FAQs
Question
How did you meet?
Answer
Our story began at Rutgers University, where we were both nursing majors navigating the challenges of our studies. From the moment we met, we quickly became friends, bonding at Hillel and Chabad and talking about nursing. Shari often helped Sefi with anatomy, while he had a talent for reminding her of all the important information she tended to forget! Our friendship deepened as we began spending more time together, particularly while binge-watching ER on the nights we weren’t studying. The episodes would end with a long conversation or even a little walk around campus. Everything changed during an unforgettable night at a Rutgers basketball game. Shari convinced Sefi to come with her to a game she was almost certain they were going to lose. But as the game went on, we were having the time of their lives and gained some hope of our victory. The atmosphere was electric as we cheered for our team, and the moment Ron Harper Jr. hit that incredible half-court buzzer beater to clinch the victory over Purdue was nothing short of magical. In the excitement and thrill of that moment, we realized that our friendship had blossomed into something deeper. From then on, it was clear that we were meant to be more than just friends. Our journey together has been filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories, and we can’t wait to celebrate the next chapter of our story with all of you!
Question
What should I expect before the ceremony at an Orthodox Jewish Wedding?
Answer
What to expect BEFORE THE CHUPPAH… Groom’s Tisch (approximately 3:15 PM) Prior to the wedding ceremony, an informal reception for Sefi is held at which family and friends share food, learn Torah and spend time together. The reception is called a tisch, which is the Yiddish word for table. During the tisch, both the tena’im agreement and ketubah are signed (See below). Tena’im and Ketubah Signing (approximately 3:30 PM) Long ago, an agreement between the family of the bride and the family of the groom, called tena’im, was signed prior to the couple’s marriage. While the terms are only symbolic, the tradition is still practiced today. The two mothers break a plate to seal the agreement. The ketubah (written contract) was originally ordained by the Talmudic sages as a form of protection for the woman in the event of the dissolution of the marriage. The ketubah is often thought of as a symbol of the love shared by the couple. Because it is a legal document, it is signed by two witnesses. Bride’s Kabbalat Panim (approximately 3:15 PM) During the tisch, Shari is greeted in a separate location in a tradition called kabbalat panim. At the end of the tisch, Sefi is danced over to Shari in order to perform the bedeken, or veiling of the bride. Bedeken (approximately 3:45 PM) At the end of the tisch and kabbalat panim, Sefi places a veil over Shari in a ceremony called bedeken. The tradition is based on the Biblical story of Rebecca being veiled as her future husband Isaac approached her for the first time, and represents the dignity and modesty characteristic of Jewish brides.
Question
What should I expect during the ceremony at an Orthodox Jewish Wedding?
Answer
What to expect AT THE CHUPPAH… Chuppah (approximately 4:10 PM) At the wedding ceremony, Sefi and Shari will stand under a decorated chuppah (canopy), symbol of their first home. Circling the groom Once under the chuppah, Shari will circle Sefi seven times. There is a tradition that the groom prays quietly while being circled by his bride. Wedding Service The wedding service consists of two parts: eirusin (engagement) and kiddushin (marriage). There are two engagement blessings: one recited over a cup of wine and the other proclaiming the sanctity of the union between a man and a woman. Ring Sefi gives a ring to Shari. The gift of the ring is witnessed by two eidim (witnesses) as it is happening. As Sefi gives Shari her ring, he recites the ancient words of betrothal. Ketubah Reading The ketubah (wedding document) is read aloud under the chuppah, likely to mark a separation between the two parts of the wedding service. Kiddushin/Sheva Brachot Seven close relatives and friends will be called up to the Chuppah to recite the sheva brachot (seven blessings). Breaking the glass The service concludes with the groom stomping on a glass as a remembrance of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Question
What should I expect after the ceremony at an Orthodox Jewish Wedding?
Answer
What to expect AFTER THE CHUPPAH… Yichud Immediately after the wedding ceremony, it is customary for the bride and groom to share some time in seclusion prior to the celebration of the wedding with guests. They will rejoin family and friends for a round of festive dancing after the appetizer is served. Seudah It is considered a mitzvah (Jewish commandment) to celebrate a wedding with food, dancing, and expressions of joy. Initially, men and women will dance in separate circles. At several points, you may notice guests performing shtick, entertaining the bride and groom through costumes, juggling, inside jokes and general silliness. Please join in the fun!!
