Saved by his Enemy

It was the last night of Chanukah, and the Beykoz Quarter’s Jewish inhabitants used the occasion to enjoy this Shabbat. While singing Vos Ke Sosh Padre Rahman could be heard from all the houses, at the house of Yosef the fisherman, silence reigned, even though there were many guests. In one of this house’s narrow rooms, many lights illuminated the multitude of people, crammed up to the door.

What was happening?

It was an engagement celebration. Yosef the fisherman gave his daughter Rachel’s hand to Menachem, a young man who was a fisherman like him. Amidst the silence, a rabbi seated on a chair asked: “Who is the groom?”

A young man rose to his feet and neared the rabbi. “Do you judge the bride to be good?” the rabbi asked him. “Are you pleased with her?”

The young man blushed and nodded his head to signal his approval.

The same question was presented to the bride, and upon her approval, the rabbi concluded the engagement. Now the celebration could begin. Sweets and glasses of raki were offered, and beautiful girls began singing to the delight of the bride and groom. That is how they passed the time until the middle of the night, when guests began leaving, wishing the betrothed couple joy and happiness.

Half an hour later, the bride and groom were at the door. They exchanged the sweet words used by the newly betrothed, and Menachem departed. Rachel stayed at the door until she saw the figure of her fiancé disappear into another house.

Suddenly, a voice made her halt: “Rachel, wait!”

A young man came to the door.

“Bravo, Rachel,”...