Short Story

One interesting concept that I learned was to stand the book straight up on the next available chair, instead of faced down or in any other position to accentuate the importance of the scriptures and prayers that the books consist of. The service started promptly at 9:00 pm in which the members of the Jewish Synagogue were already wearing a tallit, which is a prayer shawl that represents the six hundred and thirteen commandments, and silently prayer with a swaying motion incorporated. After asking the congregate that was aiding the observers throughout the service, he explained that Jews usually sway, rock, or shake because it is stated that the physical act is a way of connecting spiritually to God while praying along with other justifications within the Torah. My initial feelings regarding the acceptance of me as a visitor was kind of unsettling because I was the center of attention along with the two other observers. Some congregates would greet us warmly offering any help, while some others often discretely talked among their other fellow congregates about our attendance with some people staring for portions of the service. Besides, the interaction of the congregates to the clergy was very divided in the aspect of gender roles due to the fact that the table that two intricate cased Torahs were brought out on could only be seen by the men and recite by men only. As far as the division of roles, I found it interesting that some of the women explained to us that it was not a form of disrespect or act of degrading because they play their specialized role in the congregation, which is often misunderstood and in their perspective more liberating than most portray it to me. It was also explained to me that women are seen as separate but equal when stated throughput Jewish

it is life, Mama!” Mama: “Oh—so now its life. Money is life. Once upon a

These men and boys, in a gathering referred to as a priesthood meeting, discuss problems in the community and possible solutions that would be beneficial and easy for everyone involved . After this discussion, the men and boys break into smaller groups referred to as quorums. Each of these quorums studies Church teaching together and discuss the needs of individuals in the community . Following the priesthood meetings is Sunday school. All members of the Church, regardless of age or gender, attend Sunday school to enhance their understanding of their faith. In the evening, the actual worship service is held. The adult males of the community will lead the service, and occasionally, the young people of the community will address the congregation and speak about their faith . In these services, all members of the congregation wear simple white clothing, and there is no speaking unless the service requires so. After the ceremony, which lasts typically two hours, participants gather together in the temple to discuss their experiences. Despite their enthusiasm to share their experiences, outside the temple, almost no references are made to the service, for it is seen as being too holy to be spoken of outside the temple

“…and so, your cooperation is utmostly needed and required right now, Mr. Ralston,” Dorne said.

She surveyed her kingdom. A kingdom of concrete and grey, but as far as she was concerned it might as well have been made of gold. The shine of the windows towering up above were her diamonds, and the taxis driving by were her limousines. Her black raw denim jeans, fitted t-shirt, and sneakers were her ball gown and crystal shoes. She has a quality about her that anybody who crossed her path could see. Her blue eyes reflect the silver city and her smile could make you feel warm on even the coldest of New York winter mornings.

"Here I thought this was cramped when I was stuck in here alone," Cat mutters, voice barely above a whisper. If they're on schedule they're still more than half an hour away from inspection, but old habits die hard and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Ladies wear expensive hats during Easter. This demonstrates that women only wear these hats during Easter. Also, they wear these expensive hats to show off and to be seen in them. People, especially women go to church to dress nice and feel superior. Specifically women, feel a need to be well dressed when attending church to look respectable and to show other members they honor the Lord. For example,it’s looked down upon if a woman's skirt is too short and people feel as that person isn’t respecting and honoring God.Many people look at what others are wearing and judge them based on their attire. People gossip at church and are focusing on who came with who, what someone wore, if they haven’t attended church in a while, etc. After service, people, especially the older women, love to gather around and talk about why he came with another girl to church and just things they noticed in church. Once they’re confronted about why they’re gossiping , they claim they’re just concerned about the person. Finally, it’s evident that church members aren’t perfect and gossip at

As I gathered myself in church Sunday morning, I was anxious to participate in a religious ritual that is not from my own tradition. For this assignment I attended the Beulah United Church of God. I arrived about 20 mins early to get visual of the pre service .Upon entering the church visitors are given a pew sheet, which includes the content of the day 's service. While walking down the alley there was complete silence. It was about a quarter of a full room .. only whispers and kids trying to get out of their seat. While being seated quietly, nervous .. i realized there wasn’t a uniform ritual. Women mostly weared skins and beautiful hats with heels. And the men worn suits or dress pants with a plaid button down shirt.

Kassidy parked her car in a spot not too far away and backed in, hoping it would be easy to get out of when it was time to leave. Just in case she had to make a quick exit. While she and Caleb had stated they’d be friends, she was still a little hesitant whether or not being friends would work out for them. Too much history.

He watches as she shivers like a leaf and keeps her smirk under shuddering lips.

My cross country team had a meet in Statesboro, Georgia. The bus rumbled into the grass parking lot of an old golf course. As the wheels screeched to a stop, an awkward silence fell over the team like a sheet. Nervous looks were shared as we all clambered off. Stepping down from the last step, I slammed into the suffocating stale blazing air like a brick wall. It took my eyes a few seconds to adjust, the fiery globe glaring at me from the sky. There were some white cotton candy clouds in the distance, but they weren’t too intimidating. Behind me strode Alex, her eyes narrowed into slits. Alex was one of the best runners on the team. She always stayed ahead of me. Today, she had her short brown hair drawn back into a ponytail and was

I remember when it all happened, there was I, a little girl of 6 years old who would always stick with her beautiful and young mother, Keni, but, she would rather you call her Daisy. We were at home, my old, but sweet home of a wonderful beige color with a lot of decoration made by Mami. I would always love to be at home, because it would always smell like her. The long and comfortable sofas were bought by Papi, they owned a special brown color, my Mami 's favorite. That 's where we were in that moment. My Mami was wearing the dress that I gave her as a present with my Papi 's help, it was pink and it had a lot of flowers on it. She looked amazing. In contrary of me, I was wearing my favorite dress too, but, this one was really old that

Ryder stared up at the Snowbelle gym, his heart racing in his chest. Liepard gave off a growl as she looked up at her, a smirk of determination on her face. Emma stood beside him as she looked up at the gym as well.

Marta was ten houses away from home and the closer she got, the more she shivered, dreading that one step that will swallow her inside, pass her iron security door and inside her enclosed porch. She looked at the houses that hugged each side of the street. All of them had enclosed porches with wrought iron doors that secure their homes as well. The only difference was the color of the houses. Some were pastel pinks, buttery yellows, and mint greens. She noticed that no mattered how colorful they were, they all looked just as opaque in the dark, as the other houses that weren’t painted; those houses with grey concrete blocks and symmetrical line patterns of cement like hers.

After the third day of tension, Jess spoke with Austin in their rooms; once more cleaning his guns. “It’s time boy.” “Time for what ol’ man?” “A time to kill or be killed. Austin, I’d appreciate it if you’d take Clara and Lena on their buggy ride earlier than usual today.” Austin argumentatively replied “I ain’t leaven’ you Jess! I’ll make sure the ladies stay out of sight but if one of us dies, Clara and Angel deserve to grieve.” “Angel? You mean Lena?” Jess said as he finally looked away from his guns. “Yes Angel. I’m the only one allowed to call her that so you’d best call her by Lena until she’s okay with it.” “So, you finally figured out you love the girl.” Jess asked. “Yes Jess and I intend to ask her to marry me when