Jewish Wedding Explainer
Pre-Ceremony Receptions (4pm)
Kabbalat Panim/Chatan's Tisch
Shmorg (smorgasbord) The wedding begins with the smorgasbord (cocktail hour), during which time the bride and groom greet their guests in separate rooms. Kabbalat Panim (Bride's reception) Aviva enters the shmorg (cocktail hour) to receive guests. She sits in a large special seat, and everyone in attendance is invited to approach her to exchange greetings and blessings. Chatan's Tisch (Groom's reception) Josh's reception takes place in a separate room where he sits surrounded by his relatives and friends. The atmosphere is lively and filled with singing. During this time, the tenaim and ketubah, both of ancient origin, are signed by two witnesses. The tenaim is a formal agreement declaring the couple's intention to wed. The ketubah is the marriage contract, an integral part of a Jewish marriage.
Bedekin (5pm)
Veiling of the bride
Towards the end of cocktail hour, Josh's family and friends dance him from the Chatan's tisch to where Aviva is seated. The fathers give the bride a blessing, and then Josh places the veil over Aviva's face, a custom that originates with the matriarch Rebecca, who veiled herself upon seeing Isaac for the first time. Once the veil is placed, Josh is danced back out of the room and it is time to proceed to the Chuppah for the wedding ceremony.
Chuppah (Ceremony) (5:15pm)
Wedding Ceremony
Aviva and Josh will be married under a chuppah, which is a canopy supported by four posts and open on all four sides. The chuppah symbolizes the home that the couple will make together, filled with love, hospitality and welcoming to all. Under the chuppah, Josh wears a kittel (ceremonial robe), which symbolizes purity and spirituality, and Aviva circles Josh seven times, symbolically building the walls of their new home. During the ceremony many blessings are recited, Josh places a ring on Aviva's finger, and the ketubah (marriage contract) is read aloud.
Reception (6pm)
Eating & Dancing
Guests will make their way into the reception room to enjoy their first course and await the entrance of the newlyweds. When the music starts to pick up and guests gather near the door, you'll know the couple is getting ready for their grand entrance and it's time to dance! Dancing Dancing is a significant part of the celebration. Don't worry if you're not familiar with the music – it's all about having fun and joining in! Men and women will dance in separate circles for the first round of dancing. Wedding Shtick Shtick is a fun and entertaining part of a Jewish wedding reception. Aviva and Josh take seats on the dance floor while friends and family perform dances and stunts in front of them, often using props to evoke memories and make the couple laugh. It's a time for creativity and showing love for the newlyweds. There's no specific order to the madness, and everyone is encouraged to jump in! (some ideas: university gear, posters referencing memories, costumes, fun dances, etc.)
Sheva Berachot (9:30pm)
seven blessings
After the meal and dancing, Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) is recited and the Sheva Brachot (seven blessings) that were recited under the chuppah are repeated.