Ari and the Dybbuk

By Z.D. Jacobs

When he emigrated from Russia to Israel, Ari had no idea that he was about to make history. What concerned him was a fear of the unknown, and what happens may haunt him forever.

Based on historical facts, Aris adventures find him confronting bullies, an evil-possessed Nazi soldier, and warring neighbors.

Ari tries to help each situation, but the Dybbuk (in Jewish folklore, a malevolent wandering spirit that enters and possesses the body of a living person until exorcized) finds its way into Aris mind. What follows becomes a conflict between good and evil. Who will prevail?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 16, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468536706

Z.D. Jacobs

I am the daughter of Russian immigrants and a retired teacher with over ten years experience working with young children. I have owned and directed a day camp for five to twelve year olds. Currently, I have a published collection of short stories and poems called, Wayfarer. Additional works of mine have been published in the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post. At present, I reside in Palm Beach Florida.

Book preview

SYNOPSIS

When he emigrated from Russia to Israel, Ari had no idea he was about to make history. Hopeful, yet burdened by a fear of the unknown, Ari and his parents make the journey to Deganya Aleph, a kibbutz located along the Palestinian border where they begin their new life. Despite the family’s enthusiasm and effort to become contributing members of their new community, not everyone in the village is welcoming. Ari must contend with being targeted by a bully named Zack and the strange behavior of a frail, old man named Hermann, whose ailing, weak body is inhabited by an evil dybbuk. Eventually, with help from his new friend, Dov, Ari adjusts to life on the kibbutz. The boys spend much of their free time together, mostly practicing and playing their favorite sport, basketball.

Unfortunately, this peaceful existence is short-lived. Little by little, the Palestinian neighbors’ stone-throwing threats escalate into greater violence. The attacks result in lives being lost on both sides of the border. During this time, Ari inadvertently discovers and then helps a lost six-year-old Arab boy named Mahmoud. He also has the misfortune of being tricked into becoming the dybbuk’s new host. Meanwhile, the regional conflict culminates with a Syrian tank headed towards Deganya Aleph kibbutz, and Ari is faced with stopping it. Though he succeeds, he questions whether he did the right thing. Once both Israeli and Palestinian leaders learn of Ari’s heroic efforts, they decide to join together to discuss the possibility of tentative peace.

Ari and the Dybbuk is based on historical fact.

galileemp-010612.jpg

Deganya is located near the southwest corner of Kinneret.

Deganya Aleph,

the First Kibbutz

Noooo… ! Ari screamed. It was no ordinary scream. It was like the howl of a wild beast. The boy’s small body shook and his heart pounded so hard he could barely catch his breath. He wiped the beads of sweat rolling off his forehead with the back of his hand. His legs shook uncontrollably and shivers ran up and down his spine. He pushed himself up in bed and forced his eyes to open. When the fog of sleep wore off, he looked around. Nothing seemed familiar. What am I doing here? Then he noticed the many unoccupied cots lined up alongside his. Oh, I remember now. We were sent to this camp when we arrived in Haifa. But why am I still shaking? Suddenly, it all came back. His horrible dream!

The nightmare replayed itself in his mind. Once again he was running away from whatever was chasing him. As he ran, he became aware of the loud screams, angry sounds and footsteps at his heels. He tried running faster, but his legs felt like heavy logs. Running on the pebbled path became impossible. He stopped, frozen with fear at the sight of the bloody arm of a monster reaching out to grab him. Closer and closer it came! Ari squeezed his eyes shut…

Unable to move, the frightened boy rubbed his eyes, trying to erase the visions of horror that still held fast in his memory. He shook his head as if to clear the nightmare, but the terror clung to him. Though the room was hot and sticky, he felt a chill. Wrapping the blanket tightly around his shoulders, Ari, bleary eyed, stumbled out of bed onto his feet, still bewildered. His mother walked into his room. Ari raised his eyes to meet hers. Her face, normally serene, was stern.

