JADE & ADAM

A CELEBRATION OF LOVE, TRADITION AND WHERE CHAOS MEETS CALM Welcome to our Wedding! We are so grateful that you are here with us (in person, online or in spirit). We have put together a guide to the ceremony, which will add meaning and depth. It will celebrate not only our love but also our love for all our family and friends. 1. TISCH Traditionally, the Tisch is a Jewish pre-ceremony ritual for the groom. The word Tisch literally means “table”. It represents the groom's table, a place for pre-ceremony gatherings with singing, snacks, and simcha where the groom and men of the wedding party prepare for the wedding together. 2. KETUBAH The Ketubah is the first official document we will signed together. It is an ancient contract in Aramaic, that outlines Adam and Jade's commitment to each other and is also signed by two Jewish witnesses. Ketubot are often beautiful pieces of artwork that can be framed and displayed at home. We can't wait to show ours off, lovingly painted by Mema Vivienne Weiner. 3. BEDEKEN The big reveal or lack thereof. Shortly before the wedding ceremony, there is the bedeken ceremony, where Adam will gently cover Jade's face with her veil. This tradition originates from the biblical story of Jacob, who was deceived into marrying Leah instead of Rachel (classic wedding mix-up). Unlike Jacob, Adam is 100% sure he’s got the right bride, and the veil symbolises that even though they are joining in marriage, they remain independent individuals. The veil emphasizes that the groom is not solely interested in the bride's external beauty, which fades with time (generally, but not in Jade’s case), rather in her inner beauty which she will never lose. 4. CHUPPAH Our first home, without a mortgage. The wedding party now makes its way towards the focal point of the ceremony: a beautifully decorated canopy held up by four poles, known as the chuppah (pronounced with a guttural “ch,”). Under the chuppah, we have a star-studded cast: Jade - Beautiful Callah Adam - Handsome Chattan Clive and Viv - Jade’s parents Vivi and Uncle Ralph - Adam's mum and uncle Rabbi Dov Cowan The chuppah represents the home that Adam and Jade will create following their marriage. It is the place where we grow up, learn to share and love, and from which we also secure our independence. It is open on all sides, symbolising hospitality. You will see that Adam and Jade stand at the centre of it, and the walls are formed by those closest to them, offering warmth and security, and providing support and strength with their love. Adding a layer of meaning, our chuppah comes from the Plymouth Shul: the oldest synagogue in the English-speaking world and a place deeply connected to Adam’s family history. Adam’s great-grandparents, grandparents and parents were part of this historic congregation, and by standing under this chuppah, we honour the generations that came before us. Above us, the chuppah is draped with a very special tallit of three special men in our lives who are watching down on us: a prayer shawl belonging to Adam’s Dad, Jade’s Grandpa, and Zaida. This not only symbolises their love and presence on this day but also reminds us that those who came before us continue to watch over us with pride and joy. The custom of the bride circling the groom seven times represents Jade symbolically building a wall of protection around Adam. Some say it also symbolises the wholeness and completeness that we cannot attain separately, and will achieve together. (It is also a test of Jade's ninja warrior skills to not trip over her dress). 5. KIDDUSHIN Blessings of Betrothal. Two cups of wine are used in the wedding ceremony. Bartenura was strategically chosen as it is the one alcohol Adam drinks and the white wine will not stain Jade's dress if (when) she spills. The first cup accompanies the betrothal blessings, recited by Rabbi Dov. After these are recited, the couple drinks from the cup. The betrothal blessings express the resolve of Adam and Jade to create a Jewish home and their commitment to their Jewish heritage. It is also an excellent way to steady the nerves (excitement). 6. GIVING OF THE RING A simple circle, a lifetime commitment, Adam will give Jade her wedding ring - a simple, unmarked gold band, symbolising the hope that their marriage will be free of complications (ambitious, but worth a shot!). As Jade accepts the ring, Adam will recite the traditional words: “By this ring, you are consecrated to me according to the law of Moses and Israel.” The circular shape of the ring represents eternity, meaning this is a forever deal. As good as Adam is at deal structuring, this commitment is watertight: no returns or exchanges. 