Some "Seasonal" (If Slightly Sacrilegious) Smiles

The Bickersons, a poor elderly couple living on Social Security who, despite being very devout, had more than their share of marital woes through the years, had saved every penny to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to the Holy Land.

In spite of their surroundings on the tour, they stayed true to form and quibbled and fought all day and night on their trip.  Unfortunately, while in Jerusalem during one of their spats Mr. Bickerson suffered a massive and fatal heart attack.

Despite his sudden passing, Mrs. Bickerson seemed to take it very well.

Since he died in Israel, the officiating rabbi visited with her to explain the international laws governing a situation like this.  He shared with her that she had the privilege to bury Mr. Bickerson here in the Holy Land, and the entire charges for the embalming, funeral service and interment right in Jerusalem would come to only $150.

He also told her that if she so desired, she could have the body shipped back to the States for $5,000 – and there would also be the additional funeral and burial charges added on top of that amounting to a substantial sum of money for her.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Mrs. Bickerson chose to have her husband’s body shipped home.

Taken aback, the rabbi, having learned of their constant quarreling along with their dire financial straits, wondered if he could be so bold as to ask why she elected to have her husband sent back to the States.

"You see," Mrs. Bickerson began, "I’ve read my Bible religiously and I know that a couple thousand years ago another man was buried in this very region and at the same time of year.  And I also know that three days later he arose again from the dead ... and I just can’t take the chance that it might happen again."