The Disharmony of Silence by Linda Rosen

Author:Linda Rosen [Rosen, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: 2016-03-10T00:00:00+00:00

***

Three weeks later, Lena looked up at the onion-shaped dome on top of Montefiore Synagogue. The building resembled the shuls of Eastern Europe, which was why Jack’s mother agreed to have the wedding in this reformed synagogue, on this crystal clear September afternoon, instead of the shteeble in their neighborhood. Harry reached for Lena’s gloved hand and, together, father and daughter walked through the main entrance. Ida followed close behind, her treasured cameo pinned to her silk jacket. Lena looked back. Despite the fact of her pregnancy, her mother’s face was lit with joy, matching her own elation. She was marrying her childhood crush.

Guests, gathered in the lobby, made their way into the wood paneled chapel. Men, in their striped, three-button suits and starched white dress shirts, all wore hats as was the custom. Some, not ready to give up their summer accessory, wore the straw Panama and others brought out their felt fedoras for the first days of autumn. The women looked lovely in their calf-length dresses, some even a bit more daring, bringing the hem just under the knee, and all without corsets. With bare arms and honey beige or the new rose morn colored stockings, they looked elegant yet comfortable.

Rabbi Katz stood under the chuppah facing the bride and groom with their parents angled on either side. Lena, in her lace and satin gown, held Jack’s hand. A matching white hat perched atop her newly trimmed bob, and her soft brunette waves framed her lightly rouged cheeks.

The rabbi recited the betrothal blessings, and Lena and Jack took the traditional sip of sweet red wine. Then Jack took the ring from Izzy, his best-man. With his eyes on Lena, he recited, “Behold, you are betrothed unto me with this ring, according to the laws of Moses and Israel.” He placed a plain gold band on the forefinger of his bride’s right hand. Lena beamed. At that moment, according to Jewish law, Jack and Lena were fully married. The rabbi then read the ketubah, the marriage contract, which had already been signed by two witnesses prior to the ceremony, in its original Aramaic. He handed the beautiful calligraphy to the bride. The Sheva Brachot, the seven blessings, were recited over the second cup of wine, and Lena, to make Jack’s mother happy, circled her groom as the rabbi recited each one, the way it was done in the old country. To mark the conclusion of the ceremony, the rabbi placed a glass on the floor and with shouts of mazel tov filling the chapel, Jack smashed it with his foot, drew Lena toward him, and kissed her ruby lips.

Yichud is a custom all Jewish brides and grooms appreciate. In a private room they have a few moments alone together without the throng of well-wishers kissing their cheeks, shaking their hands, and wishing them another mazel tov. Jack closed the door to the yichud room and pulled Lena close. “Now let’s have a real kiss, Mrs.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.