7. READING OF THE KETUBAH The ketubah is then read in the original Aramaic text, and is given to Adam for him to hand to Jade. For those of you who are a bit rusty in your ancient Aramaic, it will also be read in English. It has the standing of a legally binding agreement and belongs to Jade, just in case Adam needs a written reminder of his responsibilities. While Jade has reviewed many contracts in her career, this is her favourite one, especially since it guarantees her (including but not limited to) snacks and pretty dresses. Reading the ketubah serves as a separation between the two phases of marriage: kiddushin and nisu'in. 8. SHEVA BRACHOT The Seven Blessings (“Sheva Brachot”) for joy and love are now recited over the second cup of wine. These blessings are the same as from ancient times, and are arranged as follows, by honoured guests: 1. Blessing over the wine 2. Blessing praising G-d to whom all creation proclaims praise 3. G-d is praised as the Creator of humanity 4. G-d is praised Who created humanity in the Divine image. 5. Hope for the Messianic future 6. Prayer for the happiness of the bride and groom 7. The individual hope for happiness for the couple, combined with a prayer for joy in the Messianic future. After the seven blessings, Adam and Jade share a second cup of wine. At this point their souls reunite to become one soul, as they were before they entered this world. Included in the Seven Blessings is the blessing to the bride and groom that they discover that same delight in one another that they knew in their pristine, primal state in the Garden of Eden, knowing without a doubt they were made to refind each other. 9. PRIESTLY BLESSING Clive (Jade’s Dad) will recite Birkat Kohanim, a blessing that has been recited by the kohanim, the priests, since biblical times. G‑d granted the patrilineal male descendants of Aaron the ability to channel divine blessings to the congregation. The Priestly Blessing is one of Jewish life's most spiritually uplifting moments, as the congregation is embraced in a “divine hug.” The first line, “May G‑d bless you and guard you,” refers to material blessings: sustenance, physical health and what our heart desires. The second, “May G‑d shine His countenance upon you and be gracious to you,” refers to the interpersonal blessing of grace between ourselves and others. The third line is the deepest of all: “May G‑d turn His countenance toward you and grant you peace.” 10. BREAKING OF THE GLASS The conclusion of the ceremony is marked by Adam smashing a glass with his foot. It is the official signal to cheer, dance, and shout “Mazal Tov” (“Congratulations”)! However, there is (of course) a deeper meaning as well. We are aware that we are living in a difficult time when the Temples in Jerusalem have been destroyed and we are living in exile. Even at this time of great happiness, we acknowledge that there is still work to be done to improve our lives, and our worlds and we hope that an era of lasting peace will come soon. 11. YICHUD Once the now-married Adam and Jade have proeeded out of the ceremony area, the final part of the service takes place. The “yichud” is considered to be one of the most intimate and private parts of the day, offering private reflection. While in the yichud room, it is customary for the bride to bless the groom. She says: "May you merit to have a long life and to unite with me in love from now until eternity. May I merit to dwell with you forever." It’s the first time they’ll be alone as a married couple, away from the whirlwind of the day. This tradition symbolises their new togetherness and is a reminder that at its core, marriage is about the two of them—navigating life’s joys, challenges, and buffet tables side by side. This is an important lesson for marriage: Jade and Adam should never allow the hustle and bustle of life to completely engulf them; they must always find private time for each other. It also gives them a chance to breathe, reset, and mentally prepare for the marathon of hugging, eating, and dancing ahead. 12. CELEBRATION A hallmark of the traditional Jewish wedding is that everyone is encouraged to participate in the dancing and merrymaking. Every Jew is seen as a part of the larger Jewish body, which includes every Jewish soul throughout the generations. A Jewish marriage, which creates a link between all the past generations and all the future generations, is therefore regarded as much more than a private milestone for the couple and their families; it is a historic and momentous event for the community at large. FINAL THOUGHTS If you have any questions about what's happening, feel free to ask. We hope this ceremony brings you joy, meaning and a few good laughs. Now, let's eat, drink and dance. Mazal Tov! With love, light, gratitude, (and regards), Jade & Adam