Thursday 6^th April

There's just one week left until Pesach. I can't wait! Mum and I started Pesach cleaning today. Mum always Pesach cleans just one week before Pesach. She says it isn't practical to clean before, because of all the little children we have in our family. Avi isn't too bad, but Danny and Nate and Elana track food - and breadcrumbs! - all over the house faster than any other kids we know. Thankfully Nechama - our baby - is still too little to track food all over the house. She's ten months old, though, so she's pretty good at getting food all over herself!

Today, Mum and I cleaned Dad and Mum's bedroom and Elana's and my bedroom. We only found dust and fluff in Dad and Mum's room. We didn't even find any breadcrumbs. That disappointed me - since we're Pesach cleaning to get rid of any yeast in preparation for Pesach, I like to find breadcrumbs and then I know we've cleaned properly. However, we found two half-eaten Marmite sandwiches and a piece of half-eaten cheese pizza in us girl's room. The sandwiches were hidden behind the chest-of-drawers and the pizza was hidden behind the bookcase.

Mum was so surprised to find the food! She was cleaning behind the chest-of-drawers and said, "Malkah, come here a minute."

I was taking all the books off the bookcase, but I got up and joined Mum behind the chest-of-drawers. She looked puzzled. In one hand she held the vacuum cleaner nozzle and a wet cloth. In the other hand she held two half-eaten Marmite sandwiches. I stared in surprise and asked, "Mum, where did you get those?!?"

Mum looked puzzled and said, "Behind the chest-of-drawers. Just here ..." and she showed me where she had found them. In a whisper she asked, "Did you drop them or hide them here?"

I giggled and said, "Mum! No, I didn't ... I don't hide food in our bedroom!"

We both looked at Elana, who was tidying up her jigsaw puzzles, her face serious and concentrated. I looked round for Nechama and hurried to take a book away from her, as she grabbed it in her chubby baby hands and pushed one corner into her mouth.

Mum shook her head and said, "Pass me the rubbish sack, please, Malkah." I passed her the sack and she dropped the sandwiches into it gingerly. I hurried back to the bookcase and Nechama.

Mum finished cleaning behind the chest-of-drawers and we pushed it back against the wall. I dusted the books while Mum cleaned behind the bookcase. Suddenly she said, "Malkah ..."

I joined her behind the bookcase. She was still holding the vacuum cleaner nozzle and a wet cloth. She was also holding a half-eaten piece of cheese pizza. She held it out to me and raised her eyebrows. I stared at it and then said, "Mum ... where did you get that from this time?!?"

Mum looked puzzled and said, "Where do you think? Pass me the rubbish sack again, please." She dropped the pizza into it and whispered, "Do you think Elana hides food?"

I giggled, "I have no idea, Mum! I don't see why she should hide food!"

Mum shook her head, "Neither do I!"

I expected to find food hidden behind the wardrobe and my desk, but we only found dust and fluff and breadcrumbs. I think Elana hoarded the food and hid it in our room, because I didn't hide any of it! (Unless, of course, I did it in my sleep. Maybe I went sleep-walking ... no, I don't think so. We had Marmite sandwiches last week and cheese pizza last night. There weren't any left-overs for me to find at night!)

I found a bunch of stuff under our bunk-beds - not food, but books and puzzles and pictures. I found a picture of me with my cousins, Rina, Rebecka and Rachel, and Raphael. Then I found another picture of me with Rina, my special friend. It was taken last summer, when we visited them in America. I'll never forget how much fun we had with them! I hope we'll see them again soon! I pinned the picture up beside my top bunk-bed, to remind me of the fun we had together!

This evening at supper, Dad and Mum talked about Pesach and how special it is. Dad said, "We should be careful to clean every little bit of yeast out of our house, as G-d told our ancestors to do thousands of years ago."

Avi nodded wisely. Danny looked at him and nodded too. Nate asked, "Why?"

"To remind us that when our ancestors were slaves in ancient Egypt, G-d set us free and brought us into freedom," Dad said. "Our ancestors left Egypt so quickly that the yeast in their bread didn't have time to work and make their bread rise. G-d told us to get rid of our yeast and eat unleavened bread - matzah - at Pesach. It reminds us of our ancestors and of G-d's miracles."

Nate nodded and said, "Oh." Then he added, "I like matzah!"

"Me too!" Dan said.

"Yes, so do I," Avi agreed.

Dad smiled and said, "Because we believe that Yeshua - Jesus - is the Messiah of Israel and the Saviour of the world, we also get rid of all our yeast to symbolise getting rid of all our sin. Yeshua is our Pesach offering - that make us right with G-d and ensures that death passes over us. He brings us forgiveness and a new life - just as G-d brought our ancestors a new life of freedom hundreds of years ago."

Mum said, "Sometimes we have to look hard for the yeast or sin in our lives. It hides in the oddest places!"

I caught Mum's eye and giggled. Dad stopped being serious and asked, "What's the joke?"

Mum said, "Someone has been hiding food in Malkah and Elana's bedroom ... Marmite sandwiches and cheese pizza!"

Dad looked at me and raised his eyebrows. His eyes twinkled and he said, "Did you hide it in case you get hungry in the middle of the night, Malkah?"

Pesach is my favourite time of year. I can't wait until next week!

Friday 7^th April

Today Mum and I finished cleaning upstairs. We didn't find any more food hoarded away. I think Mum is quite relieved! Once we'd finished cleaning, we got ready for Shabbat. I mixed the challah dough - kneading it until it was smooth and elastic. It smelt wonderful! When it was risen, I plaited it. Elana wanted to help me, so I let her sit on the worktop beside me and sprinkle flour on the dough when it got too sticky. Then I let her scatter poppy-seeds and sesame-seeds on it. When it was cooked, it looked beautiful - all rounded and golden-brown. It smelt even more wonderful than it did when it was risen! It's the last challah we'll eat before Pesach, so I'm glad it's an extra-nice batch! Dad and Mum are waiting to light the candles and make kiddish to start Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom!

Saturday 8^th April

This morning we went to Shabbat services. It's been nice to have a break from Pesach cleaning! At Shabbat School, we learned about Yeshua raising Lazarus from the dead and calling him out of the tomb. It's a cool story! I like Mary and Martha and I wish I had been there. Imagine being there when Yeshua said, "Lazarus - come out!" Totally cool!

The little children all thought it was cool too! Danny and Nate talked about it on the way home from services and all the way through lunch. After lunch, Dad and Mum went into the lounge and talked quietly (they do a lot of that at the moment, I've noticed). Then they had a nap, sitting in chairs on either side of the lounge window. I read a book, sitting at the kitchen table, in the sun. Nechama sat on my lap and chewed one of her baby toys. (She's teething, so she chews everything. If I didn't let her chew her baby toys, she'd probably chew my necklace or my book or something.) The little children were upstairs and I thought Avi was watching them.

I was surprised when Avi walked into the room and asked, "Where are the little kids?"

I looked up from my book and said, "Um, I don't know ... I thought they were upstairs with you."

Avi's eyes got wide behind his glasses and his hair seemed to stand up on end. Anxiously he said, "Uh-oh ... I thought they were down here with you. I think we'd better go and find them, Malkah."

