Jewish Wedding: A Crash Course

Question

What happens before the wedding?

Answer

BEDEKEN Before the ceremony, there will be a bedeken, in which Ben will place the veil over Elaine's head. This hearkens back to the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah, in which Jacob was tricked into marrying the wrong sister because she was fully veiled. This ceremony often includes singing in Hebrew! If Ben and Elaine hadn't seen each other yet the day of the wedding, this would be the first time (not when Elaine walks down the aisle). KETUBAH Also before the ceremony, Ben, Lanie, and two non-familial witnesses will sign the ketubah, the marriage contract. Our ketubah will be artfully crafted, and we intend to hang it on our wall.

Question

What happens at the ceremony?

Answer

SETUP At a Jewish wedding, the groom and bride are both walked down the aisle by both parents. The bridge and groom will stand under the chuppah, a wedding canopy, throughout the ceremony, as Rabbi Zimmerman (Elaine's childhood rabbi) officiates. All men (and women who wish) are asked to wear a kippah, a head covering. We will provide them for you. CEREMONY The bride traditionally walks 7 circles around the groom to symbolize starting a new life together. 7 is a popular number, as 7 blessings (sheva brachot) will be bestowed upon the couple. The couple will drink wine and recite short Hebrew sentences consecrating themselves to each other. At the conclusion of the ceremony (which is relatively short), the groom will step on a glass, breaking it to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (because, even in a moment of great joy, we remember our past). And then, you can cheer! You'll hear the phrase "Mazel Tov!", which means "congratulations." YICHUD Ben and Elaine will take a little break during the beginning of Cocktail Hour, as they'll retreat to the yichud room, a room in which they will be completely alone for a few minutes for the first time as husband and wife. Since no one can disturb them during this time, a friend may stand guard to prevent any guests from interrupting.

Question

What happens at the reception?

Answer

RECEPTION You'll see some things you recognize: a first dance; yummy dinner; toasts from parents of the bride, the best man, and the maid of honor; party dances; and more! But there are other things, too. HORA The hora is a traditional Jewish dance, used at celebrations! It can go on for over half an hour. An ask from Ben and Lanie: even if you're not Jewish or never done the hora before, PLEASE join in and dance! Just grab someone's hands, make concentric circles around the bride and groom, and do a grapevine step (or just walk) in a circle. You don't need to dance the whole time, but please don't be shy. BIRKAT HAMAZON After dinner, we will recite birkat hamazon, the grace after meals, and the sheva brachot (the seven blessings recited during the ceremony) will be repeated. This prayer is also colloquially called "bensching."

Question

Why is the wedding on a Sunday?

Answer

Jewish weddings cannot take place on Shabbat (Friday night-Saturday), but any other day of the week is usually acceptable! Sundays are a popular choice.

Question

Will the wedding be kosher?

Answer

Yes, all food at the wedding itself will be certified kosher, provided by Catering by Andrew. Please refrain from bringing any outside food to the venue. Any other celebrations will be kosher style, unless otherwise indicated.