Bring your dancing shoes.
A Jewish wedding has many components. The best part is that the bride and groom can pick or change most of them. Below are the events we have decided to include in our wedding.
A Jewish wedding has many components. The best part is that the bride and groom can pick or change most of them. Below are the events we have decided to include in our wedding.
Following the 6 o’clock cocktail hour, you will witness the signing of our ketubah by Vivian and Naomi. Despite the language that the chatan has “acquired” the kallah, the true significance of this Aramaic document is to recount the rights of the kallah. In fact, the ketubah belongs solely to her as proof of those rights. At this time, Hannah & Rich will each receive an object from Rabbi Fisher to demonstrate their willingness to accept these responsibilities.
Before heading to the ceremony, Rich will perform the bedeken. In the Torah, Jacob wishes to marry Rachel, daughter of Laban. At the wedding, Laban tricks Jacob into marrying Rachel’s older sister, Leah, by placing a veil over her head. Today, the chatan checks the kallah before placing the veil to ensure he marries the right woman.
At this point, we ask that all men put on a kippah, also known as a yarmulke. Wearing a kippah is a form of respect.
We are having an unplugged wedding. Please turn off your phones and leave your cameras at home. We hope you can be truly present for the event and leave the photos to the photographer!
The processional in a Jewish wedding is similar to almost all others with two exceptions. First, both the bride and groom will walk down the aisle escorted by their parents. Second, guests should not stand for the bride. The groom is just as important, so stay seated and keep up your strength for the dancing!
Second, guests should not stand for the bride.
Following the processional, Hannah will meet Rich at the chuppah, a structure with a roof and no walls. The chuppah symbolizes the home we will build together, one that is open to the community yet protective of our love. Before entering, both Hannah & Rich will circle each other, three times each then once together. Known as hakafah, this circling represents the creation of our new family. Rabbi Fisher will then bless the wine, a symbol of our joy, and pronounce the betrothal blessing. Finally, Hannah & Rich will exchange rings.
After our ketubah is read in both Aramaic and English, Aaron will lead us in the Sheva Brachot: the seven wedding blessings. You can see the seventh blessing below in Hebrew, transliteration, and English. The guests jump in during two parts of this blessing. Listen below to learn your part and don’t forget to say “amen” for all seven!
No in-laws, seating charts, or photographers. No exceptions.
Hannah & Rich will then be escorted with song and dance to yichud to the tune you learned above. In a day filled with chaos, yichud is a time in which Hannah & Rich will retreat to a private room for 15 minutes of personal time. No in-laws, seating charts, or photographers. No exceptions.
Don’t be intimidated! The hora, a simple circle dance, is meant to be joyous, loud, and fun. Before the music comes to an end, Hannah & Rich will take a seat. Like a Queen and King, they expect to be entertained! Bring your best miming, juggling, magic tricks, feats of strength, elaborate costumes, or anything else you wish to share!
Birkat Hamazon can be roughly translated to “grace after meals”. Although it seems like a long prayer, hang in there. The dancing will continue momentarily!