Tuesday - 6/11
SYNAGOGUE - PARIS, FRANCE
The wedding party gathered at the head of the aisle.
CHARLES: Thank you for agreeing to walk me down the aisle.
JULIE: Of course, darling. I’m more than happy to. In fact, I’m honored that you asked. Now, it’s time.
The processional music began (
CLICK HERE to listen). Rabbi Belman walked down the aisle to the chuppah, followed by the groomsmen and best man, who were mostly Charles’ friends, but David was also included. Julie and Charles followed. Next were the bridesmaids, one of which was Hope, then the maid of honor, and finally Amelie and her parents. The music then changed (
CLICK HERE to listen), and Amelie walked around Charles three times, then Charles did the same to Amelie. Finally, they walked together in a circle. Then, Rabbi Belman picked up a cup of wine.
BELMAN: Blessed are You, Eternal One our God, Ruler of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
The rabbi then turned to Charles and Amelie.
BELMAN: Two thoughts are suggested by this cup of wine. The first is that wine is a symbol of the sweetness we wish for your life. There will be times when you drink from other cups, from bitter ones; but life offers the opportunity to savor the sweetness. The awareness of the possibility of a life filled with true meaning is what we toast: the good that is life. The second is that wine is a symbol of sharing. You have shared many years together, and out of this time has grown the love which brought you to this day. As you continue to share in each other’s life, you will, as a symbol of this enduring cooperation, share this cup of wine. As you share this cup of wine, you share all that the future may bring.
Charles and Amelie both drank from the cup. After they both took a drink, the rabbi set down the cup and picked up two rings.
BELMAN: At this point, Charles and Amelie will say their vows.
Charles and Amelie turned to each other.
CHARLES: Garlands of unity…
AMELIE: And all our closest and dearest surround us…
CHARLES: Blessings like these come once in life…
AMELIE: Good fortune smiles upon us…
CHARLES: We are honored by the presence…
AMELIE: Of family, friends and the divine spirit…
CHARLES: Let all your smiling eyes bear witness…
CHARLES & AMELIE: I present to you my heart and soul as your lover and friend.
BELMAN: These rings in their unbroken wholeness are tokens of your union and of your love. They represent the enduring trust and affection that you bring to one another, and are the outward and visible symbols of an inner spiritual bond.
Rabbi Belman handed the rings to Charles and Amelie.
BELMAN: Charles and Amelie, please repeat after me…
CHARLES: With this ring, I join my life with yours…
AMELIE: In loving kindness, compassion and faithfulness.
CHARLES & AMELIE: You are my beloved and you are my friend.
They placed the rings on each other’s fingers. Then, Rabbi Belmen sang the Sheva B’rachet, or Seven Blessings in both Hebrew and English. Below is the English translation.
BELMAN: Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine. Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has created everything for your glory. Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Ruler of the universe, Creator of Human Beings. Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has fashioned human beings in your image, according to your likeness and has fashioned from it a lasting mold. Blessed are You Adonai, Creator of Human Beings. Bring intense joy and exultation through the ingathering of Her children (Jerusalem). Blessed are You, Adonai, are the One who gladdens Zion (Israel) through Her children’s return. Gladden the beloved companions as You gladdened Your creatures in the garden of Eden. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who gladdens this couple. Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Ruler of the universe, Who created joy and gladness, loving couples, mirth, glad song, pleasure, delight, love, loving communities, peace, and companionship. Adonai, our God, let there soon be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the voice of the loving couple, the sound of the their jubilance from their canopies and of the youths from their song-filled feasts. Blessed are You Who causes the couple to rejoice, one with the other.
After completing the Seven Blessings, Rabbi Belman picked up a second cup of wine, blessed it, and had Charles and Amelie both drink from it.
BELMAN: We shall conclude the ceremony in a moment. Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a brief period of alone time for the newlyweds. Guests may feel free to stick around or head over to the reception hall.
A glass wrapped in cloth was set down in front of Charles and Amelie, who stomped on it. There were several cheers of “Mazel Tov!” from everyone who had come for the wedding as Charles and Amelie kissed.
