September 1492
The vestige of the Cal de Seville arrived in the Ottoman capital, fatigued, weary, and confused. Still unknown, their final destination within the city itself.
Waiting as patiently as possible for the rabbi’s relatives to lead them to their new homes, as their meager possessions were being unloaded, the newcomers were subjected to prolonged questioning by Turkish officials.
Benjamin, caring for Señora Bejar and his father, who was just barely able to walk, was beginning to lose patience with the officials.
Looking about the busy port as he waited, Benjamin thought about the past month with consternation. The voyage had been a hard one for most, especially his father. Joshua, well on his way to an unknown fate. And he…was filled with great remorse.
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JOSEPH HOBESH
The activity of the port, the smell of the various cargos, the weariness of the journey, forced his wandering mind back to the present. When will we be able to rest, when…his thoughts were interrupted by shouts.
“They are here, the rabbi’s relatives are here.”
Turning, Benjamin viewed a scene he never thought he would ever see in his life. There for the entire world to see was a Jew riding a horse! Not only was he riding a fine animal. He was dressed in some of the finest clothes Benjamin had ever seen.
Nissim Behar, dismounting his steed, greeted his cousin, Rabbi Hahcham, warmly. Assured him that the minor difficulties they were encountering would soon be taken care of.
Announcing to all around him that they all would soon be allowed to enter the country without any further problem.
Articulate in the Turkish language and customs, his bearing almost royal, he assured the doubting officials, that the Caliph himself had authorized free entry to all Jews emigrating from Spain. After paying a small baksheesh—bribe, they were finally allowed to enter the country. And enter they did. Settling into the Balat area, along the southern shores of the golden horn, between the Greek quarter o f Phanar, and the walls of the city.
The Cal de Seville, along with other Sephardic newcomers, populated not only Constantinople, but towns and villages throughout the Balkans and Asia Minor, revitalizing Jewish communities stripped by an earlier Sultan’s attempt to populate his new capital of Constantinople.
This period would mark a rebuilding of the Sephardim. In years to come, established Romanoit synagogues would be absorbed into the Sephardic community. From this new society would come the physicians, farmers, tax collectors, interpreters, and teachers who would bring about an era of peace and prosperity.
Although short-lived, it would be remembered forever by generations of Sephardim.
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* * *
Benjamin, tired and sweaty, hauled the press off the wagon and dragged it into the house. The press he had transported by wagon which he had pulled all the way from Shishane. A distance of almost eight miles. Although he was very tired he was content, thinking as he splashed his face with some water from the bucket at the door that he now had the means to begin earning a living. Has it been six months since we arrived? It feels like years ago.Deep inside him memories of España began to stir, which he quickly shook off. Drying himself, he called to his father.
“Papa, Papa, I’m back, come see the press.” The press was the only thing he would allow himself to think about now.
Entering the windowless and drab tiny back room that was to be the workshop, his spirits lifted as he looked at the old press.
Touching it, smelling the old ink, it was one of the few good things to have come about in the past six months.
The press was in fairly good condition. And thanks to “Pahsha Behar” Benjamin was able to purchase it at a price he could afford. Nissim Behar, helpful as he had been, was becoming a thorn in Benjamin’s side. His constant attention, and ogling of Regina, was angering him and embarrassing her.
“Benjamin,” his father called out, as he entered the room.
“I’m here, Papa,” he answered as he began to describe the press.
“It’s perfect, and still in such good condition. We will have very little to do to make it productive.”
David Halavi hobbled around the press examining it with great care. His movements were stiff, and he limped slightly.
The past months had not been kind to his health. Suffering from arthritis and asthma, both ailments had worsened in the last six months. Still his outlook had improved greatly, now that they were settled in a home of their own.
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JOSEPH HOBESH
The Sephardic community was beginning to take shape.
Construction of the new Cal de Seville was beginning. The Torah brought with them from España, devoid of the appropriate vestments, was now properly dressed. Thanks in part to the generosity and good will of the local Greek-speaking Jewish community.
Weekly Shabbat services, temporarily held at the Romanoit synagogue, were well attended. With both rabbis sharing the pulpit, minor ritual differences were overlooked by both communities.
As he examined the press, David began to cough and wheeze.
“It’s probably the dust,” he muttered. Benjamin feared an asthma attack might be starting, as he gently led his father away from the press, and towards his bed.
“I’ll make you some tea, and then you can rest, Papa.”
“Yes I will rest,” David uttered, then began coughing uncontrollably. Getting the tea, Benjamin made sure his father drank it all. Benjamin then helped his father to bed. After a while the coughing subsided and he could hear his father’s soft snoring. Satisfied that he was asleep, Benjamin continued his inspection of the press.
Working slowly but diligently, he noted how well constructed the press was. What repairs would have to be made to make it operable. His inspection was interrupted by a knocking at the door and a voice shouting.
“Hola…hello, David, Benjamin, are you home?”
Recognizing Mrs. Bejar’s voice Benjamin answered, “Yes, Mrs. Bejar come in, come in.”
