Re: Jewish Brides

Chuppas can usually be rented from florists.

I'ved Cut and paste my program which explains a fairly traditional jewish ceremony. You can change a lot. For example a lot of people leave out the circling, or circle each other.


Good luck.

Ketubah - The wedding contract

The ketubah is written in Aramaic and has been used for more than two thousand years. It is a legal document, which specifies the mutual obligations and responsibilities of the couple. It recognizes not only love, but also the legal commitments necessary in a Jewish marriage. Although it is a legal document, the ketubah is often beautifully illustrated. Our ketubah has two quotes from Song of Songs. The quote at the top means “I have found the one in whom my soul delights”. The quote at the bottom means “I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine”. As is customary, our ketubah was signed by two Jewish witnesses who were unrelated by blood or marriage to the bride or groom. Our witnesses were Joseph XXX and Richard XXX. The ketubah will be read aloud after the rings are exchanged.

Bedeken - The veiling of the Bride
The bedeken is an ancient custom rooted in the Torah (the first five books of the old testament). Jacob wished to marry Rachel. However, their father substituted Leah, Rachel’s sister. Since Leah’s face was veiled, Jacob could not distinguish her identity. David will avoid such trickery by veiling Adina himself. As a modern addition Adina will be placing the kippah on David’s head making her an active participant in the ritual.

Chuppah – The Wedding Canopy
The wedding ceremony takes place under a chuppah, or wedding canopy. The temporary structure is made from a Jewish prayer shawl and is supported by four polls, held by four groomsmen. This represents the home to be built and shared by the bride and groom. It is open on all side, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent open on all side to welcome friends the relatives.

Circling
The custom of the bride circling the groom has many interpretations. Some believe the circling would offer protection from evil sprits seeking to disrupt this joyous occasion. Another interpretation is that circling is a way of marking possession. The reason the bride often circles seven times is that just as the world was created in seven days, the bride is figuratively building the wall of the couples new home. Seven also recalls Joshua’s circling the walls of Jericho. After the bride walks around the groom seven times, the walls between them will fall and their souls will be united.


Kiddushin - Sanctification, or Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony consists of two parts, the Erusin and the Nissuin. Historically these parts were done separately.

Erusin - Betrothal
The first part of the ceremony begins with two blessings; the first blessing is over the wine, the traditional symbol of joy and plenty. It is followed by a recitation of the betrothal blessing. After the blessings the bride and groom drink from the first cup of wine.

Rings and vows are then exchanged. Rings are placed on the index fingers during the ceremony, as this finger is believed to have a vein that flows directly to the heart. Jewish custom dictates that the rings be simple and unset with stones. Many people believe that the unbroken bands made of pure metal represent the wholeness achieved through marriage and hope for an unbroken union. The grooms’ traditional wedding vow is: “By this ring you are consecrated to me as my wife in accordance with the Law of Moses and the people of Israel.” The bride will recite a verse from Hosea “I betroth you to me forever. I betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in love and in tenderness. I betroth you to me in faithfulness.”

Nissuin - Nuptials
The second part of the ceremony is the nuptials, or actual marriage consisting of the Sheva Brachot, the seven blessings. The first blessing is over the wine. The second through sixth blessings praise God for creating the world and humanity. The seventh blessing celebrates ‘joy and happiness, the bride and the groom, gladness, jubilation, cheer, delight, love, harmony, and friendship. The bride and groom then drink from the second cup of wine sanctifying their marriage.

Shibbur Hakos - Breaking of the Glass
Even in times of rejoicing, it is customary for Jews to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The broken glass also represents the permanence of marriage. Once done, it cannot be undone (just like the glass that cannot be put back together.) This act marks the conclusion of the ceremony and the beginning of the celebration with shouts of “Mazel Tov!”

Yichud - Privacy
Immediately following the ceremony the bride and groom are escorted to a private room to spend time alone together.

Se’udat Mitzvah - The Festive Celebration
According to Jewish law, rejoicing with the bride and groom is an explicit commandment. We look forward to singing, dancing, eating, and drinking with all of you.

Re: Jewish Brides

HOCUS:

Thank for that great run down of Jewish wedding info! I knew most of it but it is nice to have it all in pne place!

Re: Jewish Brides

I posted this question on another thread, but figured I'd try here as well. Getting married next May, looking for a fun, energetic, band, who can play a full variety of music - 70's, swing, top 40 dance..we need to have a little something for everyone. We want to make sure that that they are experienced and polished in playing Jewish music as well. We are thinking of Timepiece, but we are not sure how many jewish weddigns they have played. Not sure if this makes a big difference or not We looked @ Hank Lane but are a little turned off by their 'no showcase or DVD' policy. THanks all!

Re: Jewish Brides

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Posted by Kubes

I posted this question on another thread, but figured I'd try here as well. Getting married next May, looking for a fun, energetic, band, who can play a full variety of music - 70's, swing, top 40 dance..we need to have a little something for everyone. We want to make sure that that they are experienced and polished in playing Jewish music as well. We are thinking of Timepiece, but we are not sure how many jewish weddigns they have played. Not sure if this makes a big difference or not We looked @ Hank Lane but are a little turned off by their 'no showcase or DVD' policy. THanks all!

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Mazel Tov on your engagement. We used The Next Faze for our wedding in November. They are a Faze 4 band. They wer ephenominal! They know how to play everything. We also had a Mazinke and they did it great. Feel free to FM me if you need more information.
Again, Mazel Tov!

