The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-09-17
MRS. BETSY R1KIsH IS FREE.
She United the Eleven Knots and OBJ
tanned Chlitza.
From the Boston Herald.

New York, Sept. lin the Temple
Ahov Salem, Thatford avenue, Brooklyn,
was witnessed yesterday ceremony
which, as rule, does not take place Of
tener in this country, at least, than once
in half a century. The ceremony under
the Mosaic law consisted of the releasing
of Betsy Rikish from her obligations
to her brother-in-law, Israel SLIDER
stem OF Belmont avenue, near Christopher
street.
With a view to this release, Betsy
Rikish came from the government of
Lomza, in the interior of Russia, two
months ago, and, after serving the pre-
scribed probation by living under the roof
of Abraham Goldleaf and having her
bonds cut by Rabbi Wistinetsky, will now
return to Russia, there to marry rich
railroad contractor.
According to the Mosaic law, when a
married man dies without leaving issue
TO inherit his name and property, if he
has brother surviving, his widow has a
right to go to him, and become his wife.
If he refuses, certain penalties are at
tached, and if she neglects to make the
offer she cannot marry again.
Since Israel Silverstein came to this
country his brother Abraham died in
Misnitz, Russia, and, as the family is an
ancient rabblnical one and strictly ortho-
doX, Mrs. Rikish felt bound in conscience
to go through the ordeal, for an ordeal
il is.
According to the law of this state and
country Israel Siberstein could not marry
his sister-iu-law Betsy.
AT 2 O'Clock all the parties concerned.
with their friends, assembled in the tenn
pie, the widow Rikish in bridal array,
with four deacons and two witnesses, who
We're prepared to testify that the wo-
mans husband was dead.
very important part of the testimony
was shoe, which rested beside the tai
mud and scroll of the law of the pulpit
The shoe was made of calfskin, and had
for ties two ribbons made of parchment,
knotted in eleven places.
Brother-in-law Silberstein had one of
his feet bare and this, having been washed
by the rabbi, was, so to speak, handed
over to the sexton, who pared the nails
and wiped it over with holy towel.
After this the rabbi, Visits atslzy, resum.
ing possession of the foot, puI the shoe on
it and said:
Are you willing to give this woman
Chlitza2''
Il am, " replied Silberstein.
why do you give this woman Chlitza?''
because she desires it."
Woman, why do you want Chlitza?n
rabbi, / want to get married, and
CNAAV1o SAfoo hfO AISouOus was Jne
"Son of Israel" said the rabbi, turning
TO Snberstein, give the visible sign of
your acquiescence.n
Suberstein took the shoe off his foot and
handed it TO the sexton. who placed it on
the left foot of the applicant for Chlitza,
or freedom
The shoe belongs to YOU" said the
rabbi, what will you do with itpo
81 shall do this. rabbi - ra1,Itad NJ.
Rikish, briskly, kneeling on the floor,
lifting her skirts six inches and proceed
ing unassisted TO unite the eleven knots
In the shoe string with the forefinger and
thumb of her left hand
The proceedings were watched with in
terest as II was known that a Roths-
child's chlltza was prevented in the last
century by the failure of the applicant to
unite the knots, which, however, so saws
tradition, were tied hard on purpose.
but the word tall Is not in the lexicon
of Mrs. Betsy Rikish of Lomza. With
deft fingers she united knot after knot.
and when the eleventh knot was uuraveled
she stood boldly on her feet. Now She
cried, throwing the slipper al her brother
in-law, striking him with it in the breast.
II am free"
You are free" said Silberstein, bow
ing and praying.
You are free" echoed the four judges
or deaoons.
Woman Of faith, you are free. said
the rabbi, land may the God Of Abraham
bless you"
Then followed congratulations and a
feast, and the unique ceremony came to
an end.
The press was waiting, the hour was late.
Inc train that carried the boiler plate
W a. Wrecke some twenty miles away.
u snort, there was the deuce TO pay.
Then up the tube the editor sang:
shove In them cuts OF Ii Hung Chang"