As with many Jewish events, holidays, and rituals, we know how to bring the food and energy! The beginning of our wedding is the equivalent of a cocktail hour and is called the “Shmorg” (because there’s literally a smorgasbord of food). Important Note: There will still be a full dinner after the ceremony, so don’t hold back on enjoying the shmorg! During this time, the bride and groom are separated into different rooms. MJ will be at the Tisch, the Yiddish word for “table.” Expect singing, drinking, and maybe a game or two! There will also be some documents signed and, of course, some dishes broken. Every time a dish breaks, feel free to shout “Mazal Tov!” – it’s a celebration! At the same time, Shuli will be at the Kabbalat Panim—the Hebrew term referring to the welcoming of guests before the main ceremony. You can expect much better food than what MJ and the Boiis have at the Tisch, and a great (slightly calmer than the rest of the night) vibe where you can say hello and maybe even snap a picture with Shuli! Pro Tip for the Gents: Come to the Shmorg FIRST. Grab the better food. Bring some to MJ if you’re feeling generous. Wave to Shuli (so you can say you did). THEN head over to the Tisch.
The Bedeken, or Veiling of the Bride, is an absolute MOMENT. A band will accompany the men from the Tisch room as they Dance MJ and the Dads into the main room and to Shuli so they can Veil and Bless her. Then, MJ will be danced out, we’ll sing a bit more (see songs below), and head straight into the Chuppah ceremony. To get a sense of this special moment, check out this video from a friend's wedding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nigy3moBjWs
The Chuppah literally translates to the wedding canopy under which we will be married. The structure represents the home we will build together. It’s open on all sides, symbolizing that family and friends will always be welcome in our home. Here’s what to expect during the ceremony: -The crew will walk the aisle (do not hesitate to cheer them on- there are a lot of faces out there!!) -Shuli will circle MJ seven times to symbolize our commitment to each other. -Our marriage document, the “Ketubah” will be read in Aramaic- don’t be concerned if you don’t catch all the lingo but we promise, she is worth every goat! -Rings! -Rabbis, family, and friends will join us to read the “Sheva Brachot” (Seven Blessings) to thank God for this special occasion. -We’ll sing a song and break a glass to remember the destruction of the Temples, and sing again to honor our family and friends in the Israeli Defense Forces. -WE ARE MARRIED!!!!!!!!
After the ceremony, our friends and family will dance us to the Yichud room. “Yichud” means “seclusion,” and this is our chance to have a private moment together to soak in the excitement and joy of just getting married and to gear up for what is yet to come. Head over to the reception to grab your first course of dinner and feel comfortable changing into sneakers- we want to see our people out there on the dance floor with us!
Somehow we don’t have a special Jewish word for this one but we promise to make it fun and delicious. The couple will join everyone on the dance floor which will be divided, men on one side, ladies on the other. The bride and groom will be in the center of their circles dancing with everyone. PLEASE: Jump into the circles and dance with us—don’t make us find you! GET IN THERE!
In an attempt to make this as easy as possible, the below two songs are frequently repeated and the same words with one extra line in the second song! Od Yashama - If you’re only going to learn one song, this is THE ONE! The last word of the song, “Kallah” means bride, so everyone sings that word with special emphasis! Lyrics Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSYyk9AsidA An awesome video of the band that will be at our wedding and a solid depiction of the chaotic joy of the dancing of the night. Let’s bring the energy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSDgSX-QIqY Lyrics: Od Yishama Be-arei Yehuda U’vechutzot Yerushalayim Kol Sasson Vekol Simcha Kol Chatan Vekol Kallah Translation: Yet again there shall be heard in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem. The voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. Meheirah Meheirah - Tune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhmgYGK5dFY Lyrics: Meheira Meheira Hashem Elokeinu (quickly quickly our God) Od Yishama Be-arei Yehuda U’vechutzot Yerushalayim Kol Sasson Vekol Simcha Kol Chatan Vekol Kallah
The Hora! This dance is so easy, it’s pretty much impossible to mess up! Just join the circle, grab hands with your neighbors, and dance in whatever direction the circle goes. If the circle stops (usually because there’s no more space), just clap, or jump till the movement starts up again! Overall: we are a friendly, non-judgemental crowd. If you have any questions about our customs, please ask!