I didn't really want to go, because it was Shabbat and I was enjoying reading my book. But I knew Avi was right. If the little children are not being watched and are not making any noise, it means they're doing something naughty. I closed my book and picked Nechama up and followed Avi upstairs. On the way up I asked, "Where have you been and what have you been doing?"

Avi shrugged his shoulders, "I was playing scrabble with myself in the dining room."

I rolled my eyes and said, "Oh. I should have guessed!" Avi is the only boy I know who plays scrabble with himself and thinks it's a fun thing to do!

We almost tip-toed up the last stairs. We looked at each other and peeped into the boys' room. There was no one in there. Avi and I looked at each other anxiously and peeped into Elana's and my bedroom. There was no one there either. Avi and I looked at each, almost alarmed. Then we heard a shriek and a giggle from the bathroom, round the corner. Quickly, we hurried along the landing and around the corner. The bathroom door was open and there were the little children. Danny and Elana were giggling helplessly, intent on Nate. He was also giggling, but his giggles were punctuated by shrieks, as he twirled round and round. Every now and then he got dizzy and his feet slipped on the tiled floor. All around the trio were ribbons of unwound toilet paper. Danny and Elana both held a roll of toilet paper in their hands, which they were wrapping round Nate as he twirled.

Avi and I looked at each other. Avi wiggled his eyebrows and I wrinkled my nose. Then Nechama reached forward out of my arms and shrieked joyfully. All the little children jumped violently and looked round guiltily. They stood in silence, their arms hanging limp by their sides, looking at us. Avi strode into the room and looked down at then, his arms crossed and his feet apart. Sternly he said, "Alright, kids, what are you doing?"

Avi is only ten years old - the little children are all under eight - and I am fifteen years old, so that struck me as funny. However, I stifled a giggle and hurried into the bathroom too. I caught my feet in my Shabbat skirt (which is too long for me) and staggered across the bathroom. My feet got tangled up in toilet paper on the way. As I grabbed Nechama tight, she shrieked in protest and reached for the little children. I jiggled her on my hip and collected my dignity (I read that in a library book; isn't it a good phrase?). Then I said, "Come on, kids, what are you doing? Danny, you're the eldest ..."

Suddenly, I remembered that I always hate it when Dad says that to me, as if I'm responsible for everything the little children do. Feebly I added, "Um ... and Nate and Elana, you're getting quite big too. What are you doing?"

There was silence. The little children all looked at me, their eyes big and serious. Avi and I looked at each other. Then Nechama reached for the others and they all tried to explain at once. Danny said, "We were playing Yeshua raising Lazarus from the dead ..."

"I was dead!" yelled Nate as if that explained everything, his eyes wide.

"Me too!" Elana lisped hopefully, smiling up at me.

Danny added, "I was playing to be Yeshua. I was going to call Lazarus out of the tomb. Nate was playing to be Lazarus, dead in the tomb," He pointed to the bath and said, "That's the tomb."

I nodded, feeling rather dazed. Avi, interested, said, "Who was Elana playing to be?"

Elana tugged at his trousers and lisped, "Ma-wy and Marta." She held up her doll, as if that confirmed her words.

I looked round the bathroom. There was toilet paper every where - on the toilet and the basin and the bath and floor. There was even some hanging from the light-shade hanging from the middle of the ceiling. I asked, "Why toilet paper?"

In unison Danny and Nate said, "Grave-cloths."

Elana nodded and lisped, "Yeth. Wave-doths."

Avi and I just looked at each other. Then Avi giggled. Danny's eyes grew as round as Avi's had earlier. He bit his lip and said, "Oops!" He looked at me anxiously and said, "Mum never told me not to play Yeshua raising Lazarus from the dead or not to play with toilet paper. Can you make it better, Malkah, please?"

"Yes!" Nate chimed in, "make it better!" He jumped up and started picking up pieces of toilet paper one at a time, stuffing them into his pockets until they bulged.

Quickly I said, "No, no, Nate! Wait a minute while Avi gets the brush and the dustpan from down stairs." We all waited while Avi ran downstairs. When he came back, I swept all the paper up. We flushed it down the toilet.

Danny still looked anxious, but Nate dusted his hands and said cheerfully, "That's that all done! Malkah, lets go and play something else, okay?"

We played hide-and-seek. I guess I can finish my book some other time. I told Dad and Mum about the little children and Yeshua and Lazarus. We'll buy some more toilet paper before Pesach. We were talking about Pesach when the 'phone rang. Ben, my older brother, is definitely coming home tomorrow. He's been staying in Israel with our Israeli cousins for a few weeks and we weren't sure whether he was going to come home or stay in Israel for Pesach. I'm sorry he won't be in Israel for Pesach (that would be cool and Ben and I haven't been is Israel for Pesach since we were little) ... but, oh, I'm so glad he's coming home tomorrow!

Sunday 9^th April

Guess what?!? Ben came home today and brought a surprise with him!

Mum and I spent this morning planning nice meals for our Pesach Seders. We always have nice meals! This year Granddad and Grandma are coming to our house for our first Seder. We're having chicken soup and boiled chicken and potato kugel and salad and lots of other yummy things! After lunch, Dad and Mum went to get Ben from the airport.

I stayed at home and Avi and I watched the little children and Nechama. Dad and Mum rang us from the car as they left the airport. Mum said, "We've got Ben and we're bringing him home."

I could hear Ben talking and I thought I could hear a strange person laughing. I said, "Oh ... good!" Then, curiously, I asked, "Who's he talking to?"

Mum hesitated. Then she said, "Um ... Dad. See you soon, okay?"

When the bell rang, I ran to open the front door with all the little children. Outside, there was Ben. We all shrieked and hugged him. He laughed and said, "Hi, guys! Look, I've brought you a surprise for Pesach!"

We all stared at him and he laughed and said, "I've brought my best friend, Gideon, home to see you all!"

We all know about Ben's best friend, Gideon. Ben is English and Gideon is Israeli, but they're best friends, perhaps because they're cousins. They were born in the same week and played together all the time when we were little and lived in Israel. Not that I remember them playing together, because I was just a baby, but I've seen pictures and heard stories. Ben called, "Gideon!"

Gideon was helping Dad heave the boys' suitcases out of the car. He left Dad and Mum by the car and walked up the front path. He's got dark hair and dark eyes and dark skin. He's tall and thin and his ears stick out. He doesn't look at all like Dad or Uncle David (Dad's brother) or Aunt Rachel (Dad's sister). He smiled and said, "Hello!" He's got a slight Israeli accent and a very shy voice.

He looked at me and said, "You are Malkah, I know." I smiled and nodded. I couldn't think of anything to say and I felt so silly!

Gideon looked at Nechama, in my arms, and said, "And you must be Nechama!"

I nodded again and said, "Yes!" I remembered that Gideon is my cousin too, even if I don't remember him and stopped feeling so silly. Nechama held out her arms to him and shrieked joyfully.

We all laughed and Avi said seriously, "I think she thinks she knows you!"

Gideon smiled and said, "Yes, I guess she does! I have a little sister her age at home, so I guess I think I know Nechama too!" He looked at Avi and said, "You must be Avi."

