The original booklet had both Hebrew and English. This is what she sent ~
WEDDING CEREMONY PROGRAM
09.28.18
Kippah/Yarmulke Please feel free to wear a kippah during the wedding ceremony. It’s a sign of respect, and also a lovely memento of this special day!
Pre-Wedding Ceremony Ceremonies
While you’ve been busy finding your seats and putting on a kippah, the bride and groom have been conducting a Chinese tea ceremony to honor their families as they become relatives of each other.
After that, they read and sign their ketubah, a traditional Jewish marriage contract. This has beautiful words and art that they will see in their home every day to remind them of their love and connection.
Chuppah
Most of the wedding ceremony occurs under a chuppah, or marriage canopy. The chuppah represents the shelter and privacy of the home that the bride & groom will create together, with the open sides representing hospitality to their guests.
Processional
The groom is escorted by his parents to the chuppah.
The Maid of Honor, Best Man, bridesmaids and groomsmen now proceed to the chuppah to be witnesses to today’s simcha (joyous event).
The bride is escorted by her parents to the chuppah where she will join the groom.
Circling
The bride and groom each circle the other three times, and then once together. This makes seven circles, which symbolize the wholeness they build together. Seven is a powerful number in Judaism, representing creation, good fortune and blessing.
The Ceremony
Welcome
Blessing over the Wine and first sip from the Kiddush Cup
Shehechiyanu - a traditional blessing recited the first time you do something each year and to mark joyous occasions.
Ring Ceremony
Seven Blessings
Here’s that special number 7 again! These represent the many joys of creation, including the bride and groom creating a new life together today.
Second Sip of Wine from the Kiddush Cup
Breaking the Glass
As we hear this glass shatter, let it remind us of the power love has to make the world a better place, and to know that the newlyweds’ love will be a positive force in our world.
It’s traditional to shout “Mazel tov!” when you hear the glass break, wishing goodness and congratulations to the newly married couple.
Pronouncement of Marriage
Before the final pronouncement, know that after this happy couple leaves the chuppah, they will share a quiet moment together in a private place. This is called yichud (“seclusion”). They will then join us for cheers and canapés before we’re seated for dinner.
Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had an explanation like this when my grand daughter married her Jewish husband. How beautiful!!! Thanks so much for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteHow thoughtful and informative for guests who are not Jewish. I know you had a wonderful time. What a celebration!
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is: WOW!
ReplyDeleteEven with a sneak preview (wish I could have been your date!), the beauty of the celebration you’ve posted is so incredible. Hats off to you for making the trip and to Sister J and family for creating such a memorable event—for all of us!
Every single moment was exquisite. And the three nights at my sister's co-op with just us three girls was fun and funny. I couldn't keep up with them, so I'd come home if I needed. Or visit a coffee shop and people watch. I should have thought to invite a plus one!
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