X-Marshall
Imported Account
Jun 14, 2003, 5:17 PM
Post #3 of 5
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A Jewish wedding, like EVERYTHING Jewish, is based on centuries of tradition. To name a few:
1. Signing the Ketubah--prior to the actual ceremony, the B&G (and 2 witnesses) sign a traditional wedding "contract", written mostly in Hebrew, and sometimes decorated with nice graphics. This is usually done in semi-private...family members and close friends may be present. The Rabbi will have a white handkerchief or napkin and hand one end to the Groom, asking him if he agrees to the marriage and then tugs his end of the cloth. This is repeated with the Bride. Lastly, the Rabbi will pull the veil over the face of the bride to prepare her for the ceremony.
2. The Chupa (pronounced with the gutteral clearing-of-the-throat sound)--the 4-post canopy under which the ceremony will take place. It represents the home which the new couple will be making. Both sets of parents usually stand under the Chupa (along each side) during the ceremony, so quarters are very tight for video. The best thing to do is to politely ask the Rabbi during the rehearsal if he wouldn't mind standing slightly off-center so that your tripod can be behind the Chupa, and still get the shot.
3. Bride on the right side of the Groom during the ceremony. I don't know the tradition of this (possibly the rib from Adam to create Eve was a right rib). You'll need to reverse your thinking about camera placement.
3. The Seven Prayers--the Rabbi will recite 7 prayers in Hebrew. Keep the tape rolling during this. It is the essence of the marriage ceremony, and even though you may not understand what is spoken, it will be very important to the couple.
4. Wine will be offered and shared between the B&G.
5. Breaking of the glass--the very last thing before the B&G kiss. The groom will stomp on a small glass wrapped in cloth. Hopefully you can get a shot of his foot coming down on it. This is a more modern tradition in the Jewish ceremony, and it has several meanings. First, it represents the destruction of the First and Second Temples in ancient Jerusalem. Second, it is a reminder of the shattered lives of 6 million Jews during the Nazi Holocaust. The Rabbi may explain that in the moment of our greatest joy, we pause and momentarily reflect on these tragedies. The breaking of the glass also introduces a message of transcendent importance for the future lives of the new husband and wife. It teaches that all matter is transitory...the glass shatters and it cannot be made whole again...and that we cannot achieve true happiness through material gain. The only way to true happiness is through the love of each other. When the glass is broken, everyone shouts, "Mazel Tov!", meaning "Congratulations!"
6. At the reception-before the meal-the Hamotzeh-the traditional prayer said over the loaf of Chalah (the braided bread). This prayer is usually spoken by a grandfather or other respected elder of the family.
7. The Horah--the traditional Hebrew dance of joy. Guests will form circles and do this "kick-step" dance that becomes quite frenetic. During the Horah, the B&G may be seated in chairs and the chairs then lifted up overhead (by many strong men!). They are paraded around the dance floor in this manner to signify they are the "King and Queen" for the day.
I think you will have a great time shooting a Jewish wedding. Be sure to get "best wishes" from the guests, if you include that in your package. You will hear "Mazel Tov" a lot.
Have fun with it.
Marshall
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