Marriage-isms
On this day 24 years ago..
Love is..
24 years at a glance
Chicken soup for the soul
100

According to Alanis Morriestte's song, which Ironic actually happened on the day Ima and Abba got married? (bonus: according to superstition what does it symbolize?)

'It's like raaiin on your wedding day.' 

Yes, in some Jewish interpretations and cultural beliefs, rain on a wedding day is considered a sign of good luck and many blessings to come. 

Rain is a powerful symbol in Judaism, often associated with divine blessing, fertility, and abundance. The belief is rooted in several symbolic interpretations: 

  • Blessings and Prosperity: Rain is viewed as a direct blessing from G-d, signifying a prosperous future and the growth of a happy, thriving marriage.
  • A Lasting Union: Drawing from Hindu traditions and the general "tying the knot" expression, a wet knot is harder to untie. Therefore, rain on the day the couple "ties the knot" symbolizes a strong, lasting bond that is difficult to break.
  • Cleansing and Renewal: Rain can symbolize the washing away of any past difficulties or sadness, offering the couple a fresh start and a clean slate for their new life together.
  • Tears of Joy: Another interpretation is that the rain represents all the tears the bride will shed during her entire life, meaning she will only experience joy and happiness from that day forward. 
100

The 27th of November signifies many historical events such as:

  • 1798 Rabbi Shneur Zalman, author (Tanya), released from St Petersburg jail
  • 1874 Chaim Weizmann, the first president of Israel and the guiding force behind the World Zionist Organization, was born.
  • 1895 Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel establishes the Nobel Prizes through his will
  • 1911 Audience throws vegetables at actors for the first recorded time in the US
  • 1914 1st British woman elected political agent (Grantham, Lincolnshire)
  • 1957 US Army withdraws from Little Rock, Arkansas after Central High School integration
  • 1960 Deposed Prime Minister of the Congo, Patrice Lumumba, escapes house arrest in Léopoldville in an attempt to reach supporters in Stanleyville
  • 1964 Filming starts for "Star Trek" pilot

Ima and Abba got married!!!! and on the same day 2001 Hydrogen atmosphere is discovered on the extrasolar planet Osiris by the Hubble Space Telescope, the first atmosphere detected on an extrasolar planet

 

100

Which famous South African novel that begins, 'There is a lovely road that runs from Ixopo into the hills.' believes 'But there is only one thing that has power completely, and that is love. Because when a man loves, he seeks no power, and therefore he has power.'?

Cry The Beloved Country by Alon Paton

100

When did Ima and Abba go for their first holiday together as a married couple?

About a year after they were married (or the next year as was November?)

100

What was the Hebrew date when Ima and Abba got married?

12 Kislev 5762

200

Each wedding anniversary represents a milestone in a couple's relationship, with each year symbolized by a different material that signifies the growing strength and value of their bond, moving from fragile items like paper in the early years to more durable materials like gold and diamond in later years.  What is a 24th wedding anniversary?

Opal Anniversary. he 24th wedding anniversary is associated with the traditional theme of opal, symbolizing love and passion, and the modern theme of musical instruments, representing a shared history of memories and emotions.

200

Which songs were featured in Ima and Abba's wedding video? (hint: one is also the title of a Rudyard Kipling poem)

If by Bread and I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing by Aerosmith

200

In the 1989 film Lean on Me, the character Principal Joe Clark, portrayed by Morgan Freeman, says what infamous line which Ima still uses/quotes today? It could also be good advice for a newly wedded couple when handling things.

'Proceed Expeditiously'

200

Which dog bit Abba when he went to pick up Ima?

Toby (and Jessie?)

200

Which Yiddish phrase would explain what Ima and Abba are? (hint: soulmates) and when would one find theirs?

Bashert (Soul Mates) There is a belief in the concept of predestined soul mates, called bashert (Yiddish for "fate" or "destiny"). Tradition says a match is announced in heaven 40 days before a child is conceived.

300

According to the Talmud, what are the three  traits which one should look for when wanting to view a person's character? (The three K's or C's depending on  English spelling)

The Talmud says you can know a person through three things: his anger, his pocket and his cup. “His anger” refers to all the ways a person interacts and treats those around him, especially when something goes wrong. Does he yell, or can he maintain his composure and resolve the issue? “His pocket” refers to how he deals with money. Is he generous and giving, or stingy and manipulative? Dealing with finances together is an ongoing part of a marriage, so you want to have a similar approach. The final way is “his cup,” meaning: how does he act after a few drinks? The Talmud teaches that when wine enters, secrets come out; this is a way to see his true nature. These are just a few ways to assess some of a person’s traits.

