From Lettuce to Legacy: A Hidden Jewish Connection Unveiled

Vidal Frangie was born in the small town of Saint Gregory, in Catalonia, Spain, about four hundred years ago. He was educated in a Catholic school and was an outstanding student, well-versed in the history of Christianity and committed to following its teachings as he understood them. His family was struggling financially. His mother passed away when he was young, and as he reached maturity, his father fell ill. As his father's illness progressed, he called Vidal to him and said: "Know that we are Jews. Your real name is Moshe. Out of fear of the Inquisition, we've raised you as a Christian. When you are left alone in the world, seek out Jews to learn what Judaism is."

After his father's death, Vidal-Moshe embarked on a journey to find Jews. It was dangerous, of course, to speak of this quest openly. If Inquisition agents had heard about it, his life would be at risk, so he was uncertain of how to proceed. He traveled from city to city and from village to village, observing the townsfolk, looking for any clue.

One day, Vidal arrived at a market in the city of Girona and saw a servant buying large amounts of lettuce. This suddenly jogged a memory from his childhood, forgotten long ago: his parents had secretly brought home a quantity of lettuce, washed it, cut it, and prepared it, but he never saw it eaten. The next day, the lettuce disappeared, and no one spoke of it. 'This must be a Jewish custom,' he mused, and decided to follow the servant.

His pursuit led him to a luxurious apartment in Girona's wealthiest district. A respected city official lived there. Vidal ascended the stairs to the house and asked to speak with the master. He was told he needed to schedule an appointment a week in advance and write in the guestbook who he represented and what diplomatic mission he was on. Vidal instructed the servant to tell the master just one word: "Lettuce." The servant was puzzled but quickly fetched his master, who dismissed all his attendants from the room. The official angrily asked, "Who are you, young man, barging into my home with nonsense?" Vidal replied, "I am a Jew, seeking others like me." The official initially didn't believe him, suspecting he was an Inquisition agent. Thus, he retorted, "Good luck finding Jews. I know none." But Vidal persisted: "I know it's a Jewish custom to secretly buy lettuce in the spring. But if you have no connection to it, I might share that the official buys his lettuce discreetly."

The official was terrified for he had kept his secret from everyone, aware that exposure would endanger him and his family. Vidal reassured him: though he lacked knowledge of Judaism, he was nonetheless Jewish. His father had died before he could teach him but commanded him to seek out Jews. Eventually, the official believed him and invited him inside but confessed: although I maintain the custom of eating matzah and maror during the Passover in spring, I regrettably know little about Jewish teachings. I secretly uphold a few customs, and that's all. I can't teach you Torah, but know that my great-great-grandfather was a very learned person in Torah and Kabbalah. His name was Rabbi Bachya ben Asher, and as a descendant, I possess a scroll he wrote. I can't read it, as I don't know Hebrew, but take it with you. When you find Jews, give it to them.

Vidal continued his journey and crossed into France. No one suspected he was Jewish, as he had no such background. In France, he handed the scroll over to Jewish people, who discovered, to their amazement, that it was the "Kad HaKemach," authored by Rabbeinu Bachya, a prominent figure in pre-expulsion Spain, a disciple of the Rashba. Bachya wrote several monumental works, including "Chovot HaLevavot," and a commentary on the Torah incorporating Kabbalah and literal interpretation (this tale is recounted in "Omer HaShichecha" by Rabbi Avraham ben Rabbi Yaakov Givishon).