Main Character Biographies


Chiya Chatool
 Chiya Chatool is from a family of four that consists of: Herself, her father, mother and a little sister. They are members of the Conservative congregation of Temple Israel. Chiya is the academic of the group of friends. She is very smart and analytical, and represents the voice of reason for the four friends (even if they don't always listen). David Kelev is her cousin on her mother's side. Chatool is Hebrew for Cat.

David Kelev
 David Kelev is the middle child from a family of seven that consists of: Himself, his father, mother, two older brothers and two younger brothers. They are members of the Orthodox synagogue Anshei Sfard. David is the jokester of the group. He is always telling funny stories or making jokes (they may not always be funny to everyone, but he tries). David represents the source of adventure and fun for the group. David thinks his cousin Chiya is the smartest person he knows (even if he would never tell her that!), but he thinks she can be too bossy sometimes. Kelev is Hebrew for Dog.

Miriam Achbar
 Miriam Achbar is the only child of a family of three, that consists of: Herself, her father and mother. They are members of the Reform congregation of Temple Kol Ami. Miriam is a year younger than the others and is very shy with people she does not know very well (except when she met Sam). Miriam's uncle is the Rabbi at her congregation, and she is very proud of him. Miriam represents the voice of caution for the group. Achbar is Hebrew for Mouse.

Sam Senaee
 Sam Senaee recently moved into the neighborhood. Sam's family consists of: Himself, his father and mother. Sam's parents are divorced and he does not get to see his father much. His mother moved them to the neighborhood to get a new start and to run the store that Sam's grandfather owned. Sam does not have a sense of his Jewish heritage, but he is eager to learn. Sam represents the strength of the group and the questions that many of us have. Senaee is Hebrew for Squirrel.