until the brother reaches marriage age or the age at which he may opt out of the marriage. The widow would not know if the brother would even opt out of the marriage. In either event the widow may be past her child-bearing age, and still be subject to the possible obligation to marry the brother. Also, there is no time limit on the indication of the brother's intention as to whether he will proceed with the marriage or opt out, and the brother may already be married. In popular culture Yibbum forms the plot of the Hallmark movie Loving Leah. See also Takkanot Shum Widow conservation References External links Levirate Marriage and Halizah Tamar -- the Wife of Yehudah Redemption in Megillat Ruth Jewish marital law Positive Mitzvoth Widow inheritance