Rebecca & Yoni
Jewish Wedding Day 101
Kabbalat Panim
"Greeting Guests"
The wedding day will kick off with a Kabbalat Panim for the bride. While the men are getting ready at the Tisch, Becca will be sitting in a separate room with her mother, Valerie, on one side and Yoni's mother, Sarah, on the other side as female guests come in to greet her and give her blessings.
Tisch
"Table"
While the women are sharing blessings with Becca in one room, Yoni and his close male friends and family will sit/stand around a table with snacks and (many) drinks, as they loosen up and get hyped for the upcoming wedding. At the end of the Tisch, Yoni will be marched to see his bride for the first time on their wedding day - what's called the Bedeken!
Bedeken
"Veiling / Covering"
After Yoni has been paraded to see Becca, they will see each other for the first time that day and he will place the veil over her head (accompanied by much singing and dancing!) The Bedeken finds its origins in Genesis, where Rebecca veils herself when she hears that Isaac, her betrothed, is approaching. There are many explanations for why Rebecca veiled her face, one of which is that with her face hidden and her own view obstructed, Rebecca and Isaac both agreed to wed a person they had never seen, confident that it is God's will that they marry and focusing on their betrothed's inner rather than outer beauty.
Ketubah Signing
Marriage Contract
The ketubah is a marriage contract which recites the groom's promises to his wife—among other things, that he will care for her spiritually, physically, and financially. By signing the ketubah, the bride agrees to wed the groom on the condition that he fulfill his obligations, and she agrees with the identification of communal versus personal property.
Walk to the Chuppah
Wedding Canopy
In the Jewish tradition, both of Yoni's parents will walk him down the aisle to the chuppah, the altar beneath which the couple exchanges vows. Then Becca will follow with both of her parents on either side.
Chuppah
The Ceremony!
The Chuppah, like many elements of a Jewish wedding, is beautifully symbolic. It is a symbol of the home that the couple will build together in their married life, and is open on all sides like the biblical tent of Abraham and Sarah, signifying that everyone is welcome and that everyone will be treated hospitably.
Hakafot
Circling
Upon arriving at the chuppah, Becca will walk in a circle around Yoni seven times representing the seven wedding blessings and seven days of creation. Hakafot (circles) have no end and no beginning - a symbol of perfection and foreverness.
Sheva Brachot
Seven Blessings
The sheva (seven) brachot (blessings) are read in both Hebrew and English, focusing on joy, celebration and the power of love. They begin with the blessing over a cup of wine, and then progress to more grand and celebratory statements, ending with a blessing of joy, peace, companionship, and the opportunity for the bride and groom to rejoice together. Yoni and Becca will be honoring select family and close loved-ones to read these blessings for them.
Breaking of the Glass
Mazel Tov!
Concluding the final moments of the wedding ceremony, Yoni will break a glass (usually wrapped in a cloth napkin or bag to avoid injury!) with his right foot. The couple will then kiss, the guests shout “Mazel Tov!” meaning “Congratulations!” and that's the end of the ceremony! There are many conflicting reasons why this Jewish wedding tradition takes place. Among them: a reference to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem; a representation of the fragility of human relationships; and a reminder that marriage changes the lives of individuals forever. Whatever it is, we're now married!
The Horah
Party Time!
It's time to PARTY! In fact, it is a mitzvah (a Jewish commandment) for wedding guests to entertain the bride and groom. During the reception, the band will begin playing a traditional song known as "The Horah." Yoni and Becca will be entertained by the guests and ultimately lifted up in the air in chairs while holding either side of a cloth napkin. We encourage you to join hands and dance in a circle around them.