Page 227 - Neglected Arabia Vol I (1)

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Some Jewish Incidents
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MlSS JANK A. SiAKUKKIlil.U i
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I. A betrothal v
O boarded a river steamer for Baghdad. Among the passengers
) NK summer a tired missionary, seeking a few weeks’ rest,
she found a sad-faced woman and her wcak-looking little
daughter. The missionary knew by the style of their dress
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that they were Jewesses, and poor. They welcomed a friendly smile
i and greeting and entered into a conversation with her. “Where are
we going?" they repeated; “Oh, to Iizra’s Tomb, with our relatives
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here." They indicated another group of jews. “Those people.” they . •-
I continued, “are going on this pilgrimage to fulfill a religious vow.”
: 5. i
t “But those people look so rich and important Are you truly
related to them?" the missionary ventured to question. .'1
“Yes," was the reply. “My husband died leaving me and mv son
and daughter dependent upon his brother. This rich woman is his 1\
i
l brother's wife. As is our custom, my daughter must marrv her
V cousin and a money consideration is always demanded of the Inide. !
1 have nothing to give them, so my daughter is to serve them until
they consider it is time for the engagement, and then 1 shall become •A
their servant until the sum demanded has been earned. If 1 cannot :•••
finish paying this debt, then my son must take up this burden, which v
is nut a small one. Jews are very hard on each other," she added, “and
i demand the last farthing even of those who least can pay." ;•
“How was it that your husband left you so very poor?" i
The answer was a sad one. “You know that most of the Jewish
men gamble and drink, and he died after a week of hard drinking in a
house where much gambling was done. 1 never heard .what his debts *
there were." i
Just then a loud harsh command was given to this tired little girl to
prepare lunch. This she hurried to do, and waited on the relatives
as a i most humble servant. After they had finished she ate the cold rice
that was from dieir meal. ' •

II. A Marriage i
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“Where are you going, dressed so gaily?"
“Oh," replied the brightly dressed Jewish woman, “to a wedding.
Do you not know that Rebecca’s husband has taken a second wile?" v
“How awful!" exclaimed the missionary. “Do Jews take two wives?"
“Oh yes, of course! You know Rebecca has no children and our
law allows it in such cases."
“Where is the wedding to be, and who is the bride?"
“Come with us," she replied; “you will be welcome.”
The house was soon reached. In a brightly decorated room there
was seated on a.large hard pillow on the floor a little girl, clothed in a / *
white satin dress embroidered in gold, with a thin muslin veil over her
1 head and face. This was the bride and she was only fourteen years