Dear Jewish Genners

Phil Silverman wrote

"My grandfather had a half-sister 18 yrs. his junior. They had the same
mother but different fathers. What is interesting is that the fathers had
the same last name"


Dear Phil

It is considerably more than a custom. It is Jewish Law. If a man's brother
dies without children, the man is obliged to marry the widow so the seed of
his brother will be maintained. Anyone else wishing to marry the widow must
first see to the brother's refusal.

See the story of Ruth & Boaz in Genesis


With best regards

Dr. David L. Frey (PhD.)
Victoria
Australia

Please reply to: dfrey@vic.bigpond.net.au
researching -
FREY, FREI,GILDENSOHN, PITKIN, BESHINCOVICHI, STEINHAUS and
WALSH (yes, I know!)