FAQs

Question

What time should I arrive to the ceremony?

Answer

Be there in time for the ceremony (chuppah) which is planned for 2:30 PM sharp. A ketubah signing and tish are planned earlier, starting around 1:30; but space is limited. You're welcome to join us, but we're planning for a small-ish affair for that. So, probably 2ish... (and then join in the pre-ceremony festivities) Note: parking at the synagogue is limited! Street parking should be readily available, but do give yourself a few extra minutes to get from the parking spot to the synagogue. (And fellow HP south-siders, you may want to consider walking :-)

Question

Are there any other events that I should know about around the wedding?

Answer

We're holding an auf ruf (Shabbat Chatan v'Kallah) the day before (Shabbat). You're welcome to join (if you live in town, we'd encourage you to join us), but there will be a bat mitzvah that Shabbat (mazal tov, Halcyon!) and that (outside of regular Shabbat morning services) will be the focus of that morning. That being said, again, you're welcome to join us that day! We may come up with other plans for the weekend prior to the wedding but have yet to firm those up.

Question

Is there a formal sit-down meal?

Answer

We won’t have a formal sit-down meal. There will be plenty of food, desserts and drinks set up in the lobby. We’ll have chairs and a few small tables in the main room and a lot of space to dance and enjoy the party! There will be also other areas at the temple were our guests will be able to sit and chill with friends and family. If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate reaching out to us.

Question

What should I wear?

Answer

Whatever you think is appropriate for an autumn indoor wedding, but we suggest wearing or at least bringing along comfortable shoes. And men, please bring a kippah (yarmulke) if you have one for the ceremony--women may of course have one too if that's your custom, and extras will be provided for those who don't have one.

Question

May I take pictures during the ceremony?

Answer

We are going to respectfully ask that everyone turn off all cameras and cell phones during the ceremony in the sanctuary. We want each of you to be truly present and in the moment with us. We've hired a terrific photographer (thanks, Manas!) who will be capturing the way the wedding ceremony looks; we're inviting you to sit back and focus on how it feels. We will be happy to share our ceremony photos with you afterward! We would appreciate your sharing with us photos from other segments of the celebration.

Question

I've never been to a Jewish wedding before. What should I expect?

Answer

This Jewish wedding glossary may be of help: https://www.theknot.com/content/jewish-weddings-glossary-of-terms The ceremony (huppah) will be preceded by the ketubah signing, perhaps b'deken (it's an Ashkenazi custom), and tish. Following the ceremony we will disappear into yihud for a few minutes and then re-emerge a few minutes later to enjoy the musical celebration with you all. We'll have some of America's finest klezmer musicians and a dance leader leading dancing (along with David's band, Tsu fil Duvids klezmer ensemble), friends will lead the berberisca ceremony (a Jewish Moroccan wedding tradition http://thewalkupblog.com/la-noche-de-novia/), plus we hope salsa and other dancing.

Question

May I bring my kids?

Answer

Absolutely, however you should be aware that we don't expect many kids and don't plan on any childcare (i.e., you may have to keep an eye on your (younger) kids). And we ask that you please RSVP them too so we can get an accurate count (and you may add additional details in the RSVP note). If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate reaching out to us.

Question

So, what's the weather typically like in October?

Answer

Relatively mild. More details here: https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/highland-park-nj/08904/month/3332_pc?monyr=10/14/2018 And this should be just before fall foliage peak: https://weather.com/maps/fall-foliage