September 1492
For the remnants of the Cal de Seville, the three week ocean trek from Spain to the port of Iraklion, on the island of Crete, was a journey of vomiting, dizziness, general malaise, illness, and constant fatigue. Of the one hundred and fifty men, women and children that started the voyage, one hundred and forty-five had survived.
With the help of the ship’s physician, the ship’s salty broth, and sea biscuits, almost all managed to overcome the curse of seasickness. The illness and fatigue were another matter, causing the death of two older and three younger members of the congregation.
Not allowed to disembark at the port, and becalmed for over a week, the ship and its tormented passengers waited for the winds to return.
From the deck of the caravel that had brought them this far, Benjamin Ben-Halavi contemplated the mountainous land-scape of Crete. The peak of Mount Ida clearly visible in the 119
JOSEPH HOBESH
distance. He thought for the first time since they had left Seville an easier journey may have been an overland one, to Portugal.
The ocean trek had caused much hardship to the older and youngest members of the group. Benjamin blamed himself, he had adamantly refused going to Portugal.
Even though David had expressed doubts about the ocean voyage, now his father was deathly ill. The doctor not holding much hope for his survival. Mrs. Bejar not much better.
The week in port had improved both but the journey had caused both a decline in mental and physical health, filling Benjamin with grief and remorse. I cannot change what already is, he thought. I must do what I can to help my father regain his health, make sure we reach Constantinople safely.
Deep in thought he hardly felt the small hand on his shoulder. Turning, he broke into a large grin as Regina Ventura softly asked, “How are you, Benjamin?”
“Always better when I see you, Regina.” Not meaning to be so forward, and embarrassed at the boldness of his answer, Benjamin began to blush, and stammer. “I am sorry, Regina, I didn’t mean to…”
“I understand, Benjamin, and I’m not offended, I, I, feel the same way about you.”
Both blushing furiously, they began to laugh at the situation.
They had been attracted to each other for a long time while growing up. But now the closeness of being on board a ship caused them both to be more open about their feelings.
“Your father is asking for you, I just left him. His condition is about the same as last night.”
“Thank you, Regina,” Benjamin answered, taking both of her small hands in his, kissed them. Causing Regina to blush a bright red. Still grinning Benjamin answered, “I hope to see you after the evening meal, Regina,” and left her to see his father.
Silently praying for his sons, and his community, a safe journey, and the return of his health, a very weak David Ben-Halavi lay in his bed, below decks. Longing to see sunlight 120
SEPHARDIC FAREWELL
again, to breathe fresh clean air, to regain his health, he continued praying. How much longer, oh Lord, must we be made to suffer?
Not hearing his son approach, David continued his prayers, pouring his heart out, uncertain of whether he would live or die.
Seeing his father praying so fervently, Benjamin again felt the sting of remorse. Why was I so stubborn? I cannot change what is. I must not fail him now!
“I am here, Papa, what do you need? More broth, some water?”
Hearing his son’s voice, David forced himself to a sitting position, and answered, “I want neither food nor drink, Benjamin, just your word that if I die you will honor my memory. That you will say Kaddish for me. Bury me in a proper manner. And most important, relate to your children the achievements of our people in España.”
Taken aback, Benjamin replied, “Why are you making foolish talk, Papa. You will not die. You will live to see the start of our new life in a new land. The Brit Mila of your first grandson. I know it, Papa, and I believe it with all my heart. Rest now, do not concern yourself with anything but regaining your health.”
A voice from above called out, as Benjamin strained to hear.
“All below, the winds have returned. We set sail within the hour, prepare yourselves,” a sailor shouted from the stairs leading to the upper deck, disappearing as quickly as he had appeared.
“Good advice, Papa. Rest yourself. I will return once we are underway.”
Nodding his assent, David slowly lay down and began a fitful sleep.
121