We're fortunate to be living in a country where different rituals and traditions not only are tolerated, but are encouraged. More brides than ever before include religious and cultural elements into their weddings. Sometimes, these customs are strange to us and need explaining.

Many Jewish wedding halls have a special room set aside as the yichud room. In others, the rabbi's study, or the bridal room is used. The couple's entrance into the room is usually watched by two witnesses, whose role it is to ensure that the couple have complete seclusion.

The yichud room is a lovely custom in that it gives the newlyweds a few minutes to get away from the excitement of family and friends and just be together peacefully alone. Because Orthodox Jewish bridal couples, must fast the day of their wedding, the yichud room also serves as the first time during the day that they can eat. Usually a light bite consisting of hors d'oeuvres, fruit, cakes, wine or champagne is brought to them. In some communities, honey and cheese are a traditional yichud meal and, in others, chicken and eggs are eaten.

Jews descended from the medieval Jewish communities along the Rhine in Germany from Alsace in the south to the Rhineland in the north.

©The right to download and store or output (e.g., print) materials found in Hudson Valley Weddings Web Site is granted for personal use only. Materials may not be reproduced in any edited form. Any other reproduction or editing by any means mechanical or electronic without the express written permission of Hudson Valley Weddings is strictly prohibited. Certain names, logos, and/or phrases on these pages may constitute trademarks or tradenames of Hudson Valley Weddings or its clients.