Wagshul Wonders 2025

Wagshul

W onders

EVERY VOICE MATTERS 2025

Wagshul

W onders

A Letter From

KAREN WAGSHUL While pondering the theme for this year's annual publication, the election of a new president was in the foreground. It was a passionate election, with US citizens being more than vocal as to the candidates and the issues. While I am not getting into politics here, I did have firm beliefs that as a citizen, when we feel strongly about something, it is our duty to voice our opinion by voting. I've always believed in and stood by the mantra that "our voice has choice," and "our voice matters," and while you may not always get the choice you want, you at least can try. Unanimously, the committee said yes to this year’s theme. And so, it is with pleasure, I share some words about our collective voices, my voice, and how "EVERY VOICE MATTERS." Relocating from New York to California, I had visions of not fitting the appearance and mold of a sun-drenched, west coast lifestyle. It was okay; I'd be viewed differently. Well, I couldn't have been further from the truth. Who knew, I was going to stand out not because of my appearance, but because of my voice.

A voice is something you are born with, an instrument of communication. I never thought about it. Rather, I just lived with it, UNTIL I moved to California. A day rarely passes, without some comment about my voice, the tone, the sound, the deepness, the distinct way I use my voice, and the pronunciation of words, which sets me apart and identifies me as not from being here. Uncanny and it still amazes me.

This year's theme "Every Voice Matters" is just that. The entire school was asked to participate tying in lessons of narrative, opinion, and factual writing, with this theme in mind. Discussions around our collective voices involved communicating, sharing ideas, expressing emotions, building connections, asking questions, questioning unfair/unjust moments, speaking out to agree or to speak up, persuading, motivating, and inspiring others to heed action if needed. continued...

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Students were asked to ponder how they use their voice to communicate what they think and feel, how they can foster positive change, build strong relationships, be mindful and think of the intention behind their words, and whether they are bringing value to a conversation/discussion/interaction. That is a message I often instill in my young students as well. Own your words. Own your voice. Speak your truth. Use a loud, proud confident tone, ask for help if you need and don't be afraid but be cognizant of your words and what you want to accomplish. And that is why every voice matters.

On my own journey, I have learned that I am comfortable using my voice in social situations, in sticky situations, in confrontational situations, in precarious situations, in narrow escape situations, in situations where I assisted someone who couldn't assist themselves or defended someone who couldn't do that either.

The voice I used each time were defining moments for me and served me well.

Finally, every day I use my voice to teach, to ask questions, to facilitate, to empower others, but I also know when to stop, listen, and learn from others, when they use their voices to share with me. The goal is to create a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves and has the courage to use their voice. The goal is that all voices are heard, all cultures are respected, all perspectives are not only welcomed, but encouraged. In addition to empowering voices, it is also to foster a culture where people listen to each other's words through their voices with care and curiosity. My personal growth has centered around this as well. It is humbling and it reminds me daily how very important our voice is.

A huge shout out and thanks to my colleagues on the selection committee Dana Izenson, Rebekah Neustein, Nicole Haire, and to all the other professionals whose voices were heard when they encouraged and reviewed the student entries. Their collective voices were crucial in order to create this amazing fifth annual Wagshul Wonders literary journal publication.

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And so, it is my honor to present the students in all grade levels who were selected with their writing and art, to be included in the 2024-2025 annual edition of Wagshul Wonders. Their voices shared their truth. discussed when they were annoyed by someone or some action, talked about when they spoke up against something they believed was wrong, expressed pride when they stood up for someone who was unable to stand up for themselves, struggled with balancing when to use a nice voice versus a voice that hurt, secretly used their voice to speak privately in bed, dealt with difficulty using their voice to learn a new language, felt proud when they used their voice to solve a problem, confident when their voice was used to speak up in front of adversity, shared a time when their voice encouraged them to follow a goal or a dream, explained the historical perspective of how some voices were heard, while others shunned, found themselves in situations when they encouraged others to use their voice, shared the decision making to use their voice while fear and anxiety were prevalent, explained the heroism in powerful voices, and finally found the power and strength in a united voice that spoke up and spoke out. Powerful pieces you are about to read indeed.