Avi grinned and nodded. Then Gideon named all the little children - Danny and Nate and Elana - correctly. I think Ben must have told him a lot about us! Then Ben took Gideon up to his bedroom and Dad brought their suitcases and backpacks into the house.

I followed Mum into the kitchen and asked, "Did you know that Ben was bringing Gideon home for Pesach?"

Mum smiled and said, "No!" Then she admitted, "But I did guess that he was bringing someone home for Pesach."

Anxiously I said, "I hope Gideon will like it here!"

Mum smiled again and said, "He will like it here, I'm sure - and everything will be fine, I promise!"

Ben and Gideon are sleeping in Ben's bedroom, Ben on the floor and Gideon in Ben's bed. They both wanted to sleep on the floor. Over supper Ben said, "Gideon, why don't you sleep in the bed? You'll be so much more comfortable than if you sleep on the floor. I'll sleep on the floor - I'm used to it!" He seemed concerned, but eager as well!

Gideon said, "Oh no! I could not possibly sleep in your bed and make you sleep on the floor. My friend, I will sleep on the floor. I too am used to it!"

"I can't let my guest sleep on the floor!" Bed said, horrified. "Goodness - that would be so inhospitable!"

"But I ... I could not be comfortable sleeping in your bed," Gideon argued earnestly. "All night, I would think of you sleeping on the hard floor!"

"Ah," Ben began, "but ..."

Dad interrupted, his eyes twinkling, "Hey, guys, we all know that you both want to sleep on the floor!" I giggled and Avi grinned and rolled his eyes. "Why don't you take it in turns? Gideon should sleep in the bed tonight, then Ben tomorrow night. That way, you'll both get to sleep on the floor. Okay?"

Ben and Gideon looked at each other sheepishly. Then they both laughed. Ben said, "Okay, Dad. That works for me. How about you, Gideon?"

Gideon smiled shyly and nodded, "Yes, that works for me also." He paused and then added, "I get to sleep on the floor tomorrow night, yes?" He sounded really anxious and looked relieved when Ben caught Dad's eye, grinned, and nodded.

I have no idea why the boys both want to sleep on the floor. What's wrong with sleeping in a bed?!? I'm glad I don't have to sleep on the floor!

Monday 10^th April

Something awful happened today! Actually, lots of awful things happened today!

Well, I suppose one funny thing happened, when the 'phone rang at breakfast time. I looked at the caller ID. The number was unrecognised. I answered the 'phone and said, "Hello!"

There was a little pause. Then a voice at the other end said, "Hello! I'm calling from Sunny-Days Conservatory Company. We've got an amazing range of conservatories in stock at the moment and we'd be delighted to send you all the necessary details, so that you too can own a Sunny-Days Conservatory ..."

I said, "Um ... excuse me ..."

The voice went on, "If you've got a moment, I can describe the models we have in stock and offer you our Pay-As-You-Build Package ..."

I said, "Excuse me, but ..."

"First of all, let me have your name and address ..."

Finally, I persuaded the voice that I didn't want a conservatory and promised to contact them if I ever changed my mind. As if I want a conservatory, when I'm 15! Maybe I could build it onto Elana's and my bedroom and Dad and Mum would pay for it for my birthday! Anyway, I didn't say that, but I did put the 'phone down. Mum asked, "Who was that?"

I said, "Someone trying to sell me a Sunny-Days Conservatory!"

Mum said, "Oh dear! And someone rang last week, trying to sell me a Clear-Views Double-Glazing. We're getting so many sales calls!"

Ben's eyes twinkled and he asked, "Don't you want a conservatory, Malkah?!?"

I said, "Um ... no!"

Mum shook her head, "Neither do I!"

We all laughed, because that was before the awful thing happened. Later, Dad was at work and Mum wanted some Kosher l'Pesach matzah and matzah meal, because they're both on special offer at the supermarket at the moment. She sent Ben and Gideon out with a list. They took Avi. They all looked so funny - marching up the road to the supermarket with Mum's shopping list and their backpacks! After they left, Mum said, "Well, let's get on and finish the Pesach cleaning. Where shall we start?"

We decided to clean the sitting room. We found lots of crumbs under the piano and the bookcases and down the back of the sofa and armchairs. Danny and Nate payed with their Lego in the dining room. Elana and Nechama were fussy - Elana because she was hungry and Nechama because she is teething. They followed us around the lounge as we cleaned, Elana whining and Nechama crying. We tried telling them stories and singing songs with them. I tried to get Elana to help clean, by giving her a duster. Mum tried to comfort Nechama, by carrying her around as she cleaned. Nothing worked - the little girls just got fussier and fussier!

Finally, Mum said, "Malkah, please take the little girls into the kitchen. Get Elana a biscuit and a drink. Maybe Nechama will calm down if you hold her and rock her." She looked round the sitting room. Everything was clean, but we needed to put all the furniture back in the right places and Mum needed to put some old piano books - that I've finished with and Avi isn't ready for - away in the attic.

I picked Nechama up and held out my hand to Elana. We went into the kitchen. I got Elana a biscuit and a drink and sat her down at the kitchen table. She ate and drank, but she didn't really stop whining and she kept trying to leave the kitchen and take her biscuit into the - clean! - sitting room. I think she was tired. Nechama wouldn't stop fussing. I tried holding her and rocking her and I tried putting her in her high-chair. Nothing worked - she just kept on crying. I sat down beside Elana - to stop her taking her biscuit into the sitting room - and cuddle Nechama. She was just beginning to calm down and stop crying, when there was a bump from upstairs.

I look up at the ceiling. Elana asked, "Was that Mummy?"

I smoothed Nechama's hair and said, "I hope not!"

There was another bump, louder this time. Then there was a muffled scream and a crash-bang. Elana shrieked and ran to bury her head in my lap. Nechama stopped crying and stared at me. Then she started shrieking too. Danny and Nate raced into the kitchen, their faces white and their eyes scared. Nate asked, "Was that Mummy screaming?"

Scared, I dumped Nechama in her high chair and ran upstairs. The little children raced upstairs after me and Nechama shrieked in the kitchen. Mum was on the landing. She was slumped in a heap on the floor, leaning against the wall, with her eyes closed. Underneath her, her left foot was at a funny angle. Beside her, the ladder lay on the floor. Above her, the attic trap-door was open. I was so scared - I could hardly breathe or move and I didn't know what to do. Then Mum's eyes half-opened. We all hurried to her and I knelt down beside Mum and took her hand. I asked, "Are you alright?"

Mum just looked at me, as if she was wondering who I was - and then she closed her eyes. The little children burst into tears and Danny asked, "Is Mummy alright? Is she going to be alright? What's wrong with her?"

I was scared that Mum had just died - but I didn't cry, because I knew that I was the eldest and had to be responsible for the little children and Nechama. I put my ear on Mum's chest and heard her heart beating. That made me feel better - at least Mum was alive. I wondered what I should do. Downstairs, the 'phone started ringing. It rang and rang, while Nechama banged on the tray of her highchair and screamed. The 'phone ringing gave me an idea. I ran down stairs all the little children crowding behind me and hanging onto my skirt. The 'phone had stopped ringing, but Nechama was red in the face from shrieking. I picked her up and cuddled her - she was so tired that she stopped screaming, put her head on my shoulder and fell asleep. Just like that!

