Wedding Creator

One of the most popular films of the year 2005 was the hit comedy "The Wedding Crashers". It concerns the antics of two bachelors who crash weddings in the hope of meeting eligible women.

also deals with the Jewish tradition the question of the wedding unexpected, but very different in nature.

A brief look at three types of visitors that could crash a Jewish wedding is a wonderful overview of the law and traditions of Jewish values and a deep understanding of Jewish marriage itself.

The three unexpected "hooligans" are souls, the Creator, and the poor and needy.

Although the classic texts of Jewish law are almost no mention of life after death, according to the Zohar, the classic work of Jewish mysticism, souls of ancestorsm likely to be present at the marriage.

He writes: "Even if his (the groom) father and mother have left this world, they participate in all" Simcha "(joyous occasion). The Holy One, blessed be He, will in the Garden of Eden and takes the husband and father, mother, who are partners with the Creator (in giving birth to husband) and brings with him to the Simcha. And all are present, but people do not know. "

Other opinions even say that even the grandparents and great grandparents are also present.

What is remarkable about this passage is not only the souls of the dead participate in the wedding, but the Creator himself, takes them by hand, so to speak, and personally escorts the marriage. And as if that were not enough, the Creator is also a guest at every wedding!

Being the skeptic and rationalist that I am, I never put much faith in this idea until the birth of my youngest son, eleven years ago.

Several months before his birth, my mother died.

When we made the Brit Milah (circumcision) eight days after his birth, as is traditionally done, I had the strange feeling that my late mother was among the celebrants.

I can not explain it, but I felt his presence nearby. I never experienced this feeling before this event, nor myself ever since. But I am convinced, on this special morning, she was with us.

The third type of Jewish Wedding Crashers I used to see are more common in Israel than in America. These are the ones that Kabbalah calls "the company ships broken." The poor, the hungry and homeless.

At my own wedding, twenty-six years in New York, planning the allocation of seats was a major undertaking. Take care to ensure that every customer was seated with the right people in need thinking and sensitivity. Each table and a chair has been carefully taken into account.

In Israel, where I lived for the last twenty five years, the marriages are much more informal.

Usually, there is no reserved seating. Customers tend to sit where they feel comfortable.It is not uncommon for Israeli weddings for a number of people not invited to participate as well. These include the poor and less fortunate members of society.

Jewish law is very explicit in his request that the wedding is not complete if the guests are present and seated. The groom himself must take special care to personally attend to these customers and show them the honor and satisfaction. It must do everything possible to make them feel welcome. As a reward for such behavior of the bride and groom are guaranteed a life of happiness and blessing.

So next time you attend a Simcha, watch the movie Wedding Crashers Jewish. These are the souls of the dead, the Creator, and the poor and needy.

And if you, like me, were initially difficult to find them, do not despair.

Because when you witness the hunger and the homeless to leave the wedding hall, their handbags full of rolls and plenty to eat ... you will know with certainty that e.