Posted by Jeff from pcp01169382pcs.roylok01.mi.comcast.net (68.62.14.216) on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 at 1:56AM :
In Reply to: Note about Israel posted by Jeff from LTU-207-73-65-124.LTU.EDU (207.73.65.124) on Monday, August 26, 2002 at 3:26PM :
In a story about Russian Jews who moved to Israel (1 million over 10 years), it was pointed out that the Russian Jews are VERY liberal Jews, and some even have Christian parents.
Since they don't follow more conservative or orthodox beliefs (i.e. they eat Pork... not Kosher) they aren't allowed to marry in Israel, and they cannot be buried in Jewish cemetaries. The story went on to conclude that after the Arab/Jewish fighting ceases, they may have a civil war on their hands... a very explosive situation.
For now, they just fly to other countries to get married, but they are almost 1/6 of the population so they may get more rights in the coming years.
One last, and interesting note: There are NO civil marriages in Israel. You are either a "real Jew" and get a Jewish marriage, or you are a Muslim or Christian and your respective religious clergy perform the ceremony. No civil marriages... interesting?? Of course!
-- Jeff
-- signature .