THE WEDDING

The setting on a sunny manicured green
with long twin rows of chairs arranged
to seat some two hundred attendees,
waiting patiently for the ceremony
to be conducted on a covered stage
with a specially prepared Huppah,
a wedding canopy for Bride and Groom,
finally the Processional began with
both grandparents of the couple,
followed by the Groom and his parents
then the happy Bride with her family.

The ceremony traditionally ethnic
proceeded with elegant dignity
including the exchange of vows,
slipping on the wedding rings,
reciting The Seven Blessings,
signing a Ketubah, a wedding contract,
finally, with the Breaking of the Glass,
a long passionate kiss to end the rite.

The line forming for congratulations
was long indeed but finally ended,
whereupon all were invited to tables
in the Grand Ballroom preparing
for the real party to start with
ample wine, food, music, dance
a Master of Ceremony in charge.

A swinging crowd indeed,
enjoying, toasting, roasting
the newly wed couple with
raucous singing and dancing
whooping it up, enjoying the
thought of being young again
cheering the new starters off
to a new life of their own.

 

Herbert Holzbauer
© May 2004

Midi: "Hava Nagila - Hasidic Melody"
(International Jewish)

Graphic: "The Wedding"
(Congregation Oher Shalom)