Finally, I also want to thank the many students who participated this year, but who did not make it into this publication. Do not feel defeat. Your voices were all heard. It was overwhelming and yet so gratifying to look through all of your poems, art work, narratives, and historical fiction pieces centered on the theme, "Every Voice Matters." Next year is another chance with a new theme. I am humbled by your efforts and I thank you. With appreciation and much gratitude, please enjoy the latest edition of Wagshul Wonders.

Parents, please note that some of the stories or topics in this magazine might include difficult themes that could be challenging for younger readers to fully understand. We encourage you to review the material and engage in discussions, if needed.

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MIRI B.

5th Grade

I picked the words because of the theme of this issue of the Wagshul Wonders. I like the words joy and hope because they make me happy. The words connect together like the circles do, and like the people in our school and community do.

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NAIA A.

1st Grade I use my voice to be kind to others. Do you feel okay? Do you need anything? Are you well? Would you like a bandaid? Can you play with me please? Would you like to use the pen? Can I help you with climbing the structure?

Words can be kind or mean.... Words can even be annoying! My words like to be kind to people and also funny too! I love to be kind with most of my words.

But sometimes I can be even a little mean with some of my words. I know my voice is a little mean, but it still counts sometimes. Most times I want to use my kind voice, but my unkind voice comes out mean.

More practice makes perfect. My goal is to be kind with a kind voice using kind words.

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RAHM C. 4th Grade

How a Voice in My Head Encouraged Me I was four years old and a younger student. I watched my mom who loved to draw. It was her hobby. She liked to draw nature and animals.

This became a family activity for my mom, my sister and me. She was good at this and I learned many drawing techniques.

I tried hard to draw like her. But voices in my head said I wasn’t the best. Young people compare themselves to others, and the voices in my head said some negative things, like you’re not good enough and the drawing lines aren’t accurate enough. I was around five to seven to years old during this time.

As I got older, an important voice in my head and an older voice in my head said more positive things and the same words, “you have destiny.” When I heard that, suddenly I began drawing every day. And when that same someone came in my head, and saw what I had done, it said, “I knew it. I knew you could do it. And now...”

Now, I like art so much. I express myself on paper every day this way, like using words in life. That voice in my head keeps saying, “I know you can do it.” You have “destiny.” It continues to encourage and motivate me, because I understand that destiny helps me know I can do it. I even have three sketchbooks. When I persevere more, I am motivated more, and when I practice every day I get better. That voice in my head with those positive words keeps encouraging me.

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YIFTACH E.

1st Grade I use my voice when I speak to G-d. G-d is all around me.

G-d is air and wind. You can feel G-d, but you can’t see G-d.

I talk to many people, but sometimes I like to use my voice and talk to G-d. When I am alone, I use my words and tell G-d a secret. G-d is quiet but a good listener. I talk to G-d in my bed, when I am tired. It calms me down in bed to talk to G-d.

I also talk to G-d on long car rides.

I know G-d hears my voice because it makes me feel good the next day. G-d is all around me and my words count.

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SAMA S.

TK “I am in the picture with my friend. I am wearing the rainbow dress. I am with my friend. The other kids in the picture are trying to trick us. They are pushing us. They look happy but they are mad. They think that what we are saying is kind of mean. They were bothering us and I used my words to say that was not nice and to STOP. They thought that was mean too. The picture story ended up with an adult had to help us, because they didn’t listen to our words. The mean kids finally said their words. Thanks for letting us know that we were being mean. And your word STOP was not mean, but meant to help us be KIND.”

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BECKY L.

TK “I was with my cousin. We were playing. She fell down and was crying. I used my voice. I called to my mom. She needs a bandaid. My mom and I helped her get a band-aid. I washed her boo-boo first. Then I washed her leg. And after the band-aid was on, we played in the garden. I used my words. I used my voice to help my cousin.”

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EDDEN AND ELLY M. 8th and 6th Grades

A Voice To Be Heard They say you must be older The adults will handle this It is a weight you can not shoulder It got too complicated of a premise They do not know me The things I can do Just wait and see I’m gonna do something brand new I have been waiting for this time to come Everybody is invited to hear For them to meet the person I have become Say it loud and clear

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EMILIA S. AND ANNIE T.

3rd Grade This story is realistic fiction. There was a girl and her name was Rose. Rose was about 11 years old. She’s been at her school, Hester Academy, for 6 years. A few months into the school year, there’s a new kid who comes into her class named Pink. She had to introduce herself and also say what her favorite color was. “Hi, I’m Pink” and in a shy voice, said her favorite color was also pink. Everybody laughed at her name Pink and they thought pink was a baby color. Pink sat down, she was quiet, her face was red, and she was shy and embarrassed.

