Chapter 147 : Chapter 147 The Nuptial Ceremony

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§1

It is customary to have the chupah under the open sky as a good omen (as it is written),¹Genesis 15:5. "So will your children be, like the stars of the heavens." Similarly it is customary to marry only in the phase of the full moon as a good omen.

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§2

It is proper not to marry until the bride purifies herself. It is now the custom not to be exacting about this. However, it is best to inform the bridegroom before the chupah, that she is a niddah.²Menstrually unclean.

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§3

It is the custom in our areas that at the marriage of a virgin, the distinguished persons of the community spread a veil over the bride's head, and bless her, saying, "Our sister, be the mother of thousands and myriads."³Genesis 25:60. We refer to the chupah as the next sequence when a cloth is spread upon poles, under which the groom and bride enter in public, and where he consecrates her to himself. This is where the berachos of betrothal and marriage are recited. However, the most essential part of the chupah is the intimate privacy, which will be explained, God willing, in the following chapter.

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§4

The groomsmen [or the father] enrobe the bridegroom with a kittle⁴A white shroud like garment., so that he is reminded of the day of death, and be inspired to repent. It is also customary⁵Shulchan Aruch 560:2. It is difficult to understand why many are not accustomed to do so. (Biur Halachah 560—Chayei Adam) to place ashes on the groom's head on the place where the tefillin shel rosh is worn. It is also customary that the parents and prominent relatives bless the groom and the bride and pray that their union be successful.

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§5

Thereafter the groom is led under the chupah (canopy) (for we spread a cloth upon poles which is what we refer to as chupah), and we place him [under the chupah] facing East, while the chazan chants whatever chant is customary in that community. Then the bridesmaids lead the bride (to the chupah). The groomsmen and prominent men walk toward the bride, and as they approach her, they turn around and proceed to the chupah. Then the bridesmaids bring the bride [under the chupah], and together with her, walk around the groom seven times. The chazan again chants in accordance with the custom. After that, they place the bride to the right of the groom, and the one who recites the berachos stands to the side and faces the East.