Jewish Weddings
Tisch
Ketubah signing, eating, singing
To start, Jonah and Maya will both be in a room for a tisch, which literally means "table". We will be signing our ketubah, our Jewish marriage contract, and also will be signing some civil documents as well during this time. Our mothers, Julia and Nina, will also come in at this time and break a plate, which symbolizes us leaving our parent's homes. After all the documents are signed, we will continue by offering words of Torah (a speech about the parsha). I know you're thinking that will be boring, but here is the catch-the goal is to interrupt us as much as possible with a song or a heckle. There is lots of singing, drinking, and laughing during this time. After about 30 minutes, Maya will leave and make her way to the Kabbalat Panim (see below), while Jonah will remain in the tisch until the ceremony. All guests are welcome to be at either gathering, our whole wedding is egalitarian.
Kabbalat Panim and Bedekin
Bridal reception
Kabbalat Panim: After Maya leaves the tisch (see above), she will go and sit in a chair surrounded by her mother and future mother in law, grandmothers, sisters, and bridesmaids. Kabbalat panim literally means "receiving faces", and while Maya is sitting in the chair we welcome any guest to come up to her and greet her. A kallah (bride) on her wedding day is thought to be extra holy, so it is customary to ask for a blessing from a kallah. Bedeken: After about 30 minutes of greeting Maya and receiving blessings, Jonah will be escorted towards Maya in lively song and dance with the band playing surrounded by the dads, grandpa, brother, and groomsmen and whoever else remained in the tisch. He will dance to Maya and veil her. The meaning of the word bedeken is to "check", and the origin of this tradition is in the story of Jacob in the bible, who was tricked into marrying Leah instead of Rachel. All guests will surround the area, sing and dance with LOTS of energy, while confirming that Jonah is indeed veiling the right woman.
Chuppah
Ceremony
The ceremony will begin with the wedding procession with our families and wedding party, after which we will begin the ceremony. As Maya approaches Jonah, she will circle him 3 times, he will circle her 3 times, and then they will circle each other once, making for a total of 7 circles. This traditionally is done by only the woman, but we will be circling each other as has become customary in the conservative movement. The ceremony will begin with Erusin/Kiddushin (the formal Jewish betrothal). Our officiant, Benjy Forester, will say a blessing and we will each have a sip of wine. For Kiddushin, or sanctification of the marriage, M&J will exchange rings. The transfer of the ring signals the agreement between Maya and Jonah that they are committed to only each other. Benjy will next read the ketubah aloud. The second portion of the ceremony, the nissuin (nuptials), will follow with the recitation of the traditional sheva brachot (seven blessings), each of which is read in Hebrew by family or friends that the couple wish to honor. The ceremony will close with Jonah breaking a glass, at which point the band will start blasting music and everyone will dance Maya and Jonah out to the Yichud, or seclusion, room for a few moments of quiet.
Simcha dancing
Reception
This is the dancing part!!!! Maya and Jonah will run in from the Yichud room into the reception hall after everyone has moved in from the ceremony to the reception. We will IMMEDIATELY begin a WILD horah (can you tell we're very excited for this part?!). All you need to do for the horah is run around, dance in circles, and keep moving with the masses!! Maya and Jonah may even pull you into the center of the circle to dance with them!! Remember, Maya LOVES dancing (and Jonah is growing to love it as well) so we hope for the highest energy level from all of our friends and family. Part of the horah/simcha dancing component includes "schtick", which is where everyone brings props, makes signs, and wears swag from camp/school/wherever you know us from and make us laugh! We are so excited to see what you all come up with. After the first dance set, everyone will eat, enjoy more music and dancing (including some rikudei am/line dances), and dance the night away!!