A Festival of Love - Jewish Engagements and Marriage Explained

In this episode of "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today", Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman dedicates the discussion to the Jewish holiday of Tu B'Av, the 15th of Av, and its connection to romantic relationships and engagements, in honor of his son Dovi's engagement. He explains that Tu B'Av is considered a joyous holiday, akin to Yom Kippur, as young women would traditionally meet their future husbands on this day, symbolizing love and partnership.

Brackman delves into the Jewish engagement and marriage process, which consists of two parts: **Erusin (betrothal)** and **Nisuin (marriage)**. In the past, these two stages occurred separately, but today, both typically happen simultaneously under the chuppah. He also describes the traditional engagement party, or "Vaart," where the families of the bride and groom commit to supporting the wedding, often through symbolic actions like the **Kenyan Suddar**, where a handkerchief is exchanged as a sign of commitment.

Brackman highlights how the ritual of the Kenyan Suddar has evolved. Originally used by families to show commitment, today the bride and groom perform this act, symbolizing their commitment to each other without the formal exchange of an engagement ring, which is given during the wedding ceremony.

The episode concludes with a blessing for Dovi and Rifkah, wishing them a happy and enduring marriage, and an invitation for listeners in New York to join in the celebration of their engagement.

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.