קלב

While we were walking — a certain Sephardic Jew met us — who had come from Jerusalem and was traveling to Izmir. And he told me it had become known on his ship that we had come here from Istanbul — for a scribe from our ship's company had been on his ship and told him. And because of this he had come to the city to ask me if I did not have a letter from Istanbul from Sephardic people. I answered him: I had no letter from the Sephardim. And I spoke some words with that Sephardic man. And this gave me some consolation. Afterward Rabbi Aharon went with the Sephardic man for his own purpose. And I after them. Afterward Rabbi Aharon came back with me to the sea. And we sat there greatly — and found no small boat for our need. And that Arab of yesterday was not there. And we lingered greatly. And I had much longing of the eyes. Afterward — two young Arabs came with a boat. And Rabbi Aharon spoke with them — hired them — and commanded me to enter their boat. And I entered there — and Rabbi Aharon also entered with me. And I had anguish — for I understood that such young ones certainly would not be able to find my ship. And they went with us to other ships for their own purposes. Afterward they began to go with us to search my ship. And we went here and there. And we did not find my ship. And every time they asked me: to which ship? And it was like a hair-raising thing for me — for I did not know what to answer. Afterward they went with us more. In the meantime we met another small boat — somewhat larger. And there two older Gentiles sat. And Rabbi Aharon spoke with them — and we went out from the first boat to this one. And I went with those older Arabs — and had some pleasure from this — for I understood they would know better how to find the ship. And we went with them among the ships that came from Istanbul — going from ship to ship. And we did not find my ship. And my eyes were greatly spent — looking at every ship — perhaps I would find some sign or see some sailor from my ship's company. And I did not see. And I began to call out in a loud voice: "Yehuda Laizel! Yehuda Laizel!" And there was no sound and no answer. Afterward we came close to our ship — and I did not recognize it. But the boatman said he would draw close to this ship. And we drew close there. And through Hashem's kindness — we came to our ship. And immediately the sailors saw me and began to call out to me — and called Rabbi Yehuda Eliezer — who had gone down at that hour to our cabin. And he came out toward me immediately. And the greatness of the joy I had then — when I merited to see him — was beyond all measure. And also for Rabbi Yehuda Eliezer there was great joy — for he too had very great longing of the eyes about my being delayed — almost a full twenty-four hours. Blessed be Hashem who bestows kindness on the guilty — who helped me until here and gave me strength to endure everything through His great kindness.