Re: Jewish Brides

My family used Scott Evans for my bat mitzvah, my sister's wedding, and my wedding. We have always been thrilled with him. He is so personable and easy to work with. I highly reccommend him.

His phone # is 516-594-1103

If you call him, tell him that Jackie, whose bat mitzvah and wedding he did (i am his only one, as of last year), told you to call.

Re: Jewish Brides

Hi gals!
I am training to be a Cantor (less than 8 months left!!!).

Feel free to send questions my way!

Re: Jewish Brides

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Posted by Kubes

I posted this question on another thread, but figured I'd try here as well. Getting married next May, looking for a fun, energetic, band, who can play a full variety of music - 70's, swing, top 40 dance..we need to have a little something for everyone. We want to make sure that that they are experienced and polished in playing Jewish music as well. We are thinking of Timepiece, but we are not sure how many jewish weddigns they have played. Not sure if this makes a big difference or not We looked @ Hank Lane but are a little turned off by their 'no showcase or DVD' policy. THanks all!

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We are using NYC Swing....they did my FH and my FSIL's Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. They are great and very diverse. I highly recommend checking them out!

www.nycswing.com

Re: Jewish Brides

I wonder if any DJ's have the music for the Mazinke or I have to find it myself?

Re: Jewish Brides

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Posted by MrsP2Be

I wonder if any DJ's have the music for the Mazinke or I have to find it myself?

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Is there a special Mazinke song per se?

Not that it matters. I have one single sister left!

Re: Jewish Brides

I believe the song is called 'Die Mezinke Oysgegeben'

My parents are so obsessed with me doing this!!

Re: Jewish Brides

Go for it. I just hope my sister finds someone so my mom can have that moment. I think it is more for the parents - am I right?

Re: Jewish Brides

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Posted by MrsP2Be

I believe the song is called 'Die Mezinke Oysgegeben'

My parents are so obsessed with me doing this!!

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Thanks for the name of the song..I was looking all over for it!

Re: Jewish Brides

yes, you are correct.

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Posted by Goldi1021

Go for it. I just hope my sister finds someone so my mom can have that moment. I think it is more for the parents - am I right?

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Re: Jewish Brides

Great thread ladies I asked the Rabbi if I or my girls were allowed to wear strapless gowns. The rabbi siad yes as long as it is approriate. My dress does come with a shawl, the girls doesn't. The Rabbi also recommened this Jewish book to read 'The New Jewish Wedding'.

Re: Jewish Brides

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Posted by 070306

Great thread ladies I asked the Rabbi if I or my girls were allowed to wear strapless gowns. The rabbi siad yes as long as it is approriate. My dress does come with a shawl, the girls doesn't. The Rabbi also recommened this Jewish book to read 'The New Jewish Wedding'.

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I have that book. It is great and helpful. I wouldnt worry about covering your shoulders unless you were getting married in an Orthodox ceremony. My dress isnt strapless but my arms arent covered and my whole back is exposed. One of my BM's is self conscious about her arms and prefers a shawl. If she gets one, they all get one. then after the ceremony, they can decide to throw it out if they really want to. I assure you that no Rabbi or temple caterer will make you leave if your dresses are strapless - especially when the balance is still due!

Re: Jewish Brides

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Posted by coopersmom

Thanks for the name of the song..I was looking all over for it!

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You're welcome! I have a feeling I'm going to have to buy a CD with it on there so I'll have it for the big day.

Re: Jewish Brides

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Posted by Goldi1021

I assure you that no Rabbi or temple caterer will make you leave if your dresses are strapless - especially when the balance is still due!

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so true. I still haven't asked my Rabbi to marry us (he's married to my FMIL's cousin) but I have a feeling he'll tolerate shoulders.

Re: Jewish Brides

A rabbi won't ask you to leave on your wedding day. But I think each rabbi is different regarding covered shoulders. I ended up having a jacket made, since I didn't want a wrap. It looks great!

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Posted by Goldi1021

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Posted by 070306

Great thread ladies I asked the Rabbi if I or my girls were allowed to wear strapless gowns. The rabbi siad yes as long as it is approriate. My dress does come with a shawl, the girls doesn't. The Rabbi also recommened this Jewish book to read 'The New Jewish Wedding'.

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I have that book. It is great and helpful. I wouldnt worry about covering your shoulders unless you were getting married in an Orthodox ceremony. My dress isnt strapless but my arms arent covered and my whole back is exposed. One of my BM's is self conscious about her arms and prefers a shawl. If she gets one, they all get one. then after the ceremony, they can decide to throw it out if they really want to. I assure you that no Rabbi or temple caterer will make you leave if your dresses are strapless - especially when the balance is still due!

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Re: Jewish Brides

I just had a dorky revelation. My niece's Bat Mitzvah is in May and I get to wear a schmata head covering for the first time! I am so excited about wearing a doily on my head. Any other Jewish brides get all ooey/gooey about this moment? Or am I alone in this?

Re: Jewish Brides

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Posted by Goldi1021

I just had a dorky revelation. My niece's Bat Mitzvah is in May and I get to wear a schmata head covering for the first time! I am so excited about wearing a doily on my head. Any other Jewish brides get all ooey/gooey about this moment? Or am I alone in this?

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I got so excited that I got to wear one for the first time for Rosh Hashanah last year, that I ordered two really pretty ones online.