September 1500
Haim Behar, sipping hot Turkish coffee, silently observed both rabbis, each putting forth their many reasons, why the two synagogues should not join again. Concluding, no solution would be reached by the arguments he was hearing, Haim interrupted the discussion.
“You both have valid points, but you must consider the community, the congregants. Would they not be better served by two rabbis, who shared their knowledge, and interpretations of the Torah? Would that not relate a better understanding of our prayers?”
Rabbi Hacham, finishing his coffee, answered, “You are correct, Haim, but liturgical differences aside, most important to members of the community is actually being and feeling a part of that community.”
194
SEPHARDIC FAREWELL
“And I agree,” Rabbi Amelak replied. “But what kind of a community? We must be firm in our Pesak Halakah, our interpretations of the law. Especially regarding conversions!”
“What are your objections to the conversion of this woman?”
Rabbi Hacham asked.
“She is nothing but a harem girl, a…a…” Unable to speak of anything sexual, Rabbi Amelak stuttered and stammered.
“She is just a servant. Her duties are serving maid to the Valide Sultan. Nothing more,” Haim added.
Rabbi Hacham, becoming excited, continued, “It is not for us to judge her. We must only be sure her reasons for converting are real and honorable. The love of a man is a justifiable reason, and within our laws.”
For the next three hours the debate went on. Each rabbi, making and conceding various points of Jewish law.
As the arguing concluded, both rabbis sought Haim’s opinion. It was to be Haim Behar’s greatest diplomatic victory.
Using all of his artful skills with utmost competence, he managed to convince both rabbis that coming together again would benefit both the Cal de Seville and the Cal de Monistir.
* * *
Nissim listened closely as his aunt, Tia Cori, enumerated her reasons for rejecting his choice of a bride. Her main concern was Afet’s status. A serving maid; the fact that she was a rayah did not seem to matter. Tia Cori was like a mother to him, and hurting her was causing him infinite sadness.But I have no choice, he thought. I love Afet, that’s all that matters.
She has agreed to convert, and will do all that is asked of her. I have to make Tia Cori understand. And if I can convince her, then Tio Bohor, and Tio Sabetay would probably agree to the marriage.
Although not the superb diplomat his father was, Nissim had grown up at his side, and he had learned well. Using his most persuasive and skillful arguments, he gently asked Tia Cori to 195
JOSEPH HOBESH
accept Afet. For his sake, because he truly loved her. He assured Cori, that she too would learn to love Afet once she got to know her.
Looking into Nissim’s eyes, Tia Cori sensed the intense feelings of his words. How much he adored Afet. I will not deny him what he truly wants. She gently took Nissim’s face in her hands, kissed both of his cheeks, softly whispered, “I will do what you ask, Nissim. Because…I love you. And will try to learn to love Afet as well.”
Overjoyed, Nissim hugged his aunt, and whispered, “Thank you, Tia Cori, thank you!”
* * *
The wedding took place on June 6, 1501. One month after Afet completed her conversion. It was a wedding ceremony unlike any the Greek or Sephardic communities had ever experienced.And it would it never be forgotten.
As Nissim broke the glass symbolizing the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, indicating the conclusion of the ceremony, Afet lifted her veil. And in perfect Hebrew, taught to her by Regina Halavi, began reciting to Nissim, the following:
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me. ”
After a prolonged silence, Nissim took Afet into his arms, placed a fervent kiss on her lips, and whispered, “And I will love you until time is no more.”
Tia Cori, tears rolling down her cheeks, thought, Never will I doubt my decision regarding Nissim’s marriage. It was the right one!
Both rabbis were too surprised and shocked to object. They merely exchanged shrugs, indicating that they too, thought the marriage was a good one.
196