I picked up the 'phone and rang 999. A girl answered the 'phone and asked why I wanted an ambulance. I explained that Mum had fallen off the ladder and had hurt her ankle and wouldn't wake up. The girl asked for my address and told me that the ambulance would be with us soon. I said, "Thank you!" I could feel tears in my eyes.

The girl on the other end of the 'phone said, "You sound very young. How old are you?"

I said, "15."

The girl asked, "Is your dad at home?"

I said, "N-no ... he's at work."

The girl said, "No? Will you be alright, when the ambulance has taken your mum to hospital?"

I said, "Oh yes! I've got to look after the little ones and my older brother will be home soon."

The girl said, "Okay, love, if you're sure ... but make sure you ring your dad at work and let him know what's happened. Okay?"

The little ones went upstairs to Mum while I ran Dad at work. Dad was shocked and upset and said, "I'll come right home. Are you alright, Malkah?" The tears had gone - I had to look after the little ones.

I said, "Yes, thanks, Dad."

I went upstairs to Mum and the little ones. Mum was awake - her eyes properly open. She knew who I was, which was such a relief! She was very white and her lips were trembly. She told me she was cold, so I covered her with a blanket. I put Nechama in the middle of Dad and Mum's bed, where she'd be safe and wouldn't fall off. Then the front doorbell rang and I went downstairs to answer it. The ambulance men were very kind and knew exactly what to do - they put Mum in a wheel-chair and took her out to the ambulance.

Before they took her outside, Mum squeezed my hand and said, "I love you, kids. I'll be back soon, don't worry!"

Danny looked at the ambulance men and asked, "Will you flash the lights on and off and make the siren go?"

The ambulance men smiled and one of them asked, "Do you think we should?"

Danny nodded. The ambulance man said, "Well, I think getting your mum to hospital is pretty important, so we'll use the lights and the siren. You stand here on the doorstep and see your Mum off, okay?" The little children scampered out onto the doorstep. The ambulance man smiled at me and said, "Are you going to be alright with all these kids, young lady?"

I nodded and smiled. I said, "Oh yes, Dad's on his way home and my older brother will be home soon, too."

The ambulance man gave me the thumbs-up. Then he and the other ambulance man wheeled Mum outside. They lifted her into the ambulance and closed the doors. Elana burst into tears and I picked her up. I could feel tears in my eyes again. I said, "Let's wave good-bye to Mum!"

We all waved, while the ambulance drove away, the lights flashing on and off and the siren going. Then we went inside and I closed and locked the front door. Danny said, "I'm hungry!"

Nate said, "Me too!"

Elana wouldn't stop crying. The little boys went back into the dining room and carried on playing with their Lego. I started making pasta and tomato sauce for lunch. Carrying Elana, it took a while and I was always in the wrong place at the wrong time - so that the water boiled over and the tomato sauce bubbled everywhere. Dad arrived and rang the front doorbell. When I answered the door, I told him what had happened. He hugged me and Elana. She stopped crying. Then he said, "I'll go the hospital. I'll ring you as soon as I know what's wrong with Mum and when she'll be coming home. Where are Ben and Avi - and Gideon?"

"The boys are shopping," I said. "They should be home soon."

Dad nodded, "Good! Take care, Malkah!"

He left. I was going to shut and lock the front door, but I could smell something burning. It was the pasta - it was stuck to the bottom of the saucepan in a black and sticky mess. I scraped off the black bits and put it on plates. Elana had stopped crying, but she wanted to be carried. I started heating tomato pasta sauce. The 'phone rang again, but I had Elana in one arm and the pan of tomato sauce in the other hand. I dumped the pan on the stove and ran for the 'phone, but it had stopped ringing before I got to it. The tomato sauce bubbled all over the top of the stove. I poured it over the pasta and called the little boys into the kitchen.

Danny asked, "What are we having for lunch?"

I said, "Pasta and tomato sauce. You like it!"

Danny nodded, "I do!"

I sat down and watched Danny wash his hands and sit down at the table. Nate trailed into the kitchen and climbed up beside him. I said, "Nate, you need to wash your hands."

He said, "No I don't. They're clean. Look!"

He held his hands out to me. Actually, they did look clean, but Mum doesn't let anyone eat until they've washed their hands. I said, "You still need to wash them - you know Mum's rule."

Nate said, "I don't!" He folded his arms across his chest, hiding his hands.

I said, "Nate, you must! Come on, I'll help you!"

Nate said, "I won't!"

I stood up. Nate grabbed his plate of pasta and tomato sauce. I remembered that he once threw his lunch at Mum, when she tried to make him wash his hands. I knew he'd miss me, but I didn't want to have to clean tomato sauce off the walls! Unfortunately, Nate was too quick for me. He didn't throw it at me, but he did fling it off the table. It landed on the floor, making an awful mess - the paster floating in the tomato sauce. I gasped, "Oh no!"

Nate looked horrified. Anxiously he said, "Oh Malkah, I'm sorry! You alright, Malkah? I'll do it ..." He hopped off his chair, to clean up the mess. Only, he landed in the tomato sauce. I wanted to cry, but I took a deep breath.

I took Nate's socks off. Then I helped him wash his hands. He sat in my seat and we recited a blessing for the food. Then I gave him my lunch. I was about the clean up the mess on the floor, but Nechama started crying upstairs. I ran upstairs and got her, cuddling her. She stopped crying, but she wanted to be carried. When I tried to put her in her highchair, she started shrieking. Holding her, I went to fetch a dustpan and brush and floor-cloths. On the way, I stepped on a piece of Lego. It was a little man, dressed in armour and carrying a sword. It hurt. I rubbed my foot. Then I noticed that the little children weren't eating. They were pushing the food round their plates and bickering.

I asked, "What's wrong? Stop messing around and eat your lunch!"

Danny said, "I don't want to! It tastes nasty!"

Nate whined, "It's got black bits in it!"

Danny added, "I want potatoes!"

Elana just dropped a loaded fork on the floor and shrieked. I looked at them all and shouted over the noise, "This isn't funny - this is lunch! If you don't eat it, there's nothing else to eat. I can't cook something else!"

They all looked at me. Then Danny started crying. Then Nate started crying. And Elana kept on shrieking. I was trying not to cry. Then I heard the front door open. I had forgotten to lock it and I was sure it was a burgler. I screamed and stepped on the Lego man again. Finally, I cried. And then - into the middle of the biggest mess in the world - Ben and Gideon and Avi walked into the kitchen! I felt so silly!

We told the boys all about it. Ben said, "Sorry I wasn't here to look after you all."

Hurt, I said, "I managed!"

Quickly Ben said, "Yes, of course you did!" Then he caught sight of the pasta and tomato sauce on the floor and asked, "What's that?" We told him all about that too. Then Ben poked at Danny's lunch and said, "Um ... Malkah, that doesn't look very good!"

Crossly I said, "I know! But I can't cook something else!"

Gideon said, "Maybe we could make sandwiches." I don't think he wanted to eat the pasta and tomato sauce either. He said, "We'll make them. C'mon little guys, what do you want in your sandwiches?"