“I have a visitor with me, she is very anxious to see you.”
Entering behind Mrs. Bejar was Regina Ventura. Benjamin was elated. Their last meeting had not ended happily. Seeing her now made Benjamin’s spirits soar.
“Regina, Mrs. Bejar, please sit down I…I…” Benjamin began to stammer.
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“Coma esta tu papa?— How is your father?” Mrs. Bejar asked.
“He is resting now, I am concerned about his coughing.”
“Eh bueno— good, I will prepare one of my remedies,” Mrs.
Bejar remarked, as she looked about the room.
“I’m sure you have all the ingredients somewhere in the kitchen.
“While I do this, you and Regina will talk. But remember I am not far away, only in the kitchen.”
As soon as Mrs. Bejar left for the kitchen. Regina and Benjamin rushed towards each other. Just stopping short of embracing. They clasped hands, and both began uttering apologies.
“Regina, I am truly sorry for all the mean words I uttered.”
“And well you should be, Benjamin. But I am equally to blame. For not explaining as well as I should have. It was my father’s wish that I allow Señor Behar the opportunity to call on me. But I was not interested. With the help of my mother and Mrs. Bejar, we made my father understand my feelings. Now I hope you understand them as well!”
His heart racing, Benjamin barely spoke above a whisper.
“I do, Regina, and I intend to ask your father…your father…”
“What, Benjamin…what is it you’re tying to say?”
Pulling himself together, taking a deep breath, Benjamin shouted, “I AM GOING TO ASK YOUR FATHER TO LET US
MARRY!”
Hearing those words, Regina rushed into Benjamin’s arms, kissed his cheeks and lips, as he returned those kisses with equal passion.
Mrs. Bejar, hearing the commotion, rushed out of the kitchen.
“Ay de mi! Sin verguenza— without shame you touch each other this way,” she shouted, “what am I to tell your parents?”
“Tell them we are going to be married. And give us your blessing, Señora Bejar,” Regina said, smiling.
* * *
135JOSEPH HOBESH
Benjamin Halavi and Nissim Behar sat outside the coffeehouse sipping their hot Turkish coffee, and munching borekas, the Turkish pastry so similar to the Spanish pastillas.
Benjamin sighed as he ate, remembering those happier times in España. His reverie was interrupted by Nissim, asking whether his wedding day, only a week away, worried him.
“No, why should it? I have been looking forward to this day for quite awhile. Regina makes me very happy.”
“Please don’t misunderstand me, Benjamin. I only ask because the responsibilities of a family, seem, to me anyway, so demanding. I think Regina perceived that shortcoming in my personality. It was probably the reason she refused my calling on her. In any event I think you are very lucky, to be marrying her. She will make a wonderful wife.”
Benjamin, listening to his friend, realized how his relationship with Nissim had changed in such a short time. He had felt so insecure around him just a month ago. But Nissim’s true character showed itself in his warmth for people.
His desire to help wherever he could. And most important to Benjamin, the gentlemanly way, he so graciously accepted Regina’s wishes.
Nissim’s father, whose family had lived a prosperous life in Bursa, had been victims of the Ottoman technique known as Surgun.
In 1454, the Sultan forced various inhabitants within the empire to move to his new capital Constantinople. Uprooting thousands of Jewish families. The Behar family among them.
Traumatic as that event was, the Behar family managed to become successful in Constantinople as well. Influential merchants, they had gained ear of many powerful government officials. This allowed the Behar family the means to help the many Sephardic families entering Turkey in 1492, which included the Calle de Seville.
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“You don’t fool me for a minute, Nissim,” Benjamin laughed.
“If I not been around you would have pursued Regina, for as long as it would have taken for her to agree to your offer of marriage. But I do thank you for your good wishes. And all the help you have given me and my father.”
“Your thanks are unnecessary, but appreciated. How is your father?”
“He is about the same. But he is resting a little better taking Mrs. Bejar’s medications.”
“That’s good to hear.” Changing the subject, Nissim asked,
“Have you had any word from the Soncinos?”
“Yes, we begin printing a book form of the Torah shortly. The commentaries for book, will utilize the Soncino’s method of placing them alongside of the Bible text. They have also agreed to allow us to use the Soncino trademark. Without your help, none of this would have been possible.”
Finishing the last of his coffee, Nissim quietly said, “Ah, you give me too much credit, Benjamin. The printing samples you sent impressed them. By the way, is the press completely ready to operate now?”
At the mention of the press’ workings, Benjamin, frustrated, simply replied, “Not quite, just a few more adjustments are needed. In about a week it should be ready, I would estimate.”
Getting up, Nissim bid Benjamin goodbye. “Well if can be of any assistance let me know. I must leave now. I have an important client I must see. Buenos dias— good day, Benjamin, my regards to your father.”
Sitting alone in the coffeehouse after Nissim left, Benjamin began to think about his wedding day, his father, and how lucky he was to have Nissim Behar as a friend.
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