August 1492
As the last professing Jews on Spanish soil scrambled aboard ships in the ports of Cadiz, and El Puerto de Santa Maria. At the nearby port of Palos de la Frontera, three small ships, the Pinta, the Nina, and the Santa Maria were waiting to hoist sail.
Christopher Columbus, commander of these ships, would describe in his log, the departing refugee vessels as a “fleet of misery and woe.” Those leaving would have agreed. But for generations afterward, Sephardic memories of their eight centuries in Spain would exalt statesmen, physicians, and philosophers.
Romanticizing their lives in their former homeland as a vibrant, spirited civilization which afforded much to Jewish culture and learning. Those memories, which became a natural part of future Sephardic culture, were overwhelmed on this day.
The uprooting and plundering of the Spanish Jewish population by religious zealots, left most broken in mind, heart, and spirit. Adding to this misery, coincidentally or otherwise, 103
JOSEPH HOBESH
August 2, 1492, was the ninth of Av. The Jewish day of mourning, commemorating the destruction of both Jerusalem Temples.
The Children of Israel in 1492, like those of the past, were forced to leave their homes, and embark on a journey to foreign lands.
Make new lives for themselves in a strange new country.
Christopher Columbus, known to his sailors as Admiral Colon, was deep in thought. Entering in his log thoughts about the journey he was to begin. Oblivious to the fact that the books, maps and charts he had acquired and studied were erroneous—
Marco Polo’s location for Japan, 1500 miles east of China, Ptolemy’s underestimation of the circumference of the earth, and overestimation of the Eurasian landmass—led Colon to believe that Japan was only 3000 miles west of Portugal. Well within the capabilities of existing sailing vessels, so confident was he, that by sailing west, Japan would be reached, he had already written a letter of introduction to the Grand Khan.
Now his dream of a sea route to the Indies would soon become a reality. In a few short hours they would hoist sail and be on their way. He looked forward to seeing the golden roofs of the “pagodas” the “easterners” with their fanciful dress.
A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. To his reply of
“enter” Alonzo Pinzon, captain of the Pinta, and his brothe r Vicente Pinzon, captain of the Nina, quickly entered the cabin.
Saluting smartly, the captains reported that all ships were provisioned and ready to sail. “Admiral Colon” repeated his order that all crews were to be aboard their respective vessels no later than midnight. Ready to leave at first light, both captains agreed, received their final orders and left for their ships.
The admiral returned to his reflections and writing; soon the riches of Asia would be available to all of Spain, Europe.
* * *
Although Diego de San Gil had been aboard the Santa Maria for a week now. The pitching and rolling of the ship, very tame 104SEPHARDIC FAREWELL
while in port, still had a sickening effect on him. Diego hoped that by the time they sailed he would no longer be troubled by seasickness. He had not eaten all day, for two reasons: one—he was not feeling well, and two—it was the Fast of Av. Keeping his vow to secretly continue his practice of the Jewish faith, fasting was required. He had not eaten all day, his shipmates if they noticed at all, made no comments.
He was also careful of what he was eating. Trying to avoid pork and not mixing any meat with cheese. Not very successful in his dietary endeavors so far, his excuse of not feeling well was not exactly a falsehood.
As he watched the refugee ships leave their various ports, his thoughts turned to his father, and brother, his friends, all being forced to leave their homes. Silently he began to pray all would have a safe journey, that no harm would come to them.
His thoughts were interrupted by Captain Alonzo Pinzon as he was leaving the ship. Pinzon asked if he had transcribed the last of the required charts.
“Yes, Captain, they are in the chart room of the Pinta. Along with the navigational tables. Copies for your brother, Captain Vicente, are already aboard the Nina.”
“Excellent. You are aware that the admiral desires that you stay aboard his ship, the Santa Maria?”
“Yes, I was informed when I boarded last week, although I had hoped to be on the Pinta with you.”
Pinzon, thoughtful, as he smiled and answered, “Much as I would like you aboard my ship, the admiral’s orders are to be obeyed. Are your quarters adequate?”
“As adequate as they can be aboard ship, Captain.”
“Well prepare yourself. We sail sometime after midnight, good luck to you.”
Saluting the captain as he left, realization dawned on Diego like a bolt out of the blue, he was really leaving his home, his country, and everything he truly loved.
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