One by one, Danny, Nate, and Elana told him what they'd like in their sandwiches. Then he made the sandwiches. Ben and Avi put the Kosher l'Pesach matzah and matzah meal away in the Pesach cupboards. While the little children ate, Gideon made sandwiches for the rest of us. I just cuddled Elana and Nechama. Then, when we'd all eaten, Ben and Avi hid the burnt lunch in the bin. Gideon washed the burnt pans. I cleaned the mess off the floor and wiped the table. Finally, Ben took all the little children upstairs to have a nap. I cuddled Nechama and said, "Thank you, Gideon."

Gideon grinned and dried up the last pan. Politely he said, "You are welcome. Sometimes at home - in Israel - I help my mother or my sisters in the kitchen. You remind me of my sisters - Gila and Ora."

Interested I said, "My cousins! How old are they?"

Gideon looked at me thoughtfully and said, "You are fifteen? Yes ... Gila is a year older than you and Ora is a year younger than you. I am sure you would like them!"

"Yes!" I said. "I wish I could meet them. I suppose I have met them before, when we lived in Israel, but I don't remember."

Gideon smiled, "No, you were a baby when you left, Malkah." He gestured to Nechama and added, "You were not much older than your baby sister is now. Gila was almost two and Ora was just a few months old. Maybe one day you will come back to Israel and see us all."

I nodded and said, "Yes ... I hope so!"

And I really do hope so!

When Ben came downstairs, he and Gideon put all the furtniture in the sitting room back in the right places. I was so happy - thinking how happy Mum would be when she saw the sitting room, all clean and ready for Pesach! While I was admiring the sitting room, the 'phone rang again. I ran to answer it, but Ben got to the 'phone first.

He looked at the caller ID and said, "It's not Dad. In fact, the number isn't recognised." He shrugged his shoulders and added, "Don't bother to answer it, Malkah. It'll be someone trying to sell you double-glazing or a conservatory or something." He was right, so I didn't answer the 'phone. Dad rang and few minutes later and I answered it.

When I got off the 'phone Ben asked, "What's happened? How's Mum?"

I said, "Mum's had an x-ray - she's broken her ankle and the doctors and nurses are putting in a plaster-cast." I sighed.

Ben said, "Oh, that's not too bad!" He looked relieved.

Gideon said, "I broke my ankle when I was 13, the week before my bar mitzvah. It may hurt, but not for long. And it's all better now!" I sighed again. Gideon looked at me. Then he said, "I am sure your mother will be feeling better by Pesach, Malkah."

I nodded and sighed again. Then I said, "Maybe, but she won't be better in time to finish the Pesach cleaning."

Ben said, "Oh."

Crossly I said, "Yes - 'Oh!'"

Ben asked, "Well, can't you finish it? You help Mum every year?"

I said, "I can clean on my own, but I can't move all the furniture on my own!"

There was a pause. Then Gideon said, "Ben, maybe we should help Malkah to finish the Pesach cleaning. She can clean and we can move all the furniture."

Doubtfully Ben asked, "Where else do you have to clean?"

Hopefully I said, "Just the dining room and the kitchen. I don't count the hall and the cloakroom, because they're easy to clean. Oh ... please help!"

Ben and Gideon looked at each other. Ben said, "Oh, alright!"

Gideon said, "Good!"

Avi amused Nechama and Ben and Gideon helped me clean th dining room. I found a piece of cake under the toy-chest. I put it in a black rubbish sack carefully and said, "I wonder who hid this piece of cake - Elana again?"

Ben said, "Elana's too young to hide food on purpose. Besides, she's a girl. You never hid food on purpose!"

I flicked the last crumbs into the sack and said, "I did once - peas, which I didn't want to eat. I hid them in your shoes. Remember?"

Ben laughed and said, "Oh yes! I'd forgotten that ... but you didn't do it all the time. I suppose you didn't hide the food this time?!? Oh well ... I expect Danny or Nate are responsible for hiding it."

I scrubbed at the carpet and asked, "Why?!?"

Ben dabbed at the dust on the top of the bookcase, wearing one of Mum's aprons and waving a feather duster. He looked so funny! He shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know!"

We finished cleaning the dining room before the little children woke up from their nap. I put Mum's Pesach table-cloth on the table, just like Mum does every year when the dining room is clean and ready for Pesach. After that, Dad came home. He came home without Mum. The 'phone rang again, while he was drinking a cup of tea and telling us about Mum. The number was unrecognised again and Ben explained why we didn't answer it. Dad nodded and said, "That's a good idea. We don't need double-glazing or a conservatory! I thought it was Mum, at first, 'phoning from the hospital."

Ben asked, "How is Mum?"

Dad said, "The doctors have x-rayed her ankle and put it in a plaster cast. She knocked herself out and is suffering from slight concussion. Also, she's suffering from shock. The doctors are keeping her in hospital overnight. That way, the nurses can keep an eye on her and make sure she's okay. I'm going to take a night-dress and books into Mum now, then come home again. I'll go and collect her tomorrow." He put down his tea cup and said, "Everything's going to be alright. We'll pray for Mum and she'll be alright too." Then he smiled, "And we'll have the best Pesach ever, even if Mum's ankle is in plaster!"

Dad's home again, but the house feels empty and strange without Mum. I miss her!

Tuesday 11^th April

I'm so happy! Dad brought Mum home from the hospital this morning. He left for the hospital really early, while I was bathing and dressing the little children. I was giving them breakfast when Dad brought Mum home. She's very tired, but she's alright, I mean, she's ... Mum! It's so good to have her home! She's got crutches to help her walk and she needs a lot of help. Dad helped her upstairs this morning and she rested on their bed, with Nechama. She's missed Mum most of all, so she's happier now Mum is home. She'll be really happy when her new tooth comes through!

This afternoon, Ben and Gideon went out. Mum helped me Pesach clean the kitchen. She sat at the table and gave me directions and advice. The little children sat with her, colouring and playing with their Lego. Avi helped me to clean. We cleaned all the cupboards and drawers and worktops. Then I cleaned the stove. Tomorrow we'll get the Pesach dishes and knives and forks and pots and pans out. Then we'll be all ready for Pesach!

At supper time, the 'phone rang. I was walking past it, fetching the salt and pepper for Dad. I picked it up without looking at the ID. Then I saw that it was an unrecognised number, so I expected it to be Sunny-Days Conservatories! I said, "Hello?

A voice at the other end said, "Hi!"

I quickly said, "Um ... we don't want a conservatory, thank you! Goodbye!"

The voice at the other end said, "Hey! Wait a moment - that's Malkah, isn't it?"

I recognised the voice - and the voice obviously recognised me! I said, "Y-es. Who's calling, please?"

The voice laughed. It sounded familiar. It said, "Uncle David, from America!"

I shrieked and almost dropped the 'phone. I said, "Uncle David! How are you? How's Aunt Lindsey? And Rina? And the others?"

Uncle David laughed. He said, "Fine - we're all fine! But how are you folks? We've been trying to get hold of you all day yesterday and today. Is everything alright?"

I gasped, "Oh!"

Dad looked at me and asked, "Who is it?"

