Devora Busheri

A girl and her mother walk in a forest, growing in their appreciation of nature and of each other, especially as they gaze into a still pond. Includes note about Haim Nachman Bialik, on whose poem, "The Pond," the story is based.

Hannah and Abba―Hebrew for "Dad"―are spending time together in nature on Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish Arbor Day. As Abba rests under a carob tree, Hannah declares that she wants to climb a tree. The carob tree's trunk is too skinny, but can she climb a eucalyptus tree or a pine tree or an olive tree? When each poses a challenge―for being too scratchy, for not having footholds―Abba offers new inspiration for climbing and insight into what Hannah...