Cocktail Hour / Pre-Ceremony Rituals (Kabbalat Panim)

The Kabbalat Panim is the moment when guests greet and bless the bride and groom separately in neighboring rooms.

Bedeken – Guests can greet Elyza at the Bedeken. Hashem sits a little closer to the Bride on her wedding day, and it is appropriate for young people to ask for special blessings from Elyza and for others to provide her with best wishes.

Tisch – Guests can greet Jacob at the Tisch. The Groom will be celebrating and preparing the marriage contract, with his friends and family acting as witnesses.

Food – There will be a generous buffet and drink during the Bedeken for all and additional food and drink at the Tisch.

At the conclusion of the Kabbalat Panim – the men will dance Jacob to the Bedeken, where he will then veil Elyza, which signifies he is marrying her for her inner qualities. This joyous moment, full of dancing and singing, transitions us to the wedding ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony / Chuppah

Seating - We appreciate Men and Women sit separately on either sides of the aisle during the chuppah.

The ceremony ends - When the Groom smashes a glass under his foot. The guests then immediately erupt into dancing and singing, escorting the newlyweds out of the hall to a private room for a few minutes of seclusion (Yichud).

Reception/Dinner

Seating - Please find your assigned table for dinner.

Dancing - When Jacob and Elyza rejoin the reception, the first round of dancing will begin. This is filled with traditional Jewish music, where men and women will dance separately.

Shtick - While the music continues to play, guests who want to participate can also entertain the bride and groom with shtick. Shtick is little performances or skits that often feature fun dances, inside jokes, and even props! It's a very fun way to show off to the guests your personal connection with the bride and/or groom, so get creative!

Food - Will be served in multiple courses throughout the night.

More Dancing - Later in the evening, the music will change to a more modern selection, where every one will dance together!

To conclude the Wedding - Those who wish, will gather together for the Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot) which are sang to the Bride and Groom at the end of the meal.

E&J