In Israel the Rabbis perform the marriages and they don’t do mixed marriages! Before I go any further I better explain what a mixed marriage is. A mixed marriage has nothing to do with the color of your skin; it’s a religious thing! You see, a Jew can only marry another Jew in Israel. A Jew marrying a non-Jew is considered a mixed marriage.

According to the Rabbis if a Jew becomes a Messianic Believer, they’re a trader to their people. A Jew performing such a despised act is considered the worst of the worst and might as well consider themselves blackballed for life.

Like it used to be in the states, interracial marriages were considered the worst thing one can do. If a white man married a black or Japanese woman in the South during the Jim Crow heydays, his name would be mud. Plus, in many of the confederate sates such a marriage would have been illegal to perform.

If such a couple lived in a white community with white government workers (DMV, Post Office, Schools, Fire Dept, etc), store owners, landlords … you can imagine all the ways such a marriage could affect every aspect of their family life. Likewise with a mixed marriage (Jew and Gentile), here in Israel.

Interracial marriages in the US are quite obvious, but mixed marriages here in Israel are not. It only becomes obvious if you start letting your light shine!

In the States, we are encouraged to and take a sense of pride in letting our light shine. Here you’re asking for trouble (persecution), possible deportation.

Many want Israel to be a Jewish State; a pure race …does this sound familiar?

If you want to get married and you are a Christian you can’t get it done in Israel. (Jerusalem Post-very interesting article) The closest place to get married is in Cyprus. Thus, getting married is very costly for Believers. At first I couldn’t believe this, being born and raised in the land of the free! Here in the holy land, marriage…God’s institution, the holy act of matrimony is against the law for Believers.

Lura and I had to fly to Cyprus for our wedding. We had to be at airport outside of Tel Aviv 4 hrs prior to takeoff due to security, etc. I think the flight took about 25 minutes but Cyprus time is an hour behind Israel time. For example, say after waiting 4 hrs we departed at 2 pm, we’d arrive in Cyprus at 1:25 pm

From the travel agent, you can purchase a Marriage Package Deal, and they brief you on what documents you’ll need. The package includes: roundtrip flight, shuttle bus, 2 night hotel stay (requirement - must be in Cyprus 24 hrs prior to wedding), wedding, emergency marriage license (speedy marriages, hurriedly processed paperwork which cost more than normal) and shuttle buses. People affectionately call Cyprus the Las Vegas of the Middle East. ():)

After realizing this reality, I put it in the back of my mind that springing for a marriage would be a worthwhile project if the occasion should arise. Not paying for someone’s honeymoon or wedding mind you, but absorbing the cost ‘to and from the chapel’.

The only couple I knew at the time who wanted to get married and can’t afford to, is a Bedouin guy I played chess with! He has been living with his Israeli girlfriend for about 4 yrs and they have a child the same age! They are not believers yet, so my hands are tied. Don’t want to bribe anyone to accept the Lord! But upon freely doing so, there’s all kinds of blessings waiting.

The guy from the Spanish Congregation who was baptized last week decided to marry the mother of his children and make things right! I credit God for allowing me to overhear his heart's desire! They are qualified candidates for a Marriage Package Project, which I'll post when I know the exact cost.

Wedding gown rentals start at 5,000 NIS @ 4.39 NIS per 1 US Dollar = $1,138.95 (Jerusalem Post)

Christian Friends of Israel loan wedding gowns out FREE! So this base is covered!

I will find out the cost of the Marriage Package Deal and post as a Project very soon!

Edwin Beckford, 1/10/04