I covered the mouthpiece and said, "It's Uncle David. He's been trying to get hold of us all day yesterday and today!"

Dad had a funny look on his face. He stood up and said, "I'll talk to him. Thanks, Malkah!"

Dad explained why we hadn't answered the 'phone and told Uncle David all about Mum's broken ankle. Then he said, "Oh ... well, that would be lovely! I'll just ask Miryam if that will be convenient ... oh ... I see. No, no, I quite understand. No, it will be lovely. We'll manage! Don't be silly! Look, hang on a moment ..."

Dad covered the mouthpiece. We all stopped talking and looked at him. Dad looked at Mum and said, "Um, Miryam, how would you feel if David and Lindsey and the children came here for Pesach?"

We all blinked, totally surprised. Mum's mouth dropped open and she stared at Dad for a long moment. Then, slowly, she said, "Are you serious?"

Dad nodded, "Yes! They're planning to leave America tonight, fly overnight, and arrive in England tomorrow morning." Gently he added, "I should add that David has already booked the 'plane tickets and Lindsey is currently packing their suitcases. When they couldn't get hold of us, they just went ahead. David apologises, but he couldn't know things were chaotic here and ... they were planning to be here for the Seders and the week of matzah."

Eagerly Avi asked, "Uncle David and Aunt Lindsey are going to be here for Pesach?!? Yahoo!!"

The little children only half-understood, but they cheered too. Nechama banged her spoon approvingly on the tray of her highchair. Ben and I remembered when we were little - after we all left Israel, when Dad and Uncle David would book 'plane tickets and fly their families to America or England at a day's notice. We grinned at each other. Gideon looked a little confused. I explained, "You know, Dad and Uncle David both served in the Israeli army, so they're used to doing things in a hurry. When Ben and I were little, Dad used to book tickets one day and fly us to America next day. Didn't he, Ben?"

Ben nodded, "Yes! It was seriously cool in those days!"

Gideon said, "But your mother and your aunt - they don't mind?"

I grinned and shook my head. I said, "No! I think they're used to it!"

Gideon nodded and asked, "But they didn't serve in the army?"

I shook my head again. I said, "No." Then I added, "Remember, Mum is English and Aunt Lindsey is American (which is why we live here and they live there) and we don't gave National Service in England or America. You'll like meeting Uncle David and Aunt Lindsey again, won't you?!?"

Gideon laughed and said, "Yes, I'm sure I will ... but I haven't seen them as recently as you've seen them, remember? It's a pity that my mother and father and sisters aren't here as well!"

Dad and Mum were talking quietly. Dad said, "Ask her what she thinks!"

Mum said, "Alright." She looked at me and said, "Malkah, if David and Lindsey come, you'll have to work very hard, because of my broken ankle. I don't want to make you work that hard. What do you think - do you want David and Lindsey to come?"

I said, "Yes! It will be lovely ... smashing ... wonderful!" I hadn't thought of all the hard work and I must admit that the thought of all the cooking was rather daunting. I wrinkled my nose and thought hard. Finally I said, "Well, I will have to work hard, but I'll have to work hard whether Uncle David and Aunt Lindsey are here or not! And it will be wonderful if they come for Pesach!"

Mum smiled and nodded, "That settles it, Caleb - please, tell them to come and welcome!"

Dad smiled and started talking to Uncle David again. It was easy to see that he was pleased! Then he took the 'phone out of the kitchen and talked quietly to Uncle David. I think Mum looked pleased too, but she also looked worried. I was too pleased to be worried! I'm so excited. Pesach is going to be perfect! (And so much fun!)

Wednesday 12^th April

I woke up really early morning - Dad woke me up when his alarm-clock rang, at six o'clock. There was so much to do! Dad woke Ben and Gideon up. They helped me to take all their stuff out of Ben's room and put clean sheets on the bed. That's where Uncle David and Aunt Lindsey will sleep. Later, they helped me move Elana's and my stuff out of our room. Then we put clean sheets on both the bunk-beds. That's where the twins - Rebecka and Rachel - will sleep. Actually, Raphael will sleep in there too, on a little bed on the floor. Then Ben and Gideon left to collect Uncle David and Aunt Lindsey and my cousins from the airport. Uncle David rang while we were eating breakfast and told us that they had arrived safely. Then Ben rang while we were clearing and table and told us that they were all on the way home.

Uncle David and Aunt Lindsey and my cousins arrived before lunch. Ben honked the car horn as he drove up the road. Rina and Rebecka and Rachel and Raphael all lent out of the car windows - waving and shouting. We all went out onto the doorstep to welcome them. Uncle David and Aunt Lindsey hugged us all. My cousins looked at us and we looked at them. Rina, my special friend, has grown up so much since last summer. She's taller than me and so pretty! I feel very young and a little bit silly! Rebecka and Rachel are exactly as I remember them and so is Raphael. He's three years old and so sweet - he's a little Ethiopian Jewish boy, whom Uncle David and Aunt Lindsey adopted a few years ago. He's got smooth black skin and curly black hair and beautiful black eyes. He's got an American accent already, which is so sweet!

We were all busy all day - Uncle David carried the boxes of Pesach china and cookware into the house and then carried the boxes of all-year china and cookware out to the garage. Aunt Lindsey and Rina helped us to unpack and re-pack and wash and put away. Then Uncle David took all the little children - including the twins and Raphael - out to buy paper ware to eat our bread off tonight, so that we don't get yeast on our Pesach wear. He brought more matzah and matzah meal too - boxes and boxes!

When Mum saw all the matzah she said, "David! How many boxes have you got?!?"

Uncle David said, "Ooh ... about two dozen - twenty-four, I think. They were on special offer at the grocery store, so I couldn't resist buying them. You weren't planning on having us here for Pesach, so I guess you needed some more matzah. Where shall I put the boxes?"

Mum gasped, "David, that's so sweet of you ... but we've already got twenty boxes of matzah in the garage. We'll never get through forty-four boxes of matzah over Pesach and the week of matzah!"

Uncle David looked concerned and asked, "You think not? My kids eat boxes of the stuff you know and there are fifteen of us ..." His face cleared and he smiled happily. "I think we'll get through it all and if we don't, you can use it all year round. Matzah is always useful! Come on, kids - lets get the matzah into the garage!"

Mum looked at me and said, "Maybe we'd better find some matzah-recipes ... didn't we find one for matzah baklava last year? We can use that ..."

Aunt Lindsey was sitting beside Mum, sipping coffee. Reassuring she said, "Don't worry, Miryam! David's right - the kids eat boxes of matzah. I expect we'll finish most of them. If we don't, maybe I can take some home. Since we aren't at home this Pesach, I haven't had a chance to stock-up on matzah."

Rina said, "I think we should watch carefully and see how many boxes of matzah we eat. Maybe we could even work out who eats the most matzah!"

I laughed and said, "That will be easy - it's Avi!"

Avi looked up and said, "Yes - it's me. Rina, I eat more matzah than anyone else in the world!"

Rina smiled and asked, "Do you? We'll have to see ..."

This evening, we found out who's been hoarding and hiding food. We were all eating supper together, squashed round the kitchen table. I held Nechama on my knee and Gideon held Raphael on his knee. Dad held Elana and Uncle David held Nate. Tomorrow, for the first Seder, we'll eat in the dining room. The dining room table is bigger and we won't be so squashed!

