קט

Afterward a certain Frank [Oriental Jew] commanded a boy to lead us to the Chief Rav of the Kollel who sat there in Uskudar — who was the Chief Rav for all the towns of Istanbul. And we followed the boy — not understanding what the Frank had told him — thinking he was leading us to some synagogue or study hall. And the boy walked before us with joy and laughter, pleased to have a connection to these Ashkenazim who seemed to them like madmen — Heaven forbid. And he led us up to the upper floor of the Chief Rav. And it was difficult for us to enter — since he did not understand our language — and also difficult to enter with bundles in hand. Even so, I left the bundles with Rabbi Yehuda Eliezer and entered alone. And the Rav was then not in good health — and asked in a somewhat displeased tone: where had we come from? And I answered him a few words with awe and shame — for my speech had stopped before him. And he did not properly understand me. And another man was sitting before him. They spoke a few brief words with me. And he replied immediately: tomorrow — meaning: come tomorrow. And the man beside him indicated with his hand: do you not see he is unwell? And I went out from him immediately with some joy — that I had gotten free of him. For the brief time I had stood before him had been very difficult — since I had never been in such a situation.