The Finer Details

Question

What should I expect at a Jewish wedding?

Answer

It is the reunion of two halves of a single Divine soul, expressed in time-honored traditions and a legal commitment to the other’s spiritual and material wellbeing. It is solemn yet celebratory, like a personal Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) for the bride and groom as they start a new life together. Guests are honored, active participants in the joy of the new couple and community. Upon arrival, men and women are directed to the receptions of the groom and bride, respectively, also known as “kabalat panim.” Come say hello and enjoy light refreshments! Personal blessings and words of Torah are often shared. Soon, the groom arrives with his entourage to veil the bride before the chuppah ceremony under the wedding canopy begins. The canopy's four open sides symbolize ancestral hospitality and serve to remind the new couple that their holy bond is to be based on selfless giving. At this time, the ketubah (marriage contract) is read aloud, seven blessings (sheva berachot) are recited, the groom consecrates his bride with a gold ring, and the couple is wed according to Jewish law. The groom will smash a drinking glass to recall the destruction of the Holy Temple, the epicenter of G-d’s presence in the physical world, without which our joy is incomplete. With this pause, the festivities resume. The new couple are marched out with fanfare and joyful song to share a moment of privacy before joining their guests at a celebratory meal, often accompanied by dancing and toasts from family, friends, or teachers. Printed programs will be available at the Chuppah. To familiarize yourself in advance with the different key points of a Jewish wedding, we recommend perusing: https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/476780/jewish/Guide-to-a-Jewish-Wedding.htm

Question

Is parking available? What kind of security will there be?

Answer

The synagogue has an onsite parking lot on Broad Street with limited curbside parking outside the front entrance. The safety of our community and guests is our foremost priority. For security purposes, the building MUST REMAIN LOCKED at all times. We will try to have a congregant near the front door at all times to help admit guests. The Norwich Police Department will patrol periodically throughout the event. If you already know the keypad code, please ensure you properly reengage the lock before entering. If you do not know the code, please knock on the door or window, or pull the blue handle suspended to the right of the main door for assistance. For the safety of those in attendance, please refrain from bringing anyone who was not invited without first informing us and confirming the identity of your guest. We reserve the right to refuse entry to unknown persons at our discretion, although no personal offense is intended.

Question

What kind of food will be served?

Answer

The buffet-style luncheon is catered by YOSI Kitchen under the Hartford Kashrut Commission. Additional on-site food preparation and all dining is strictly supervised by Rabbi Chagie Rubin. We will properly indicate all items from YOSI, as well as parve, vegan, gluten-free, dairy (cholov stam or cholov Yisroel), and Pas Yisroel status.

Question

Is the wedding venue family-friendly?

Answer

Yes! Our synagogue is home to many families and a Hebrew school and welcomes children. We have books and quiet toys available upon request; a limited number of highchair seats for little ones during the meal; and a lounge area with a baby-changing table in the women’s restroom.

Question

What do you mean by "modest attire"?

Answer

Firstly, we want you to feel comfortable and are just thankful you are choosing to be there to celebrate with us! Men are requested to cover their heads either with a hat or traditional kippah/yarmulke. Extra kippot will be provided at the reception. Women are traditionally encouraged to select dresses or skirts that fall below the knee, and to cover the elbow and collarbone if possible. Beyond that, please dress to your taste.

Question

Where can I stay overnight in the area?

Answer

Please refer to the “Hotels & Travel” tab at the top of our wedding website to find the best option for your stay.

Question

Where is your wedding registry?

Answer

Your presence is the greatest gift to us at the wedding and for a lifetime of memories afterward! If you would find joy in further helping us establish our new Jewish home, we are gratefully accepting monetary gifts with a cash registry. You may find this under the "Registry" tab at the top of our website page. Due to many requests from loved ones, we have also added the option of a traditional registry at Williams-Sonoma. 10% of all monetary contributions are donated to an organization of our choice in order to fulfill the Mitzvah of Tzedakah we are both passionate about. “Great is Tzedakah, for it hastens Redemption!” says the Talmud. Jewish tradition regards Tzedakah, commonly translated “charity,” as an obligation and privilege to share G-d’s own gifts with those in need. In the times of the Holy Temple, every Jewish farmer allotted 10% of their income to the Levites and distributed other portions to the needy throughout the agricultural cycle. “The stranger, the orphan, and the widow in your cities will come and eat and be satisfied so that Hashem, your G-d, will bless you in your handiwork that you undertake” (Deut. 24:29). Truly, we multiply our blessings by dividing them with others! Thank you for your gift that keeps on giving, touching hearts and changing lives in a ripple effect. Gifts may be made under the "Registry" tab at the top of our website page. With love and appreciation, Coleman & Tzipporah