THE BENE ISRAEL WEDDING
Traditionally, the bride and groom do not see each other for seven days prior to the wedding. The morning of the wedding, the bride goes to the mikvah. It is also customary for the bride and groom to fast on their wedding day.
The wedding procession begins with the groom being escorted to the chupah by his parents. At this time, the congregation sings, in a special melody, part of the “Yigdal” (a prayer based on the thirteen articles of faith laid down by Maimonides).
As the bride enters, accompanied by her parents, the groom sings "Navah MiKol". The singing of this love poem, written by Israel ben Moses Najara (1555-1625 C.E.), is a custom unique to the Bene Israel community. Only when the congregation sings the chorus does the bride walk forward towards the chupah.
The wedding ceremony consists of two parts: First the betrothal, or Erusin, and then the marriage, or Nesuin. Traditionally, the groom conducted the entire Erusin ceremony himself. In fact, in earlier times this was a prevalent custom among Jews worldwide (Even HaEzer 34:1). The rest of the service continues as is done here, except that following the Sheva Berachot, the bride and groom walk to the ark to kiss the sefrai torah and begin their married lives together by making a donation to the synagogue. The couple return to the chupah and the groom breaks a glass, before they leave the sanctuary.
After the wedding ceremony, some couples hold receptions with dancing, while others have no dancing. Traditionally, at the reception only light refreshments were served (no dinner).
THE WEDDING NIGHT:
Traditionally, the wedding dinner is held at the bride’s home. Only family and very close friends are invited. Following dinner, the Sheva Berachot are sung. The newlyweds spend their first night as husband and wife at the bride’s parents’ home.
The next evening representatives from the groom's family come to escort the groom and the bride from her parents' home to his home. Before they depart, the bride's relatives & friends wish her goodbye & present her with gifts.
The Sheva Berachot are sung for 7 consecutive nights after the wedding.
SHABBAT CHATAN:
The Saturday after the wedding, a Shabbat Chatan is held at the synagogue, where the groom is called to the Torah. This is followed by either a congregational Kiddush and/or a family luncheon.