kept his curiosity piqued. He often walked by his gift and gave it a tender hug.
The moon took its place in the night sky, and GingerSnaps, burrowed in her enclosure, dreamt of spinning dreidels in her TINY – TURTLE – MIND.
LET’S TALK:
How does the LIGHT inspire freedom in your life on this fourth night of Hanukkah?
FUN BOX TURTLE FACTS:
Did you know some Box Turtles can “chirp” which sounds like a quiet frog burping? They might emit a chirp when they are excited for food or stressed.