Antique 1938 Ladino Judeo-Spanish Letter Béky to Sarah Sephardic Jewish Istanbul For Sale

Very interesting and rare Antique 1938 Ladino Judeo-Spanish Letter Béky to Sarah Sephardic JewishJudaica History
Page one of a two-page handwritten letter in Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), dated December 22, 1938, addressed to \"Kerida\" (Dear Sarah). The top of the page has bleed-through text from the reverse side, partially obscuring the opening lines. Béky opens by confirming receipt of Sarah\'s letter and expressing joy at hearing of her good health — \"thanks to God, we are all very well on our part.\" The photographs Sarah sent pleased the family enormously: \"Machallah, you look very beautiful.\" The family is sending Sarah a small gift for her anniversary — \"you deserved much more, we regret that you find yourself in bed\" (suggesting Sarah was unwell at the time). They are also sending a small amount of money — \"aun poko de garato\" — and Mama instructs Sarah to take a biscuit at every meal, and as many biscuits as possible each morning. The bottom of the page is partially cut off.

Page two (marked \"-2-\" at the top) continues Mama\'s instructions and family news with characteristic warmth and gentle humor. Mama urges Sarah to take great care against pain and not to make herself miserable — \"if there is no soap, don\'t wash, so that you don\'t catch a chill.\" She instructs Sarah to send the enclosed photographs to Joseph, reassuring her: \"you are not dark, you look very beautiful — we were very pleased.\" The family feels she deserves even more gifts, but the small box could not hold more than sweets (mapia). The bonbons enclosed are for Sarah\'s good news. A charming marginal note reads: \"Mama says this year you are with the little kitten (gatiko), and next year, God willing, with a good match (mozal bueno)\" — a playful reference to Sarah\'s unmarried state. There is also mention that they decided to go by boat (gatik/gatic), and that Joseph had written nicely but will not write again because they intend to put a letter in the post directly. The letter closes with an outpouring of affection: many kisses from dear Mama, who wishes Sarah a good match (mozal bueno), health and strength. Greetings are sent from Jacques, who says next year he hopes to see Sarah and give her a \"real gift.\" Béky signs off: \"Receive from my part, dear Sarah, many kisses, from your sister who loves you — Béky\" — adding at the very end: \"And the wool I am sending you.\"

Fromthe heritage of the Sarah Savaryego (Worked for Anadolu Agency in Ankara) who married to Dr. Joseph Savaryego and the surname is a recognized Sephardic Jewish family name in Istanbul and the broader Ottoman world. Like many Jewish families in Galata, the Savariegos would have been descendants of the Sephardic Jews who arrived from Spain and Portugal after 1492. In the 1940s, professional Jews — doctors, merchants, artisans — built their lives in Galata, a neighborhood with many synagogues.
Measures 21 x 28 centimeters (approx.)
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Please examine the listing, some bent corners, era folds, small tears and slight stains due to their genuine antique aging.As is vintage good condition, what you see is what you will get. We try to present the real state of the object as completely as possible with photos.
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