[M] Gabe, I must tell you the story of this house. It was built by my dear Yosef at our betrothal. Please allow me to show you prior to our settling down for conversation.
See the stone work and the sturdy door. Yosef designed the windows, wide enough to bring in the light of day yet easy to cover against wind and storm and the cold nights. Take notice of the fine cut of the window frames and other wood. And see on the doorpost the Mezuzah, that beautiful wooden case designed by my husband. And inside I will show you the tiny scroll of Sh’ma (Shema)Yisroel, proclaiming our faith. That was a gift of Rachel and Jacob.
Our main room has that grand cooking area with all one could imagine. See the wooden vessels for fresh cooking and cleaning waters; the slop bucket too, directly beneath the preparation table.
Oh Gabe, look at these polished metal cups. On one of his sojourns to Caesarea, my beloved Yosef brought them back for me. I save them for good. Here, enjoy some cool water from this one. Do you not feel as if you are in Yerushalayim with people of high standing? Please now, eat one of my Honey Cakes.
[G] Thank you, Miryam. That was a special treat.
[M] Come to the other spaces. Here is our resting area, so wide and large. Two other rooms were to accommodate the boys and the girls.
Just a few easy steps, see how well built, takes us to the roof. Yosef devised this so half has firm flooring of good wood; a sturdy resting area. Many times my husband and I, or the little ones, would rest here enjoying the nighttime cool breezes. Such a comfortable home, built with so much love and pride.
See that hill in the distance? I shall speak of that later.
Please follow me to the rear yard. The shelter for the animals and storage for provisions, as well as this fine garden, has served well for more than forty years. Can you imagine that, forty years? And today, this place is as exciting to me as first I stepped across the doorsill.
Something else to share. My mother smiled as she first saw this finished home, as did my father. Father especially noted the tables and stools and fine wood craft, knowing that Yosef would indeed be a good provider. And most certainly, that became the fact all through the years. No one could ever hope for a better husband. Yosef was then, and shall always be, my Echad, my number one.