Rose stood up for Pink and used her words, “You should’t laugh at her because what if you were up there, and your name was Pink, and you were quiet and shy, and everyone laughed at you?” Then she added, “And by the way, I think pink is a nice color for all ages and everyone. And you should speak to people the way you want to others to use their words at you.” Pink felt better and everyone stopped laughing.

Then one day, Rose was not at school because she was sick. Another new girl came to the school in Rose and Pink’s class. She had to introduce herself like Pink did a few months back. “Hi. My name is Skye and my favorite color is sky blue.” Well, everyone laughed at Skye just like they did to Pink. Now Pink stood up for Skye and did the same thing that Rose did for her. She used her voice and her words, and said, “Imagine if you were Skye, and how that laughing would feel to you? Treat others with words that you want to hear. Your voice counts.

Your words count.” Everyone heard Pink’s words and stopped laughing.

And the lesson of this story is that Rose did something for Pink, so then Pink did something for Skye, and hopefully, Skye will do something for another person one day, and then that other person will do good to another person, etc. It’s like a CHAIN OF VOICES with GOOD WORDS for everyone. One little voice can make a big difference if used well. In this story, our words can help others who might be in the same situation.

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THEIA H.

Kindergarten “I was in the play area at lunch. Some kids were being mean to a girl. I wasn’t playing with this girl. They were laughing. I heard it. I heard words like, ‘Baby, Baby and Your clothing is not nice.’ This girl was very sad. She was crying and she tried to walk away. She was looking for a teacher. The mean kids were walking near her. I saw this and I came to help her. Then I used my voice and my words said, ‘Don’t be mean to people. Let’s be kind. I will teach you a lesson, so please stop this bad stuff.’ The mean kids walked away and left the sad girl alone.

We never saw them near us again. Why is it important to use my words? Because then people might actually listen. It worked for me.”

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GABA P.

Kindergarten “I can use my words to be a leader in my class, since I used to be in TK. I can tell my friends what are good things to do or what are not good things to do. I can help a friend if they get hurt because I use my words to get them a band-aid in the office. In karate class, a new student came. I used my voice to introduce him to the other kids in the class.

I use my words to teach my pet dog and cat how to do things, how to follow commandments. I also take care of my pets because I feed them.

They need food, I use my words to say I will feed you.

I use my words to share food we make. Daddy and I make pizza for our family. I ask them what type of pizza would they like? When I catch too many fish after going fishing, I use my words to ask people if they would like to have some, because we have too much.

I use my words to help my friends.

I use my words to help animals.

I use my words to share food. “

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MAYA S. 7th Grade

Death by Choice Hi, I’m Miriam Levi. I live in Poland. Well, technically, I live in Habartice, but since no one knows where that is, I just say Poland to make it easier. Everything is calm and peaceful. At least it was up until Hitler decided “my kind” should be obliterated and gone forever. I think what he did is far beyond the limits of the list of “Acceptable things to do if you don't like someone because of their religion.”

We’re talking mass murder, open fire on innocent Jews, concentration camps, no right to your own name, and very little food. When I say only a little food, I mean it. The only thing we had to eat on a daily basis was a tiny bowl of revolting soup, a small piece of black bread, and a measly piece of sausage.

In my opinion, the worst thing they did to us was murder, but not just gun bullet dead. I’m talking about tricking us into walking inside the room where we were expecting a shower, and turning on the poison gas instead. At least let me die clean if you’re going to kill me. Maybe I’m biased because that's how I passed on Thursday, October 21, 1937.

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I’m sure you're wondering what happened that Thursday night. Come with me, I’ll show you. * * * * The atmosphere grew tense. The sound of heavy boots echoed through the hall, signaling the arrival of five soldiers. Everything about the Nazis was scary, their uniform, their face, and especially their guns. I did not doubt it when I saw five of them together, and making demands.

“Hands on your head!” yelled a soldier.

“Any attempt to trick us or rebel against us will result in immediate death,” the third Nazi sternly stated. “I’m looking at you, little boy. Move faster or die,” he declared.

