Shabbat Gathering: It was a simcha!

Gud Shabbos Khaveyrim, as is our custom, we will gather tonight at 5.45p ct to welcome Shabbat. These are the coordinates:

Zoom
Meeting ID: 883 8469 4181
Password: 822665
Phone: +1 312 626 6799

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Here we go.

I attended Stormy and Meier’s wedding last weekend. It was grand and the first time I’ve ever seen a dog play the role of ring bearer. The ceremony blended Jewish and Christian customs in a beautiful way. Rabbi Betsy Forrestor (Beth Israel Center) led the Jewish portions. One custom that was observed was the circling of the spouse.

The custom in some orthodox weddings is that, at the start of the ceremony, the bride walks in a circle around the groom seven times. The seven circuits the bride takes around the groom represents the six days of creation and the seventh day, Shabbat. It’s a symbol that the bride and groom are creating a new world by bringing together the two halves of a whole person.

In modern times the practice has been equalized: The bride walks around the groom seven times and the groom walks around the bride seven times. And in Stormy and Meier’s case, they did that and then circled each other for an eighth time.

The seven circles can also represent the seven blessings (Sheva Brachot) recited at a wedding. The blessings include:

- Wine
- Hashem
- Creation of humanity
- Being created in Hashem’s image
- Fertility
- Causing the bride and groom to rejoice
- Happiness and joy

It was a beautiful day and I’m glad I was there to add my own blessings.

And may it be for all of us a blessing.
See you tonight!

Mit vareme grusn,
(With warm regards,)

All my love,
brian.

PS

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