Ari, I thought you would have been dressed by now. They have been serving breakfast for more than an hour, she said with tense lips. You must eat before we leave. They will stop serving shortly so you need to hurry and get dressed. Meet us in the mess hall as soon as you can. And with that said, Dvora left to meet her husband.

Ari took a deep breath and despite his shaking hands, managed to pull on his wrinkled pants and shirt. He tried to walk quickly, but his legs seemed to be moving in slow motion. When he arrived at the mess hall, his parents were already seated at a table eating their breakfast. A cup of juice and a bowl of cereal had been set at his place. Ari’s mother was happy her son had arrived in time to eat, but she couldn’t help but notice that something was different about him. He seems much too quiet, Dvora thought.

Ari, what’s wrong? Didn’t you sleep well? she asked.

No, he mumbled. I had a bad dream. His voice was so low his mother had to strain to hear him. He kept his eyes lowered.

It was merely a dream, son, said Abrasha. Try to forget it.

But it was so real, Papa! Ari insisted. Can’t you see that I’m still shaking from it? Why doesn’t Papa understand that a bad dream can make you feel horrible? Doesn’t he know it isn’t easy to forget?

Abrasha tried to soothe his son. Maybe, you are a little frightened to be going to a new place?

No, Papa, I’m not afraid. It’s just that… well, what if nobody likes me?

When I moved to a different neighborhood and had to go to a new school, I also worried, Abrasha said. I was eleven years old, just like you, but it worked out well and I made many new friends. It will work out for you too, my son. Now, eat your breakfast; we have to catch our bus soon.

After Ari and his parents finished their meals, they gathered their belongings and waited outdoors to meet the bus that would take the camp immigrants to Deganya. It wasn’t long before a khaki-colored vehicle approached.

Wow! What a weird-looking bus! cried Ari. It looks like a big truck with metal bins on the roof.

I’m sure it’s sturdy enough to get us to our new home, said Abrasha, as he tossed their heavy luggage into the bins. The bus door squeaked as it opened and Ari and his parents were among the first of nearly twenty immigrants to enter.

It feels like a hundred degrees in here! Ari thought, as he looked for a seat. He was relieved to see a seat at the back of the bus where the rear window was opened wide, and took his place on that hard, wooden bench. Once he was seated, he pulled the cord that hung from the top of the window on his right, opening it as much as it would go. His parents took seats beside him and placed their small luggage on their laps.

Little by little, the rest of the seats were occupied and the converted truck started on its way down a paved path. A few people chatted in whispers. Most settled back in their seats and snoozed. Ari breathed a sigh of relief and leaned against the side of the vehicle, staring out the window. He watched the scenery blur by as the aged bus drove on. Before long, the vehicle turned onto a bumpy, dirt path. When it rambled faster Ari’s head bounced up and down. Then the rickety carrier picked up speed. Ari could hear the sound of the wheels grinding against the pebbled path as they traveled through the countryside. Dusty scenes began to roll by endlessly and in the distance he saw high, green mountains bordering grassy meadows. When the road smoothed Ari began to relax and sat back in his seat. The steady motion of the bus, combined with the hot Israeli weather, made Ari close his eyes and rest. His thoughts turned to the very long journey he and his parents had made on the boat from Russia to Israel. He remembered some of the people on the boat got seasick, but the voyage only made Ari very tired; tired like he was now. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. It didn’t take long this time. He was already in a half-awake-half-asleep state.

Soon, Ari began to doze and dream again. This time he was running through a forest toward a weather-beaten old shack. His heart was hammering away and he felt a gripping sensation in his chest. Just as he reached for the door of the small shanty, it opened by itself! Inside, a huge, angry, red-eyed demon glared menacingly at him! Ari screamed! The loud shriek caused the people on the bus to stare at him. His mother and father leaned toward him with concern.

Ari, what’s wrong? Dvora asked. Are you in pain?

No, I had another scary dream, he whispered. Mama, why do I keep having nightmares about demons? Do you think it’s a sign that something bad will happen?

Dvora put her arm around Ari’s shoulders and drew him close. "You’ve been through a lot