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Ben Eisenberg was my closest friend. He was 13 and the sweetest yet toughest person I've ever met. But little did I know, today might be the last time I ever see him because he was too fed up with the Nazis to hold back his rage anymore.

“No,” said Ben. “I won’t do it.” Ben's voice echoed through the room, defiant and unwavering. The soldiers' eyes narrowed, and the tension in the air became almost palpable.

"Do as you're told, boy," the first soldier barked, his voice laced with menace.

But Ben stood his ground, his fists clenched at his sides. "I won't," he repeated, louder this time. "You can take my clothes, my freedom, my name, even my life, but you can't take my voice. I won't be silenced."

The room fell silent, the other prisoners watching in a mix of fear and awe. The soldiers exchanged glances, unsure of how to handle this unexpected rebellion.

"Enough!" the second soldier shouted, raising his gun. "You think your voice matters? You think anyone will hear you?"

Ben's eyes met mine, and in that moment, I saw a spark of hope. "They will," he said softly. "Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday, someone will hear us. Our voices will be heard."

The soldier's finger tightened on the trigger, but before he could fire, a commotion erupted at the far end of the room. More soldiers burst in, dragging a group of new prisoners with them. In the chaos, Ben and I were separated, and I was pushed towards the showers.

As I stood there, waiting for the inevitable, I held onto Ben's words. Even in the face of death, he had refused to be silenced. His voice, our voices, would live on.

And in that moment, I knew that no matter what happened, we would be heard.

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TEDDY K.

2nd Grade

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ELIJAH S. & OMER T. 5th Grade

Words can improve lives, They can change for the better or the worse.

They can change the verse.

Your words can change lives.

They spread like talk in a beehive.

Your words have power, they can be good or bad.

They can make people sad or mad.

They can bring joy, they can bring glee and they can make people happy.

They can cause peace, they can cause war.

Words are you strong armor-clad.

They can also be very bad.

My words are important and so are yours.

No matter the race, no voice should not be embraced.

Words are the pebble that you toss in a lake that ripple effect shouldn’t break It can teach.

It can inspire.

It can fulfill your every desire.

It can lift you higher.

It can be the missing fire.

Really what I’m trying to say, Is that words affect everybody in every way.

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YAEL S.

4th Grade

Imagine you are lining up to go to P.E. and you hear two people. They are talking about how bad you are at soccer. What would you do?

Would you sit there and cry? Would you tell the teacher? Or would you stand up for yourself, tell them how it’s not nice to say that, and that you think that you are good at soccer. It’s okay to do any of these.

But you shouldn’t have to be afraid of standing up for yourself or in general standing up for your friends, family or even anybody. Getting bullied is a part of life. You should know how to stand up for yourself, and sometimes it’s okay to cry or tell a teacher.

Maybe sometimes you can also be a bit mean. Think about how you felt when you were getting bullied. Did it feel good or did you feel really sad? It’s like voting. You might not have gotten what you wanted but you still got a say in what happened. Getting bullied, bullying someone, and voting. These are some of the many things that you might experience in life.

You might get a say and you might not. Even if you don’t get a say in something just know your voice will always matter, and if someone doubts you don’t believe them. Believe in what you believe in.

Someone once told me “one voice can change one big world.” So don’t be afraid to be yourself.

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MAX H.

5th Grade

I can use my voice to express my opinions and ideas by speaking up and talking louder.

I wrote those phrases as a way to stand out in the Wagshul Wonders contest. The theme of the contest and the artwork is that every voice counts. I wanted the idea to have some meaning. I was thinking my words could be encouraging for the self confidence of anyone who is afraid or nervous, I guess kind of like me. It was kind of a message to myself too, in a way. Sometimes when someone is doing something mean to someone else, I can stand up to the rude person but other times I feel too nervous to do that.

I started putting designs around the words to make it look good. I gave it loads of color to make people notice it. I gave each saying a different design so that each would be unique in their own way. Then I created the background. I was cutting out spikes of silver and gold and I used a sparkly black fabric which I cut into swirls to give the artwork a nice touch. The corners of the main design are in black and white to show a contrast. I made the words ‘Wagshul Wonders’ in a blended rainbow.

For me the creative process is enjoyable. I get the design in my mind first, and then I replicate it in real life. Sometimes it’s hard to know when I am done, but for this artwork, I knew I got it right.

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NADAV S.

