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A lot of traditions! The wedding will start with the Bedekin and Chossan's Tisch (see below), followed by the Chuppah (ceremony) in the synagogue. The rabbi will lead ceremony, which starts with the bride circling the groom 7 times. You will hear many blessings, which are given out to honorees to be part of the ceremony. Someone will read the ketubah (marriage contract), and the ceremony will conclude with the groom stomping on a glass! This tradition recalls the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and how even in our most joyous moments, we are not complete without it. After the ceremony, the bride and groom will partake in Yichud (seclusion) and will meet the guests at the reception.
This is a pre-wedding reception. The cocktail hour is surrounded by festivities to include a beautiful Bedekin and a lively Chossan's Tisch. See below. Since the Bride and Groom (Kallah and Chossan) cannot see each other before the wedding, they must be greeted separately. It is a time to greet them, as well as friends and family from far and near. We are sure you will have a fabulous time.
While the bride sits on a "throne" awaiting the groom, women compliment her on her beauty and special glow. It is a mitzvah (honor) to do so on the bride's wedding day. At the end of this time, the men dance the groom to meet his bride, check that she's the correct woman, and put the veil over her face to prepare for the chuppah ceremony. This tradition originates from the story in Bereshit (Genesis) of Rebecca veiling her face before meeting her groom, Isaac, as she was brought by his servant, Eliezer, to marry them.
This is the groom's reception of meeting his guests. It is generally for men only. The Chossan's Tisch is a time of preparation to hear words of Torah, listen to the groom's responsibilities as a husband, and witness the signing of the ketubah (marriage contract). At the end of the Tisch, the mothers of the bride and groom break a plate. There is also a custom to give some of the pieces to unmarried attendees so that they may also merit in a joyous wedding.
Since the wedding ceremony and events are a religious observance, it is customary for men to wear nice suits and for women to dress in modest attire. For women, this would mean to cover shoulders, elbows and knees and avoid showing midriffs and cleavage. A dress or gown would be appropriate. Please make sure your attire is comfortable, so you can dance with us!
At the ceremony, since it is an Orthodox religious service, men will sit on the left side and women will sit to the right. Men and women will dance separately with a wall, or mechitzah, between them. The reason for the partition between men and women is the issue of modesty. You will see energetic, happy dancing on both sides of the partition.