Part 2- Kiddushin- Sunday July 29, 2007

At long last, it’s official - we’re married.

After a week with Rebecca’s family in Lake Tahoe, we were finally ready to close the deal. Rabbi Cohen officiated at our synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel in Berkeley. The Kiddushin ceremony is very short and very sweet. It consists of seven brachot or prayers:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheva_Brachot

We didn’t have to do much really, except stand under the Chupa in the presence of loved ones and friends. Oh yes, at the end we did get to kiss.

Rebecca’s cousin Joel Resnikoff and his wife Irene, surprised no one by offering generous hospitality at their home after the service with a Sheva Brachas feast. They served all of us a delicious and joyous meal. Joel makes a mean black bean chili. Afterwards our guests honoured us again with the seven brachot.

The Kiddushin and Erusin ceremonies are usually held at the same time. We split them up to observe the mourning period prior to Tisha B'av, which fell on July 24th, 2007. Most Jewish traditions observe a ban on weddings in the period prior to Tisha B'av. There's more information on Tisha B'av here:

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Tisha_BeAv/PrimerTishaBeAv.htm

The Kiddushin was held on Erev Tu b'Av. Tu b'Av, or the 15th day of the Jewish month of Av, is the biblical equivalent of Valentine's Day. In the Hebrew calendar, that will be our anniversary. Yes we find it a little confusing too. But here's more information:

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Modern_Holidays/Tu_BAv.htm

While this was the day we became officially married, we did so without cameras, so we don't have pictures. But since we have so many from the other events, we figure it all evens out.

Love,

Rebecca, Rami & Ben