Kabbalat Panim

Rina will be seated and greeted by guests. This special moment will be filled with joy as friends and family come together to offer their congratulations and share in the excitement of the day.

Tisch

This is a special pre-ceremony ritual for the groom. Friends and family will come together to enjoy tasty bites, share heartfelt words, and sing in celebration. At the end of the Tisch, the mothers of the bride and groom will enter to smash a plate, symbolizing their commitment to the couple and the embrace of the engagement's conditions.

Ketubah

A Jewish marriage contract that details the commitments and obligations that the Bride and Groom make to each other.

Signing of the Ketubah

Following the Tisch, Josh will be escorted to Rina in a joyful dance. Upon his arrival, two designated witnesses will sign the ketubah, formalizing the marriage. Rina will then present Josh with a ring.

Bedeken

Josh will veil Rina, a tradition that dates back to biblical times and symbolizes that the groom is marrying his bride for her inner beauty, not just her physical appearance.

The Chuppah

Rina and Josh will be married under a wedding canopy called the Chuppah. The Chuppah that will be used has been hand-embroidered by Josh’s mother, Leslie, and features leaves that represent family names and anniversaries, with the wedding date at its center.

Seven Circles

Rina will circle Josh seven times, a number that symbolizes perfection and completeness, representing the eternal bond of marriage. This act is often linked to the seven days of creation in the Torah.

Kiddushin (Betrothal)

The Kiddushin begins with the recitation of opening blessings. Rina and Josh will share a cup of wine, symbolizing their joy and the celebration of this special occasion. The first cup that will be used belongs to Rina’s parents, Laura and Meyer, and was also used at their wedding under the Chuppah.

Giving of the Ring

Following the blessings, Josh will present Rina with a ring. In accordance with Jewish law, the ring must be made of solid metal, without any cuts or stones. By placing the ring on Rina’s finger, and with her acceptance, they will formally enter into marriage.

The Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings)

These blessings are a central part of the wedding ceremony. They reference the seven days of creation, celebrating both the joy of creation and the new union forming under the Chuppah. During this portion, a second glass of wine is shared. The second cup, an Eisemann family heirloom, was given to Josh’s grandfather Gustave for his 75th birthday and features scenes of the three pilgrimage holidays and the Hebrew names of his eight grandchildren.

The Eighth Blessing

This prayer from the 9th century expresses a heartfelt wish for an abundance of joy, love, blessings, and good news in Israel. It hopes for an increase in happiness, salvation, and community celebrations, particularly around marriage, and concludes with a blessing for the bride and groom, highlighting their mutual joy.

The Blessing of Kohanim

This blessing invokes divine protection, grace, and peace upon the congregation, symbolizing the Kohanim's role as intermediaries between God and the people.

Im Eshkachech

This song is frequently sung at Jewish weddings, evoking a profound connection to Jewish identity, heritage, and tradition. Its themes of longing for Jerusalem resonate with the idea of building a new life and family while honoring one’s roots. This song commemorates the falling of Jerusalem and destruction of the two Jewish temples that once stood there.

Translation: If I forget you, Yerushalayim, let my right hand forget how to work. Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Yerushala yim above my chiefest joy.

Transliteration: Im eshkachech, Yerushalayim, tishkach yemini.Tidbak lishoni, lichiki,Im lo ezkerechi. Im lo a’a'leh, et Yerushalayim al rosh simchati.

The Breaking of the Glass

At the end of the ceremony, Josh will step on and break a glass. This act serves as a reminder of the destruction of the sacred temple in Jerusalem, even during moments of great joy. The sound of the breaking glass prompts a moment of solemn reflection, soon followed by joyous shouts of “Mazel Tov,” wishing the newlyweds good fortune.

Yichud

Immediately after the ceremony, Rina and Josh will retreat to a private room for a few minutes of yichud (seclusion) allowing them to savor their first moments together as a married couple!

Birkat Hamazon (After Meal Blessing)

This prayer is recited after a meal, particularly one that includes bread, and serves to express gratitude for the food and sustenance received. The seven blessings will be recited again.