Schedule
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Cocktail Hour: Tisch & Bedeken
12:00 pm
Jewish weddings begin with food! Enjoy a variety of cocktail drinks and tasty small plate options. During the cocktail hour, traditionally the bride and groom hold separate receptions before the wedding ceremony begins. The bride holds a "Kabbalat Panim" (receiving of the guests) while sitting in the "bridal chair," a special seat from which she greets guests and offers blessings while surrounded by family and friends. Meanwhile, in a separate area, the groom holds a "Tisch" (table). He is joined by his male guests for dancing and singing while the "ketubah," the Jewish marriage certificate, is signed. The "Bedeken" (veiling of the bride) is a particularly moving moment of a Jewish wedding. Following the separate receptions, the groom is escorted to the bride with music and dancing. He then places the veil over the bride's face, symbolically reaffirming his choice of bride in remembrance of the Biblical story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah.
Sydney & Cody's Wedding
12:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Woodbury, NY 11797
Chuppah Ceremony
1:00 pm
The groom and then the bride are escorted down the aisle to the "chuppah" (canopy), symbolizing the home the couple will build together. The ceremony begins with the bride encircling the groom seven times, as the number seven in Judaism represents completion and fulfillment. There are then two parts to the Jewish wedding and don't worry - almost everything will be said in both Hebrew and English: "Kiddushin" (Sanctification) - Following the recitation of blessings sanctifying the marriage, the groom will place a ring on the bride's index finger. The wedding ring is a simple unadorned circle, with no beginning or end, representing the endless love between a husband and wife. Afterward, the "ketubah" is read aloud. "Nisuin" (Nuptials) - Next, seven blessings are recited celebrating the gifts of happiness, friendship, family, and love. To end the ceremony, a glass is broken remembering the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem.
Reception: Yichud & Dancing
1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
After breaking the glass and loud shouts of Mazel Tov (congratulations), the newlyweds are danced away from the "chuppah" by family and friends to a secluded "Yichud" room. Here they are able to spend their first few moments alone as husband and wife. During this time, the guests are invited to eat the first course. Now the party begins! We will start with around fifteen minutes of traditional Jewish circle dancing where the guests will be separated by gender via a "mechitzah" (a symbolic separation wall). Then, we'll remove the "mechitzah" and party the night away!