What To Expect At A Jewish Wedding
Question
What happens when I arrive?
Answer
The Tish (aka the party starts): The men (and women) gather in a room off to the side, lending the groom support for this joyful yet serious day. You will drink, sing, share well wishes, and perpetually interrupt Danny as he tries to say a few words. Badeken: While the men are carrying on at the Chossen’s Tish, Rebecca will be sitting upon "her throne". Women (and men) will come visit Rebecca while she waits. After she waits, for what probably seems like a long time, Danny is danced out in order to see his bride. He checks to make sure that he is about to marry the correct woman. After Rebecca receives a blessing, she covers herself with her veil. This reminds us that, upon seeing her husband Isaac, Rebecca covered herself as a sign of modesty. Rebecca’s covering herself also indicated that she remained her own sense of self (Gen 24:65). Before Danny is danced out and everyone heads to the ceremony, the Maseder Kiddushin (the Rabbi, aka Rebecca's dad, performing the ceremony) takes care of certain last-minute ritual obligations. First, the Ketubah (the wedding contract) is checked over and read aloud. Second, two witnesses sign the document. Then Danny acquires the contract because he will soon transfer ownership of the Ketubah (marriage contract) to Rebecca under the chuppah.
Question
What is a Chuppah?
Answer
The wedding ceremony takes place underneath the Chuppah, the wedding canopy. It symbolizes the Bride and Groom’s new home. Our Chuppah includes the Talis of Rebecca's grandfather, Sy Glaser (z'"l). As Rebecca ascends towards the Chuppah, she will circle around Danny seven times. Circling around her husband symbolically creates the intimate space that the couple will now share.
Question
What happens during the ceremony? I heard something about breaking glass?
Answer
There are two parts to the ceremony before we break any glass; Erusin (Betrothal) and Nisuin (Nuptials). Erusin (Betrothal), establishes the binding relationship between the bride and the groom. The Betrothal ceremony consists of blessing over a cup of wine, placing the wedding band upon the bride’s index finger, and the groom’s recitation of the marriage declaration. After the Ketubah is publicly read, the second phase of the wedding ceremony begins. This phase consists of seven benedictions known as Shevah Brachot. The first blessing is over the cup of wine. The next six benedictions embody the theme that the bride and groom bind themselves to G-d, as well as to each other. These blessings will be recited by people close to Danny and Rebecca. Breaking the Glass: After completing the Seven Benedictions, a glass is placed on the ground, and Danny steps on it and breaks it. This tradition began during the time of the Babylonian Talmud in order to temper the joy at a wedding and remind those present of the destruction of Jerusalem and other calamities that we have endured.
Question
Now what?!
Answer
Immediately after the wedding ceremony Rebecca and Danny will enter a private room for a few private moments and exchange gifts. Everyone heads to the cocktail hour. Get ready for LOTS OF DANCING! And we mean LOTS. As soon as Rebecca and Danny enter the reception we will launch into a Horah - get ready to lift them in chairs!