1st Grade I want to speak clearly so people will know what I say. I have a lot of important words in my head and I want my voice heard. I am smart. I want to share words with people. But sometimes it is hard to say the words, that I want to say with my voice.

Now I am practicing to say the words and I am practicing to move my mouth. I am going to some teacher to help me. I am going to speech.

I am learning new English words. I am listening for all of the sounds that the teacher tells me to do, When I listen, I am learning.

I want to speak clearly to people with my voice. I want people to understand my words. My voice and the words in my voice are important to me.

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VIRSAVIIA P. 7th Grade

Unity in Diversity In the garden of life, where colors grow Each flower special, this we know.

A cloth is made with threads so bright, Different shades sharing one light.

From every place, from far and near, Stories told, we love to hear.

Cultures meeting, hands as one, A picture of hope, under one sun.

Different voices, one simple song, Together we stand, together we’re strong.

Through many paths, we learn to see, Unity builds a bright community.

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LILI S.

2nd Grade One day I went to school. It was a normal day like every other day.

After I ate lunch, I played with all my friends. We were all playing tag and soccer and everyone was getting along.

The next day I went back to school and I played with my friends again at lunch. But this day my friends kept walking away without telling me.

They went where other kids were and I couldn’t see them. I wondered why they were doing this. I started to get upset. I looked for them and then spotted them on the play structure. I went to them and said “come on, let's play.” But instead of coming towards me they wandered the other way.

This happened again and again. I could have told the teacher but felt like I could solve this myself. I found them on the Shalom field and decided to use my voice. Using a big voice I said “Stop! You guys are hurting my feelings! You guys are running away from me when I want to play with you.” I was upset because they were my friends. I was feeling sad, annoyed and mad.

They stopped and came over to me. They listened and understood me.

They said “Oh, we didn’t notice that you weren’t following us.” We all played together again and that is how I learned I can be heard and I can use my voice. This helped me feel confident, and that I can try to solve my own problems before asking for help. I learned that my voice matters and I can use it to help solve problems.

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ARIEL LK. 4th Grade

Back in the olden days a lot of people weren’t allowed to use their voice but things have changed since then. Back then women and people with dark skin couldn’t use their voice and didn’t have any rights. Some of the things women and people with dark skin couldn’t do were to say their opinions, to vote, and to go to specific places that other people could. These days women and people with dark skin can do a lot more things. Even though much has changed there’s still room for improvement. If we make this top priority we could bring even more change. No matter who you are and how you look your voice should be heard.

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NADIA E. 6th Grade

Mirror, Why Can’t I Speak?

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall Though I be the tallest of all I’m left feeling oh-so small, When my voice is dry and says nothing at all, I try and try– yet always fail, Though one day, I will prevail.

For this social anxiety, is a veil.

I feel oppressed, yet extroverted

Though when people talk, I feel alerted.

Tape covers my mouth, I don’t want to take it off, I flush, and my vision is blurred like a cloud, But if I speak, I’d be too loud.

Demons look at me, together in a crowd, Eyes piercing, If I utter a mere sound.

I feel their cold hands, Covering my mouth.

Forever there, if I try to speak aloud.

Anxiety takes over me, And I see a dark, dark, pit.

Yet I hope to find a candle, To make the abyss lit The truth is, The tape is me, My fear of speaking, And my own anxiety, I cannot speak sometimes— don’t know why, don’t know how.

But I shall quench my fear and I will speak now.

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AVI T.

3rd Grade

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MELODY G. & GAIA G. 7th Grade

Flags wave People scream Some are brave But others don't so seem Up in flames Goes our pride We shift the blame And claim people lied Down goes our pride And all our devotion While people worldwide Seem to cause a commotion When out of the flames Steps a brave little girl But what is her aim?

To make their toes curl?

She stood up and spit words That put out the fire And broke up the herds She raised her voice higher Higher and higher and higher she raised Everyone’s pride was no longer at zero Her voice was heard for days and days And she was forever known as a hero 35

NORA P. & LORELAI S. 8th Grade

Speak Out They say “I hate Israel” They talk about war No one does stuff about it All we get is a slammed door.

They don’t try to defend us They brush it off, fast Someone tries to speak out But their words never last “Say some words!”

We've never been heard “Just Speak out!”

We've tried, we even shout.

We’re at the end of the tunnel, The light is all gone Some give up their hope, We’ve been used like pawns

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