Jewish Wedding

Question

Kabalas Panim

Answer

It is customary for the bride and groom to host pre-nuptial receptions shortly before the chuppah ceremony. Light refreshments, and l'chaims are served.

Question

Bedekin

Answer

After the kabalas panim receptions hosted by the bride and groom, the badekin ceremony commences. A procession headed by the groom goes to the bridal reception, where the groom covers the bride's face with a veil. After the groom veils the bride, the fathers and grandfathers of the bride and groom approach the bride and bless her. The groom's entourage then retreats from the room. The bride and groom proceed with their chuppah preparations and everyone else continues to the site of the chuppah.

Question

Chuppah

Answer

The chuppah is a canopy which sits atop four poles. The chuppah will be outdoors under the open sky, symbolizing that the couple should receive the blessing that G‑d gave our patriarch Abraham: “I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens..." Abraham and Sarah were so passionate about the mitzvah of inviting guests, that they built a special tent with an opening on each side. That way, guests could walk straight in regardless of which direction they were coming from. When a bride and groom are forming the foundation of their future life, they do so under a canopy with four “doorways,” symbolizing their commitment to build a household that mirrors this tradition of goodness and kindness.