1. Early Training Steeped in Ancient Traditions (Fragment)

The first ceremony at the table on Friday evening was the blessing of the cup (Kiddush — sanctification) in which the final act of creation and the institution of the Sabbath was related by reciting Gen. 2:1‑3. This was repeated by all male members of the family at the table, each holding in his hand the goblet filled with wine.

After the traditional washing of the hands, the father lifted the loaves, saying grace. Then the plain loaf, designated for the evening meal, was shared by all. During the meal songs of praise were sung, and hymns of remembrance of Jerusalem and of the King Messiah were chanted. The invited guests related their experiences which added to the merriment of the event.

Each meal of the Sabbath was dedicated by chanting the “Athkeinu Saidatha” from different aspects of the Deity — the first to the “Atkins Kadisha,” which suggests the Ancient One (meaning God, as we find the word used by Daniel in 7:15). Another is dedicated to the honor of “Zair‑Anpin,” the Shechinah Glory, or the visible manifestation of God; and one, to the name of “Kakal Tapuchin,” or “Malkah ha‑Mashiach” (the King Messiah).

The third meal of the Sabbath, the “Shloa Seuda,” ended with a ceremony of “Habdalah,” meaning separation. This separated the holy Sabbath from the approaching weekday, etc. To this, too, the rabbis attached a mystical significance, which was observed in Leon’s home very strictly. It was linked with the fellowship meal at which a group of the caste to which Leon’s father belonged, was present, bringing with them of the good things from their home meals to share together. The main object of their gathering was to listen to rabbinical discourses which Leon’s father gave on such occasions.

After this fellowship meal, when the tablecloth was removed, a cup was filled to overflowing with wine to demonstrate gratitude to God for His bountiful blessings with the words of Psalm 23:5 — “My cup runneth over,” — then, standing with the cup in his hand, Father recited the word from Isa. 12:2 — “Behold God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is my salvation.” This benediction was uttered at the lighted candle, which in itself had mystical significance.

This candle was plaited of three thin paraffin tapers, each of different color — blue, red, and white. When lighted, the three flames merged into one. Little Leon was proud when given the privilege of holding the “Habdalah” candle, and he enjoyed seeing the three lights merging into one flame.

The singing at this third Sabbath meal — dedicated to the King Messiah — “David Malkah Mashiach” — was also mystical in nature. Father sang it in a minor tune very solemnly, the hymn “Bene Hachlo”: “Those of the inner court who desire with longing to see the radiance of the “Zair Anpin” (Shechinah Glory) behold these emblems as manifesting symbolically the countenance of the King.” After this, another hymn was sung by all. This hymn was to honor Elijah, the prophet, asking him: “Will the Messiah, the Son of David, soon come to us?”