The Qara-Daghian

“Is it appropriate to recite ‘Shema Israel’ in this place?” In a dreamlike moment, I found myself in the synagogue, surrounded by people wrapped in prayer shawls and the thrilling voice of the cantor, Hakham Abdullah. I imagined my grandfather, Hakham Nissim, hovering beside me, whispering verses with his angelic voice, encouraging me to pray in this place that was once ours. Inspired by his presence, I set my heart on righting the insult to my grandfather’s memory. With permission granted, I pr