We ate pizza. Nate helped himself to an extra piece and then slipped off Uncle David's knee. Uncle David asked, "Where are you going, Nate?"

Nate grinned at him, waved the piece of pizza, and said, "Hiding! I'm a squirrel!"

Mum and I looked at each other. Dad said, "You're pretending to be a squirrel? That's fun, but leave the pizza on the table, okay? Mummy and Malkah have been cleaning all week and we don't want crumbs on the floor - otherwise they'll have to clean again. Give the pizza back to Uncle David."

Uncle David held out his hands, but Nate hugged the pizza and said, "No - I'm hiding it!"

Mum and I looked at each other again. Mum whispered something in Dad's ear. He put Elana on the floor and stood up. As Nate trotted out of the kitchen with the pizza, Dad followed him. A few minutes later, they both came back. Nate told Dad and Mum he was sorry for being naughty. (He means he was sorry for disobeying them.) Then he went to wash his hands and play Lego with Danny and Elana and Raphael. Dad explained, "He wanted to hide the pizza under the piano in the lounge. He says he's a squirrel and - of course - squirrels hoard food and hide it in safe places to eat later. Miryam, do you know why he thinks he's a squirrel?"

Mum said, "Well ... my parents gave him a copy of 'Squirrel Nutkin' for his birthday last month. I knew he was pretending to be a squirrel, but I didn't know he was hoarding food!"

Dad looked at me and his eyes twinkled. He said, "Well, now you know who hid all that food in your room, Malkah. It wasn't Elana - it was Nate. I'm glad it wasn't you, thinking you might be hungry in the middle of the night ..." (Dad is funny!)

We played UNO until ten o'clock. Nechama and Elana and Raphael all went to sleep, but the rest of us had so much fun! We never play games that late at night usually, so it was fun! Then Dad and Uncle David sat in the kitchen and talked quietly. Mum and Aunt Lindsey and all the younger children went upstairs. Ben and Gideon and Avi made beds on the dining room floor. They took blankets from the airing cupboard and layered them up on the floor, so they'd be comfortable. Then they dropped their pillows on the 'beds' and lay down to sleep with a blanket each. Rina and I made beds on the lounge floor. Actually, we made them like the boys, but we used more blankets and we used pretty ones on top. Dad and Mum put a fluffy sheepskin on the floor of their room for Elana to sleep on. She loved it!

When we were ready for bed, Rina and I turned the lounge lights off and got into our beds. She snuggled down and tried to get comfortable. It was hard, because the beds were not really very soft. Ben walked passed the door and called, "Alright girls?"

Rina and I giggled and said, "Yes!"

Ben said, "Good! Don't forget, if you get scared of the dark or think you see a poisonous spider, scream good and loud. Then I'll come and rescue you. I 'spect Gideon and Avi will come too, if you scream loudly enough!"

Rina and I looked at each other in the dark. Then Rina said, "Ben, that's not funny!"

Ben laughed and said, "Yes it is!"

"It's not!" I insisted. "It's ..."

Ben said, "Remember when Uncle David and Aunt Lindsey took us camping in the Appellation Mountains? First you screamed, Rina, because you woke up in the middle of the night and it was dark? Then you screamed, Malkah, because you thought there was a poisonous spider in your tent?"

Rina said, "Ben, Dad promised to leave a lantern lit all night, so it wouldn't be dark. When I woke up, it was totally dark and ... wow! It was seriously scary. I thought everyone else had been eaten by bears or something!"

"Yes!" I said. "And remember how Uncle David showed us all pictures of poisonous spiders and told us why they were poisonous, so we wouldn't touch one if we found it in our tent? I thought I'd seen one ... Uncle David told me I was right to scream, because it might have been one!"

"Hmm ..." Ben said, unconvinced. "All I remember is that when you screamed, we all thought you were being eaten by bears!"

"But ..." I argued.

Rina interrupted, "Hey, stop it you guys! Ben, if we scream, you'll come and rescue us. Is that a promise?"

Ben laughed and said, "Maybe!"

After a while, Rina said, "Malkah, guess what?"

"What?" I asked.

"You're supposed to guess!" Rina said.

"But I can't ... I have no idea what you're going to say!" I objected.

Rina sighed and said, "Okay ... Abba and Imma are thinking about going back to live in Israel."

"Oh." I said. "I would never have guess that!"

"Is that all you can say?" Rina asked.

"Um ... do you want to go and live back in Israel?" I asked.

Rina sighed and said, "I don't know! Maybe! I haven't been to Israel since I was tiny. Remember, when we all went together?"

"Yes!" I said. "I remember! If you go and live back in Israel, you'll have to serve in the army, like Dad and Uncle David."

"I know," Rina said. Then she added, "I might get married first!"

"You'd be closer to us, I think," I said. Isn't Israel closer than America to England?"

"Maybe," Rina said. "Abba told me I could tell you. Would you like to go and live back in Israel? You and Ben were born there, but I was born in America."

"I don't remember being born there," I objected. "Dad and Mum came to live in England when I was a year old. I don't know ... maybe I'd like to live in Israel again. Maybe when I'm married or something."

Rina yawned and said, "Yes, marry an Israeli and live there with him. Oh well ... are you looking forward to Pesach?"

"Ooh ... yes!" I said. Rina didn't seem so grown up in the dark and I didn't feel so young and silly. I said, "Why don't we pretend that we're Israelite slaves in ancient Egypt and this is the last night before Pesach and freedom?"

Rina giggled and said, "Alright! Are you looking forward to freedom, Malkah?"

"Yes," I said. "A bit scared too, though, because I'm not sure what freedom will be like."

"We'll live in ancient Israel when we're free, remember?" Rina said. "That will be quite cool. I wonder what Pesach will be like - Abba and Uncle Caleb have to kill a lamb and put its blood on the door-posts of out house. Then G-d will pass over us and we'll be safe when all the first-born in Egypt die."

I shivered and said, "Scary! I'm glad I wasn't there."

"It would have been cool to have been there!" Rina said. "Anyway, I guess the lamb is in the house with us right now. I'll be sorry when it's killed. It's so cute!"

Thinking of the chaos the little children created, I didn't think a lamb in the house would be cute. I said, "But it's a nuisance as well. Mum and Aunt Lindsey have been tripping over it all the time!"

Rina yawned and said, "I guess so!" She asked, "What do you think it was like at the other Pesach, the one when Yeshua the Messiah died and rose again?"

"I don't know," I said. "It would have been seriously cool to have been there. Imagine, being at the Seder that Yeshua held for His disciples, in the Upper Room."

"And then hearing that He's died ..." Rina said.

"And then that's He'd risen again!" I finished. "Cool!"

Rina said, "Now we have freedom forever, because we have faith in Yeshua. I wonder, is that kind of freedom scary too?"

"I don't know!" I said. "I don't find it scary, but I might find it scary if it was new. I suppose I'm used to it."

