A Few Words About Orthodox Jewish Weddings


Just in case you don't understand what's going on here...
 

Before the wedding, the RABBI (Rabbi) writes out the KESUBAH (marriage contract),
and the CHOSSON (Groom) is then escorted to the KALLAH (bride).
He does the BEDECKEN (places the veil over her head),
and is then led out to the CHUPPAH (canopy).
The actual ceremony takes place under the Chuppah, which in Israel, takes place outside!
The Chosson is led out by his parents, who stand by him at the Chuppah.
The KALLAH (bride) is led out by her parents,
and circles around the Chosson 7 times before standing beside him.
The onlookers sing traditional songs.
The MESEDER-KIDDUSHIN (Officiating Rabbi) starts with 2 BROCHAHs (blessings).
The Chosson places the ring on the Kallah's finger, and recites a legal formula.
The Kesubah  is read out.
Six honoured guests are chosen to recite the remaining SHEVAH BROCHAHS (7 blessings).
The Chosson breaks a glass at the end of the ceremony,
as a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Then the couple go to the YICHUD ROOM,
(a  place where they are permitted to be alone together behind a closed door for the first time),
and they break their pre-wedding fast on a light snack.

Shortly afterwards, they return to the hall,
where the SEUDAH (wedding meal) has already begun.
When they arrive, they are greeted by family and friends in joyous dancing
that might last up to half and hour!

After this, everybody eats, and between courses,
there is more dancing, until the BENTSCHING (blessing after the meal).
Following that, there is more SIMCHAH (celebration),
with friends performing special trick dances, juggling, etc,
until the evening ends with the last dance.

On the day of the wedding, it is an important tradition that
everybody should do whatever they can to make the CHOSSON and KALLAH happy.
 


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