April 1504
Sitting at the Passover table, concluding the last of the festive meal, the Haggadah— the story of the exodus from Egypt of the Jewish people—having been read, the Halvavi family, along with their invited guests, enjoyed the last of the four cups of wine required by the Seder service.
Singing songs of the holiday, along with ballads of their former home, brought tears to the eyes of all. Even the youngest, who had never experienced life in España.
Before ending the festivities, Benjamin began reading the history of the Halavi journey from Seville to Constantinople, the tale that David Halavi had compiled, recounting the family’s journey. Beginning the reading of this narrative, at the first Seder celebrated in Turkey, it had been his wish that the family continue the custom, and add to the chronicle as necessary.
Benjamin finished the reading, and concluded the service.
The traditional greeting at the end of the Seder service is a wish for everyone to celebrate Passover— Next Year in Jerusalem. For 197
JOSEPH HOBESH
the Sephardim now living in Turkey, Spain was, and would be forever thought of as their home, the land of their birth. As time dimmed memories, life in España would be remembered as fuller, sweeter, happier, and more complete.
But life goes on. In the years that had passed since their arrival in Constantinople, Benjamin and Regina’s family had grown to four children, two boys and two girls. The printing of many books continued. The family and business flourished.
Their friendship with Nissim and Afet was strong, and both were considered family.
Life for the Sephardim in the Ottoman lands was good. Would remain so, for almost the next one hundred years. Future generations would remember these years, with the same nostalgia and longing that their parents, and grandparents had had for their years in Spain. The future appeared bright. But Messianic winds were beginning to blow. Apocalyptic conceptions beginning to form. For the Jews of Turkey these ideas would inspire the zeal of redemption, and the disappointment of a false Messiah.
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