[M] As we complete one tale, so many thoughts come back. Please just a little more of my beloved husband.
He was as full of energy as the most bold desert storms. Family needs were first, always.
In every village, there seem to be some men who choose not to live up to their own responsibilities. I speak only of those who are blessed with good health, of strong mind and back and arms and will. One can hear these complain that it is too hot, too cold or the situation at hand not suitable work. These are simply users, depending upon the bounteousness of others, rather than by their own effort. They have been with us throughout all times, ancient and I expect, also well into the distant future.
To the good person, there must be until the end of time Ahavat Yisrael, love for the other Jew. It is Mitzvah. This is how the life of my Yosef was molded. He always found work, providing for bodily needs of family and others.
It is of special interest that sharing of foods was of principle concern to our family. So often, Yosef would tell of famine that forced our people to other lands and to Egypt. At home or in our travels, we required that a portion of our own provisions be always held in reserve to meet the unexpected needs of anyone, stranger or friend, Samaritan or Goiim.
As you may be aware, it is Jewish tradition when visiting Temple that Machatzit Hashekel , the giving of a half shekel to charity, be observed. Yosef would insist that as our family was so blessed, such a sum or at times a little more was readily at hand for the need of any person. All charity was to be distributed in quiet and prayerful manner so no curious one could take notice. Yosef would say that this was only to be of our concern.
This is our belief, and I am most sure that good people forever will freely live by this principle.
Gabe, as I speak of charity you remember about those trips we took as family?
Well, several were to the place of my birth, Sepphoris. Yosef could always find work there, his skills being in much demand. And such a busy place! There were two fine synagogues, or perhaps even three. We attended prayer at just two.
On each occasion, we were to take a goodly portion of whatever shekel or drachma we had saved. This would be used for some of our own provisions, but mostly to secure essentials for any poor whom we would encounter. And there were always present those in need.
Oh, all this talk brings to mind a humorous episode.
Well you know how proud I am of all of the children. This is about the fact that wherever we sojourned, and even for people walking through our village, there was first to be attention to their any want. At times this might be a drink of water, with a full skin if required for travel, a warm robe, a shovel or some other tool, but mostly food. At camp, the hungry were to first be fed even if, save for the youngest, we went without.
As they were then perhaps a little hungry, Simon and Lydda would act out a play. Simon would preach like Moshe saying, “Tomorrow, the land of plenty!” And to this Lydda would boldly answer, “I do most deeply wish that there we shall find some Honey Cakes!” Then, we all laughed and took to our sleep.
My Yosef, he studied our faith, was skilled in crafts, languages, and the ways and cultures of the Greeks, Phoenicians, and also that of the Invaders, those Romans. All these things he taught to the children.
A special time at synagogue was Shavu’ot, seven Shabbath beyond Pesach. The whole family celebrated this holiday, remembering when Adonai bestowed the Torah on his people.
There was something else, most curious and bold. How modern were we. I had mentioned earlier that Yosef insisted both Anne and Lydda be tutored in all subjects, as were the boys, and to the maximum of their individual interests. Oh, they loved the languages and cultures.
The girls turned out to be well versed in Talmud and other holy teachings. I would laugh, telling my beloved husband that the girls may well grow up to be most learned, but to become Rabbi, not in our lifetime!
As a child, my mother and father had taught me so much. Yet always eager, I too became both teacher and student. I possess the skill to write some words in our language, in Greek and of course, Hebrew. We do not ever tell my neighbors of that secret.
You know of the most important prayer to us, Sh’ma Yisroel . It is Mitzvah to recite twice each day. Women are not bound as are the men to say it, but the entire prayer was the very first taught to my son, Yeshua, and then later to the other dear children. All of us would pray together if Yosef were at home. If away, it was my responsibility to lead.
Such wonderful memories.