Parklands, Quendon Hall
The Parklands, Quendon Hall website has a page that provides helpful directions to the venue, here is the link: quendonhall.co.uk/how-to-find-us/
There is ample complimentary parking at the venue.
The Tisch (meaning table) and the Ketubah (The Jewish Marriage Certificate)
The first formality of Stephanie and Lawrence’s wedding is the Tisch (where male guests are invited to be present). A few drinks and snacks are consumed and the whole thing is set around a long table. Here, Lawrence will be read and accept the terms of the Ketubah, he will then sign it, along with two witnesses. Lawrence will put on tefillin (black boxes containing scrolls of parchment with inscribed verses from the Torah, which have leather straps and are wrapped around the arm 7 times during weekday and morning prayer services), and some short prayers will be recited. Some Israeli dancing will take place – ending with Lawrence being danced to the door of the Bedeken Room:
The Bedeken (The Veiling Ceremony)
At the Bedeken, Stephanie and Lawrence will see each other for the first time on their wedding day. This is a private and special moment so only a handful of people, including the Rabbi, witnesses and parents, are present. The Yiddish word, Bedeken, means 'confirm' or 'check', and Lawrence will confirm that Stephanie's identity and that she is still his heart’s desire. Stephanie's veil will be back and Lawrence will then place it over her face ready for the ceremony. The origin of this tradition is from the story of Jacob, who did not see his intended bride’s face before his wedding, and was tricked into marrying his betrothed’s sister, Leah.
The Chuppah
The ceremony takes place under the Chuppah, meaning 'canopy' or 'covering'. It represents the home that Stephanie and Lawrence will build together and has four open sides showing that guests will always be welcome. The Chuppah has a canopy roof, symbolising Stephanie and Lawrence’s commitment to always provide a roof for each other.
There is a custom of not wearing jewellery under the Chuppah. This is to show the bride and groom's mutual commitment to each other regardless of any material possessions.
The Seven Circles
After walking down the aisle, Stephanie will circle Lawrence seven times. Just as the world was built in seven days, these seven circles also figuratively bind Stephanie and Lawrence together as a couple and builds their new world together.
Elrusin Ceremony (The Betrothal)
Stephanie and Lawrence will sip from two cups of wine, the first representing the marriage proposal and betrothal, and the second symbolising the nuptials. The sharing of both cups of wine also symbolises Stephanie and Lawrence’s commitment to a shared future including both sorrows and joys.
Exchange of rings
Lawrence will place a wedding ring on Stephanie’s right index finger whilst reciting a blessing in Hebrew. There are certain formalities for a Jewish bride's wedding ring; they must be owned by the groom, and must be a plain band made of precious metal (gold, silver or platinum) without any jewels.
The exchange of rings represents marriage as an unbroken union.
The recital of the Ketubah (The Jewish Marriage Certificate)
The Ketubah is read out and since only Lawrence has signed the Ketubah, he gives it to his bride as her possession to keep. The terms of the Ketubah include Lawrence’s responsibilities as a Jewish husband, and places importance on the commitment of a married couple building a home based on love and mutual respect for one another.
The Seven Blessings: Sheva Brachot
The Sheva Brachot comprise most of the ceremony’s liturgy and symbolise the seven days of creation. These will be repeated again later on in the wedding day once the meal has been finished and Grace after Meals is recited.
Breaking of the glass
The glass, usually wrapped up in a cloth or napkin, is placed on the floor in front of the groom. Before it is smashed, the Chazan (singer at the Chuppah), will sing a Hebrew song called 'Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim', which translates to ‘If I forget you, Jerusalem’. This song, and the breaking of the glass, commemorates the destruction of the two temples in Jerusalem. It also symbioses that in times of great joy we are reminded of the sadness that still exists in the world.
Once Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim is concluded, Lawrence will smash the glass under his foot to conclude the ceremony and to signal that the party (and the marriage!) is about to start. When Lawrence smashes the glass, please shout “Mazel Tov” to wish the now married couple congratulations and good luck!
At this stage the bride and groom are danced out of the room to celebration music and the religious ceremony is ended although two formalities remain.
Yichud (meaning together)
Stephanie and Lawrence will spend the first few moments of their married life in seclusion. The privacy is important as it symbolises Stephanie and Lawrence’s married status. It is a special time and the only period during the wedding day that they will be alone together.
Civil marriage
The Jewish Wedding Ceremony also satisfies the civil requirement for marriage. After the ceremony, and in order to receive their civil marriage certificate, Stephanie and Lawrence will sign the official civil certificate with their witnesses.
Should you wish to stay nearby, below is a list of hotels recommended by Parklands, Quendon Hall:
The Cricketers, Rickling Green thecricketersarmspub.co.uk/accommodation/
The Cottage, Birchanger www.thecottagebirchanger.co.uk
Phoenix Lodge, Bishop Stortford www.phoenixlodge.co.uk
The Crown House, Great Chesterford www.crownhousehotel.com
Novotel, Stansted www.accorhotels.com
The Cricketers, Clavering www.thecricketers.co.uk
The Travelodge, Birchanger www.travelodge.co.uk
Linden House, Stansted Mountfitchet www.lindenhousestansted.co.uk
Radisson SAS, Stansted Airport www.radissonblu.com
Saffron Hotel, Saffron Walden www.saffron-hotel.co.uk