300

In her speech Romzy quoted a book by who? (For the full 300 provide both the title and who wrote it)

The Prophet by Khalil Gibran

300

What was the most successful prank Ima has managed to pull?


300

What was the first meal Ima cooked? (Bonus if you can say who was there and what happened)

Fish, Brad was over for dinner and shame there was a little dryness without spice. #ashkigenes

300

What is the significance of the number 24 in Judaism? 

The number 24 is significant in Judaism, often representing the 24 books of the Tanach (Hebrew Bible) and the 24 offerings made during the dedication of the Tabernacle's altar. In gematria, the Hebrew letters for 24 are kaf-dalet (כד), which spells the word "kad," meaning "pitcher. 

Also good advice for finding a Beshert is AL Tistakel BeKanKan Elah B'Mah Sh Yeish Bo

Do not judge/look at the pitcher/container/jug but what is in it.' 

Physical appearances can be deceiving and it is a person's character and what is inside that matters.

400

 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue' is a common wedding tradition. Name any aspects of Ima and Abba's wedding which could fit this rhyme.

Own interpretation but 

retinue colours can be blue?

400

Unlike a secular wedding where a large bridal party (retinue) might walk down an aisle in a specific sequence, the Jewish tradition focuses primarily on the parents (the unterfirers) leading the couple to the chuppah. What happened at this point?

Zaida unknowingly started to proceed expeditiously down the aisle with the Scops 

400

Not Seeing Each Other for a Week: Many Ashkenazi Jews traditionally refrain from seeing each other for a week before the wedding to build anticipation and ensure the groom does not accidentally marry the wrong person (recalling the story of Jacob and Leah/Rachel). What did Abba give to Ima during this time?

Via another person Abba gifted one book of Freud a day until either complete set or day of the wedding. Some had notes in too!

400

Which movie musical did Ima and Abba watch where they overhead a lady complain that 'there was not enough music.'?

Moulin Rouge!

400

 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife' so begins Jane Austen's  famous novel; Pride and Prejudice. What are the steps to becoming married in Judaism?

Pre-wedding rituals

  • Shiddukhin: The period of courtship and promise to marry.
  • Mikvah: The bride immerses herself in a ritual bath before the wedding.
  • Ketubah signing: The marriage contract is signed by the groom and two witnesses, outlining the groom's responsibilities to the bride. 


The wedding ceremony

  • The chuppah: The ceremony takes place under a canopy, symbolizing the new home the couple will build together.
  • The escorting: The groom and bride are escorted to the chuppah, often with the bride circling the groom multiple times.
  • Erusin (Betrothal): This is the first stage of marriage, when the groom gives the bride a ring and makes a vow, consecrating her to him.
    • This stage is traditionally marked by the first blessing over wine and a ring exchange, making the bride forbidden to other men.
  • Nissuin (Nuptials): This is the second stage, which is now combined with erusin.
    • It is finalized by the reading of the ketubah and the chanting of the seven wedding blessings (sheva brachot) over a second cup of wine.
  • Breaking the glass: The groom smashes a glass underfoot to symbolize the destruction of the Temple and the fragility of life, and guests often shout "Mazel Tov!". 


Post-wedding celebration

  • The yichud: The couple is secluded together for a short period to have their first moments alone as a married couple.
  • The festive meal: A celebratory meal (seudat mitzvah) follows, with dancing and singing.
  • Seudat mitzvah: The celebration continues for the next seven day
500

Mesameach Chatan v'Kallah  (gladdening the groom and bride) is imperative in pataking in a wedding. Nme 3 things which were done tofulfill this mitzvah during Ima and Abba's wedding

shtick

chairs and balloons

dancing

500

What is the symbolism behind the design of the benchers from Ima and Abba's wedding 

Bet and Mem in the shape of a house signalling both Ima and Abba's hebrew names and also the house B for Bayit with B as the heart of the house and M as the protection over it (let me know if I missed anything else) 

500

#1 Song: It's Raining Men - Geri Halliwell and 

47th British Academy Television Awards: "Da Ali G Show" Best Comedy, "Clocking Off" Best Drama

Stevie Wonder Born

What day is this and why is it significant?

13 May (13 May 2001 fell on Mothers Day when Ima and Aba got engaged)

500

There were many instances which led both Ima and Abba to one another. How did they meet? 

Through Heidi/ Zelda OT although Ima had technically seen Abba giving a talk before that. 
500

What is significant about Ima and Abba's names

Moshe and Batya