JEWISH WEDDING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 244, 15 October 1931, Page 2

JEWISH WEDDING

PICTURESQUE CEREMONY

CRUSHING OF WINE GLASS. ANCIENT AIARRIAGE CONTRACT

A picturesque ceremony, with its origin moled away back through the ages, is a Jewish wedding, such as was solemnised by Rabbi Goldstein in the Auckland Synagogue on Sunday, between Aliss Lily Lephcrt and Air Emanuel Robinson, both of Auckland. Apart from the bridal dress of tho bride, the attendant bridesmaid, best man and train-bearers, there was little similarity between tho service and one of a type with which tho greater part of the community is familiar.

Prior to the service, four boys in white gloves entered the synagogue and erected a chuppah or canopy, each standing at a corner and supporting it by grasping a brass pole. The bridegroom, in evening dress and wearing a silk hat, entered and stood beneath

t’ne canopy, a tallith, or praying shawl, draped about his shoulders. .['hen camo tho bride and took her plave beside tho groom, the white bridal dress contrasted with tho yellow frocks of two diminutive train-bearers, making a most attractive tableau. The parents of the bride and bridegroom followed and ranged themselves beside the can-

Facing the betrothed couple stood the rabbi, who. after reciting in Hebrew, proffered each in turn a silver wine cup. Thon, taking the ring, the bridegroom placed it upon the forefinger of the bride’s right hand, ree.itin.'f in Hebrew at. the direction of the rabbi. Tho marriage contract, or Kethuhn. was then read by the rabbi, the

contract being very ancient in form and drawn up “according to the law of Afoses and of Israel.” Following tho reading of the contract, the rabbi chanted tho “seven benedictions,” then filled a wineglass with wine. Tho bridegroom, bride, and their respective parents sipped from the glass in turn, after which the receptacle was placed on the floor beneath

tho canopy. With a swift movement the bridegroom crushed the glass beneath his heel, to tho cry of “Alazal tov,” meaning “good luck,” on tho part of relatives and friends in the congregation. Tho rabbi pronounced the benediction and tho service was finished.

The quaint ceremony of breaking the wineglass is one full of vital meaning, for it is said to be performed in memory of Zion. The wedding customs of the Jewish communities vary somewhat in detail, according to geographical and other factors, but many are reminiscent of tho historic days of Palestine. Some have their origin in tho middle ages. It is customary for a wedding breakfast to follow a Jewish marriage ceremony, as is tho case with marriages solemnised by the Christian church.