Rina yawned and said, "I guess we both are. But I think we appreciate it! I mean, I'm so glad that I don't have to sacrifice a Pesach lamb for the Seder tomorrow!"Rina yawned and said, "I guess we both are. But I think we appreciate it! I mean, I'm so glad that I don't have to sacrifice a Pesach lamb for the Seder tomorrow!"Rina yawned and said, "I guess we both are. But I think we appreciate it! I mean, I'm so glad that I don't have to sacrifice a Pesach lamb for the Seder tomorrow!"

I giggled, "Me too! If I had to do that, I think I'd be a vegetarian!" Then I added seriously, "But I do appreciate the freedom Yeshua gives us. I wonder if He loved Pesach as much as we do, when He was our age?"

Rina giggled and said, "Maybe!" Then she yawned again. She looked at her glow-in-the-dark watch and said, "Malkah, it's almost eleven o'clock. But it's only six o'clock in America, so I'm hungry. Are you?"

I was, so we went into the kitchen to find some chocolate. Avi joined us. Then Ben and Gideon joined us.

Dad and Uncle David were still talking quietly. They stopped talking as we all appeared in the kitchen doorway. Uncle David asked, "What do you all want ... is something wrong?"

Rina and I looked at each other. I said, "Chocolate."

Dad asked, "Chocolate? At half-past eleven at night? I don't think so! Back to bed, kids!"

We went back to bed and Rina fell asleep straight away. I'm not sleepy, so I'm writing my diary by the light of my glow-in-the-dark watch. Tomorrow is Pesach. I can't wait!

Thursday 12^th April

Pesach! We've been working all day, but at last everything is ready and Pesach is here. I'm so happy! Hag Pesach Sameach!

This morning we cooked all the yummy Pesach food. Aunt Lindsey brought her Special Pesach Chocolate Cake recipe from America and made it for us. I can't wait to taste it - it has twelve eggs and lots of chocolate and coffee and orange in it. Mum sat on a chair in the kitchen and beat the eggs and peeled the potatoes and onions and things. She beat the twelve eggs for Aunt Lindsey's cake, until her arm ached. Then Ben and Gideon came in and took it in turns to beat the eggs. The cake looks wonderful and smells better, so I can't wait to eat it! While Aunt Lindsey and Mum and Rina and I were cooking, Avi and Rebecka and Rachel watched the little children. Then they helped the lay the table, while I held Nechama. She was very fussy and wouldn't stop crying - I hope her new tooth comes through soon! I cuddled her and drew a notice at the same time. Every year, we make a notice and pin it on the front door. It's not a tradition anywhere apart from in our family - because Dad and Uncle David did it when they were children and it's fun. The notice says, "Welcome Elijah!" I let Elana and Raphael help me, by colouring it in. Then I took Nechama to Mum, hoping that she would help Nechama not to fuss.

All afternoon we were busy getting ready for Pesach - we cleaned the kitchen up after the cooking and then we laid the dining room table. Rina helped me to put the table cloth on, crisp and white. Then we placed the Seder plate on it. Then Mum's candlesticks. Then we put plates and knives and forks and glasses on it. The little children helped, carrying the table-wear from the the kitchen to the table one piece at a time. Then all the little children had baths. When they were washed and dressed, all the rest of us had showers. I got dressed in Dad and Mum's bedroom, pulling on my new Pesach outfit - new skirt, new blouse, new tights and shoes, new hair-scrunchy. Nechama - quiet at last - was asleep on the bed. I blew her a kiss and then, feeling all clean and new, I went downstairs. Everyone else was still getting dressed. I walked round the kitchen and the dining room and the lounge, making sure everything was perfect. Then I heard Granddad and Grandma arrive, so I ran to open the door and let them in. They came in and all the little children appeared. Granddad said, "I like the notice on the door - welcoming Elijah. Who did it?"

"I did!" I said.

"So did I!" Elana objected.

"Me too!" Raphael insisted.

Granddad opened the door to have another look. "Very nice!" he said. Well done everyone - Malkah, Elana, Raphael. Who's going to open the door for Elijah?"

Grandma gave me a hug and said, "Hello, Malkah sweetie! You must have been working hard. Are you looking forward to the Seder?"

"Oh yes!" I said. "I can't wait." Granddad gave me a hug and I said, "I hope I'll get to open the door to Elijah!"

Dad and Mum came downstairs, Dad helping Mum and carrying Nechama. He handed me Nechama and Mum whispered, "She's cut her tooth - it's come through!"

Nechama was smiling and reaching for Granddad and Grandma. There, in her lower gum, was a little, pearly-white, new tooth. I squeezed her and she shrieked with protest. Then she smiled and grabbed my necklace, sucking the heart pendent on the end. Rina rescued me and we all went into the dining room. As I sat down between Rina and Gideon, with Nechama on my lap, I looked round and felt ... happy! We were all together and it was Nechama's first Seder. I didn't think things could get much better!

Mum lit the candles and Granddad, Dad and Uncle David took it in turns to lead the Seder. Nate asked the Four Questions and Raphael found the hidden Afikomen. The food was all yummy and Aunt Lindsey's Special Pesach Chocolate Cake was the yummiest thing ever. I ate three pieces!

Before we opened the door to Elijah, Dad paused. He looked at Uncle David and nodded. Uncle David said, "Well, you all know by now that Lindsey and I are thinking about moving back to Israel with the kids. Caleb and I have been talking a lot and he has something he wants to say."

We all looked at Dad. I felt funny inside and knew - somehow - what Dad was going to say. I was right. Dad took Mum's hand and said, "Miryam and I have been talking and we'd like to say that we are also thinking of moving back to Israel - with our kids. We haven't made a decision - we're just talking and thinking about it. Most of all, we're praying about it. We'd like to take this opportunity to ask you all to pray with us - that we would know whether G-d wants us to move back to Israel. Whatever He wants, we want too - whether that's England or Israel."

I looked at Rina. She gave me a funny smile and whispered, "You didn't know your parents were thinking about moving back to Israel, did you?" I shook my head and she said, "Maybe - if we all move back to Israel - we'll live close together in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv."

I suddenly realised that Dad was looking at me. Quietly he said, "Malkah, I know you want to open the door to Elijah. Your my eldest daughter and you've had a lot of responsibility over this past week. Thank you for all you've done - you've been a star." He smiled round at all the others and said, "You've all been stars!" Then he looked back at me and said, "Malkah, the honour of opening the door to Elijah is yours!"

Everyone raised their glasses as I went to the front door and opened it. The breeze - cool after the warmth of the dining room - curled around me as I stood in the doorway. There was no one there. I hadn't expected to find anyone there, so that was good! I stood in the doorway for a long moment - thinking of my ancestor's freedom from slavery in ancient Egypt, of the freedom of all people who have faith in Yeshua the Messiah, of the freedom to open the door to Elijah and anticipate the return of Messiah without fear. Then I thought of the freedom to go back - home - to Israel. I shut the front door went back inside. I raised my glass with the rest of my family and said, "Next year in Jerusalem!"

Maybe - just maybe - it really will be 'next year in Jerusalem'. Maybe Yeshua will have returned or maybe we will be living - close to Uncle David and Aunt Lindsey and to Aunt Rachel and her husband and to all my cousins - in Israel. It's been a perfect Pesach!

The End

Copyright J.E. Allen - MET