This is going to be a pretty long post but I want to make sure I remember everything I learned about my first Orthodox Jewish wedding! Casey, Justin, and I were some of the few non-Jewish friends attending so we were a bit out of our comfort zone. There was so much going on and a lot to take it but we enjoyed ourselves so much and had a blast dancing and celebrating.
Oops on us...we arrived right on time and the celebration didn't start for at least another hour. It was really interesting-they had a sushi bar and appetizer bar for all the guests to munch on when they arrived. I now know why...by the time we had to leave (as Tuesday was a work night) we had been their 5 hours and we hadn't been served cake yet!
This day is considered a personal Yom Kippur for the chatan (hebrew for groom) and kallah (bride), for on this day all their past mistakes are forgiven as they merge into a new, complete soul.
{Justin in his Yamaka}
It is customary for the chatan and kallah not to see each other preceding the wedding. Therfore, prior to the wedding ceremony, they greet their guests separately, which is called "Kabbalat Panim." Jewish tradition likens the couple to a queen and king. The kallah is seated on a "throne" to receive her guests; while the chatan is seated at the chatan's tisch, the groom's table, where guests gather to partake in singing, dancing and drinking, while sharing words of Torah.
{Shira with mom on the right and mother-in-law on the left}
{Shira greeting us and getting all teary!}
Morris then is escorted to Shira, amidst singing and dancing. The Bedeken, veiling of the bride, originates from the story of Jacob. NOt having first seen his bride, he married Leah instead of Rachel. This custom ensures the groom this is his chosen bride, as he lowers her veil.
I left the picture off of the Chuppah...because we were so far away...but the wedding ceremony takes place under the chuppah, marriage canopy, a symbol of the home to be built and shared by the couple. Under the chuppah, Shira will circle Morris seven times. Just as the world was created in seven days, Shira is figuratively building the walls of the couple's new world together.
The first part of the ceremony begins with the blessing over the wine, a traditional Jewish symbol of joy. Shira and Morris will share their first cup of wine; symbolic of the joy they will share in their marriage.
According to Jewish law, when Morris places the ring on Shira's finger, this is the central moment of the wedding ceremony and at this point the couple is fully married. The ketuban is now read aloud. The reading of the ketubah acts as a break between the first part of the ceremony-kiddushin (betrothal), and the latter part- Nissuin (nuptials).
The Sheva Brachot, seven blessings are recited over the second cup of wine. These prayers encompass the creation of the world and humanity, the survival of the Jewish people and the land of Israel, the marriage, the couple's happiness and the raising of a family. Several rabbis who have been an influential part of our lives and our own fathers recite these blessings.
After Shira and Morris leave the chuppah, they spend a few minutes alone in seclusion known as yichud, as husband and wife.
{We were in the very back so you can see how many people were there! }
A glass is now placed on the floor, and Morris shatters it with his foot. this serves as an expression of sadness at the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Even at the height of personal joy, we remember the fragility of human life.
After Shira and Morris leave the chuppah, they spend a few minutes alone in seclusion known as yichud, as husband and wife. 
It is considered a mitzvah (obligation) to rejoice with a kallah and chatan. there is much music and everyone dances as they celebrate their simcha (joy).
The meal begins with a blessing over the challah (HUGE braided bread). After the meal, Birkat Hamazon (Grace after Meals) is recited and the Sheva Brachot (seven blessings) are repeated.
{Adam Liebling...old friend from high school}
{This is Shira's dad, or Abba (Father in Hebrew/Aramaic translation) as we have always known him.}
They should be back from their Hawaii honeymoon and can't wait to hear all about it!
3 comments:
Aren't weddings funnn!? You and I both shared new wedding experiences!
and puuleease, YOU are beautiful!
Her dress is so beautiful!! I really like it. :)
Awesome big fat Jewish wedding! I loved this post a lot. I also would be marrying soon and would like to have a colorful reception party that I want to host at one of the best Seattle Wedding venues. We both are eagerly finding the affordable locations and have high hopes that we’ll find a good location in our budget.
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