Outcast Dove by Sharan Newman

Author:Sharan Newman [Newman, Sharan]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Mystery & Detective, General, Fiction
ISBN: 9781405526319
Google: gEIxMpVtUXcC
Publisher: Hachette UK
Published: 2013-04-24T13:00:00+00:00

Samuel had been fussed over and coddled beyond his imagination. His mother couldn’t have been more sympathetic than Josta, and the admiration in Belide’s eyes made him wonder if she had been told just how ignominious his assault had been.

“I didn’t have a chance to fight back,” he admitted to her.

“Against so many? How could you?” she responded. “They are the cowards. Filthy pig-eaters!”

“Belide,” her mother cautioned. “I don’t allow such language in my house. Come, it’s time to light the candles.”

The men stood respectfully as Josta, Belide, and Nazara recited the blessing and lit the candles for Passover. The glow on their faces made the three women almost angelic. Solomon blinked away tears. Even Muppim and Huppim were still for once.

They sat then, on chairs and benches piled high with cushions. The twins had to be lifted onto theirs.

“Papa, why are we…?” Muppim asked.

“Not yet!” Belide stopped him. “I’ll tell you when to ask.”

Bonysach poured the first cup of wine, then filled those of his guests. Josta added water to the twins’ cups. Bonysach returned to the head of table. He raised the cup, smiling at them all and began.

“Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, boreh pri hagafen.”

As the blessing continued, Solomon had the sense of having returned to the shelter of his childhood. He was Israel, wrapped in divine love as in his mother’s arms. If only he could stay there forever.

Everyone joined in the end of the blessing, the boys prompted by Belide.

“…shehecheyanu vekiyemanu vehigiyanu lazman hazeh.” Blessed is the Lord, who let us be here now.

They drank the first cup of wine and the Seder began.

Muppim and Huppim took turns with the four questions, speaking in Provençal since they hadn’t started Hebrew school yet. They both sprinkled more wine than necessary on the tablecloth as the plagues of Egypt were mentioned, thrilled at being permitted to do something that would normally be forbidden.

“Dayenu! Dayenu!” they shrieked, bouncing on the pillows.

“Dayenu, indeed,” Bonysach told them. “That will be enough.”

Nazara smiled. “It’s good to have children at the Seder. Thank you Na Josta, for letting us share yours.”

“You will have your own one day,” Josta said. “If you pray and be patient.”

“Have to do more than that.” Bonysach laughed.

Josta hushed him but she was laughing, too.

By the time they started the meal, both boys were yawning. They were determined to stay awake until they could search for the afikomen, the piece of matzoh bread that Bonysach had broken from the loaf and hidden while they covered their eyes. The one who found it could have a present and in this their normal unity was suspended.

The servants brought in platters of lamb sliced into pieces that could be eaten with the fingers. There were also fresh greens and, as always, mounds of olives.

They continued telling stories over the meal, some for the benefit of the twins, some for their own edification. With some coaxing, Samuel stood and recited his poem. Everyone pronounced it brilliant.

“I tell you, nothing of our cantor’s could touch it,” Bonysach told him.

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