|
Dear Family and Friends,
We thank each of you for honoring us by joining in our Simcha (most joyous occasion). We would like to especially thank HaShem for blessing us and allowing us to reach this day, Allan and Susan for setting HaShem's
(G-d's) plan in motion, Malchy and Shmuel for all their help especially all the phone calls (in February and in December), Joy and Al Amsel (especially for morning coffee), Blanche's Mother, Mrs. Frieda
Jakubowicz, and son Yehudah, Justin's grandmother, Mrs. Anna Sass, and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Guberman and Harry Samuels for their support.
Justin's Grandmother (who was 102 on March 10th) and parents will not
be able to travel to join us, but will help extend our Simcha when we join them in Venice, FL,
M"H, on June 5th and 6th.
Watching over us from this day forward, Blanche's father of blessed memory, Yitzchak Jakubowicz will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
|
|
|
The Order of the Marriage Ceremony
Kabalat Panim - The Greeting of the Bride
While our guests enjoy the cocktail hour Blanche will greet our guests, who will line up to offer their best wishes
Chatan's Tisch - The Groom's Table
At the same time that Blanche is greeting the guests, Justin will be in a separate room joined by male family members and friends in singing and rejoicing. At this time the Tana'im (agreement between the families to unite their children in marriage), is signed by two witnesses. Following the signing of the
Tena'im, Blanche's mother
will break a plate, to symbolize the binding agreement that the two parties have just made to go ahead with the upcoming wedding.
Bedekin - The Veiling of the Bride
Justin's family and friends will escort him with singing and dancing to meet Blanche, where he will place the veil upon her. This custom is based on the biblical story of
Yaacov, who was tricked into marrying a veiled Leah, rather than her sister Rochel as he intended. This is the first time the bride and
groom have seen each other during the wedding festivities, and as such, it is a moment filled with great joy and anticipation.
Chupah - Marriage Ceremony
The Chupah (canopy) connotes the new home that Blanche and Justin have begun to build together. Blanche's brother and sister-in-law, Allan and Susan Jakubowicz will lead the procession to the
Chupah, followed by Blanche's sister and brother-in-law Malchy and Shmuel
Rayman. Justin will walk down next, escorted by his brother Mark and life-long friend Harry Samuels, followed by Blanche, escorted by her mother, Mrs. Frieda Jakubowicz and her son Yehudah.
The actual ceremony consists of two parts: the Kiddushin (betrothal) and Nisu'in (marriage). Originally, these two rituals were performed at different times, usually a year apart. Today, they are done at the same time. After the Kiddushun takes place, Blanche will have the legal status of a married woman to Justin. However they are not a complete married couple until after the
Nisu'in. Blanche will then circle around Justin seven times, symbolic of the binding of their lives together, along with the various responsibilities included. Others say this is an allusion to the seven days of creation. As a newly married couple who will build a house in Bnei
Yisrael, it is a microcosm of Hashem's creation of the world. Rabbi Pruzansky will be the presiding Rabbi over the marriage. He will then recite the Bircat
Erusin, the blessing of betrothal. Justin will then designate the two witnesses who will serve as the Edi
Kiddushin, the witnesses of the betrothal, an integral part of the betrothal process. Justin will then place a ring on Blanche's right index finger and recite the following legal formula: *************** "Behold you are designated to me with this ring in accordance with the Jewish Tradition emanating form Moshe at Sinai". This concludes the Kiddushin part of the wedding.
In order to separate the Kiddushin from the Nisu'in, the Ketuba, or marriage contract, is read. This document, written in Aramaic, delineates the responsibilities that Justin has accepted upon himself towards his wife, Blanche. ************
After the Ketubah is read, ************
Nisu'in, the marriage part of the wedding begins now.
********************************************
Then the Sheva Berachot (seven nuptial blessings) are recited in conjunction with the
Nisu'in. These blessings, recited over a cup of wine, underscore the notion that the institution of marriage conforms to the Divine Plan of creation. It also links the happiness of the marriage with the national destiny of the Jewish people, and our aspirations towards the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. This indicates that the celebration of the marriage is derived not only from the two individuals, but as two members of the Jewish nation who have begun to build a home together, which will enhance the overall profile of the Jewish people.
At this point, immediately prior to the end of the wedding ceremony, customs have developed to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and indicate our steadfast faith that it be rebuilt. **********
Yichud - Seclusion
Immediately after the wedding ceremony has concluded, family and friends will escort Blanche and Justin into a private room where they can spend a few moments together. After
Yichud, Blanche and Justin will join their guests for the wedding reception.
***************************************
|
|
