FAQs
Question
What time should I arrive?
Answer
Please arrive between 1 and 1:15 pm on Sunday, June 29. We plan to start the ceremony at 1:30, followed by cocktail hour from 2-3 and dinner/dancing from 3-7. There will be no place to wait indoors if you arrive before 1, unfortunately! There is a nearby Starbucks and McDonald's if you are running early. The wedding venue is Mountainville Manor: 199 Taylor Road Mountainville, NY 10953
Question
How do I contact you?
Answer
Please email us with any questions prior to wedding day: alexbhannahh@gmail.com or call one of us. On our wedding day, please contact our coordinator, Lauren Abramson, with any questions: 845-534-8400. Be advised that cell phone reception at the wedding venue is unreliable, but there is free wifi.
Question
Can I bring my own food?
Answer
Unfortunately no, because it is a health code violation. There will be plenty of food at the cocktail hour and reception!
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
We recommend cocktail attire. The ceremony might take place outside (we are still deciding), so please remove your jacket if you feel hot. The cocktail hour and dinner reception will be indoors with air conditioning. Guests traveling by public transportation are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes. Feel free to wear light/bright colors and comfortable fabrics!
Question
Where do I stay?
Answer
We have reserved a block of rooms for our wedding weekend at the Hampton Inn. Please see the "Travel" section of this website for more information - we recommend calling the hotel to secure the Hoffman-Berenbeim discount: 877-362-4969. If the Hampton Inn fills up, there are other hotels and bed & breakfasts in the area.
Question
Will there be COVID precautions?
Answer
Masks are optional, and please be current on your COVID vaccinations. Do not attend our wedding if you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, or if you have recently been exposed to someone who has COVID. We appreciate your willingness to help protect our vulnerable guests.
Question
Will the food be kosher?
Answer
The food will not be strictly kosher, but it will be dairy kosher-style, meaning that meat and shellfish will not be present (but fish will). There will be a vegan entree option and several vegetarian hors d'oeuvres. The food will also be completely free of tree nuts and sesame.
Question
Can I smoke or vape?
Answer
No. The property is completely non-smoking and non-vaping. Also, the bride is repulsed by the odor of cigarettes and cannabis so please do not bring those smells with you.
Question
Will there be alcohol?
Answer
Yes. There will be an open bar (with kosher wine included). Please drink responsibly.
Question
Will there be coffee?
Answer
There will be cold brew coffee at cocktail hour and hot coffee after the meal.
Question
Will there be a place to change diapers?
Answer
Yes. Once inside the manor, walk up the stairs and make a u-turn to the right. You will find a private room and bathroom at the end of the hall on the left. Hey, no funny business!
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
No. We are only able to accommodate the number of guests that we have invited.
Question
Are there any other events?
Answer
There is a welcome dinner the night before the wedding for out-of-town guests only. RSVP is required and we have already submitted the final guest count.
Question
May I take pictures during the ceremony?
Answer
We ask that you turn off or completely silence your cell phones during the ceremony and please do not take pictures or videos until after the ceremony.
Question
Should I visit you at the sweetheart table or give the two of you space?
Answer
Please visit us! We will be sitting at our own table in order to be approachable. We want to spend time with our guests.
Question
I've never attended a Jewish wedding. What can I expect?
Answer
We are including many but not all traditional parts of a Jewish wedding. The marriage ceremony is called Chuppah because it takes place under a chuppah (canopy), which is symbolic of the new home that Alex and Hannah plan to build together. The chuppah is open on all sides to symbolize that their new home will be hospitable. The two parts of the ceremony are: Kiddushin (Betrothal) and Nissuin (Marriage). The Kiddushin begins as Rabbi Eric Hoffman (Hannah's father) recites two blessings: one over wine, a symbol of joy and celebration, and the other expressing the sanctity of marriage. Following these blessings, Alex and Hannah will exchange rings and declare, "Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel." The Nissuin is completed with the recitation of the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings). Alex breaks a glass at the conclusion of the ceremony to recall the destruction of the Temple. Then the guests proclaim, "Mazel Tov!" The Chuppah will be followed by a cocktail hour and then a joyous Seudah (Banquet). It is a mitzvah for guests to dance as this increases the joy of bride and groom. The menu will be dairy kosher-style (fish but no meat), with vegan options. All the food will be free of nuts, sesame, and shellfish.
Question
What is the meaning of the Hebrew letters on your invitation?
Answer
Under each of our English names we included our respective Hebrew names. It is common for Jews to be given two sets of names by their parents: one in English and one in Hebrew. Alex's Hebrew name is שמואל לב - Shmuel Lev. "Shmuel" is the Hebrew form of "Samuel" and "Lev" means "Heart." Hannah's Hebrew name is טובה גיטל - Tovah Gittel. "Tovah" means "Good" in Hebrew and "Gittel" means "Good" in Yiddish. The Hebrew letters under the English date convey the corresponding date on the Hebrew calendar. In written Hebrew, numbers are expressed as letters of the Hebrew alphabet, with the first letter א corresponding to the number 1, the second letter ב corresponding to the number 2, up to the tenth letter י. The eleventh number represents 20, the twelfth number 30, and so on up to 100 ק. After ק each letter increases in value by another hundred, until the final letter ת which is 400. The Hebrew date corresponding to June 29, 2025 is the third day of the month of Tammuz, in the year 5785. The Hebrew that you see (read from right to left) ג׳ תמוז תשפ"ה - conveys first the day (3), then the month (Tammuz), then the year minus the millennium (785) expressed as 400+300+80"5.