Ritual Explanation
Tisch & Bedeken
Opening the Day
This pre-ceremony space, in the lobby of the Chapel at Congregation Beth Elohim, is an opportunity for guests to greet Noah and Victoria and to begin to set the mood for the day. Noah and Victoria will be seated together at a table, where they will offer a few words of greeting while surrounded by family and friends ("Tisch" is Yiddish for table). Noah and Victoria will review the "tenaim" (marriage agreements) and their mothers will break a ceramic plate. Witnesses will sign the "ketubah" (marriage contract).
Chuppah
The Wedding Canopy
The ceremony takes place around and beneath the chuppah, a canopy symbolizing the home we are building together. Like Abraham and Sarah’s tent, its open sides represent hospitality and community.
Hakafot
Circling
After processing down the aisle with their parents, Noah and Victoria will circle one another ("hakafot"), symbolizing mutual love, protection, and partnership.
Kiddushin
Sanctification
"Kiddushin" is the sanctification portion of the ceremony. Blessings are shared over wine and rings are exchanged as symbols of commitment and shared future. The rings used in the ceremony are plain and without stones, a perfect circle that represents unity as well as an honest, unadorned commitment. The "ketubah" (marriage contract) is read.
Sheva Brachot
Seven Blessings
The "sheva brachot" (seven blessings) celebrate love, joy, creation, and community, connecting us to generations of Jewish tradition. The blessings will be read by friends and family in both Hebrew and English.
Breaking the Glass
Concluding the Ceremony
Breaking glass reminds us of the destruction of the Second Temple, reminding us to hold both pain and joy at all points in our lives.
Yichud
Seclusion
Following the ceremony, Noah and Victoria will spend their first moments as a married couple together privately before joining the celebration at the Picnic House in Prospect Park.
Songs
Typical Jewish wedding music
Od Yishama https://youtu.be/BomejMKkLHE?si=dlcWR4xIT-TgJHOM Siman Tov Mazel Tov https://youtu.be/CpEPrYzqU9I?si=o_B8HvkBivrE_pCs
