What to Expect at Our Wedding
Kabbalat Panim
Pronounced kah-ba-lat pa-neem
Literally meaning, "welcoming of faces", the kabbalat panim is the Jewish wedding version of cocktail hour. This will happen when you first arrive, before the ceremony starts. There will be more food than you can possibly eat in an hour and, of course, the bar will be open. Traditionally, during this time the bride and the bride and groom's immediate female relatives will be seated at the front of the room greeting guests. Ariel will be doing this for part of the time, but then we'll have a...
Tisch
Pronounced like "tish"
Tisch, Yiddish for “table”, is a pre-wedding celebration where family and friends gather around a table to celebrate and (gently) roast the bride and groom. There will be singing, drinking, and some Jewish words of wisdom. We will also be signing our ketubah (the Jewish marriage contract) during this time. During the tisch, everyone is encouraged to grab a drink, appetizers, and bang on the table, interrupting toasts/roasts with songs and advice. Feel free to jump in and share a few words (toast-worthy or roast-worthy). You’ll get the hang of it, especially the more drinks you enjoy :)
Bedeken
Pronounced beh-deh-kin
After all the singing, drinks, and speeches of the tisch comes Ariel's personal favorite moment of a Jewish wedding. During the bedeken (meaning "check" or "confirm") Joel will place Ariel's veil over her face. What sounds kind of simple, is actually one of the most joyous moments of the day. Ariel will again be seated with female family members and Joel will be led to her surrounded by family and friends who are singing and dancing. Joel, Ariel, and their parents will exchange a few last minute sentiments, and Joel will be led back out by friends and family. Ariel will then have a few moments to dance with her friends and family. After this, it's time to GET MARRIED! During the ceremony, our wonderful friend and Rabbi, Ben Varon, will explain everything that's going on.
What's that song I hear?
Od Yishama (Pronounced ode yee-shah-ma)
This song is traditionally sung throughout a Jewish wedding. The transliteration and translation are below. Please sing, hum or clap along "Od yishama b'arey Yehuda Uv'khutzot Yerushalayim Kol sason v'kol simkha Kol khatan v'kol kala" Translation: Yet again it will be heard in the mountains and the squares of Jerusalem, the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the groom (chatan) and the voice of the bride (kallah)