Marriages
AT HARTLEPOOL, in the Temperance Hall Buildings, on the 22nd inst.,
according to the ritual of the Hebrew church, in the presence of a
privileged number of Jew and Gentile friends of the bride, Isaac Wilk, of Hull, was united to Miss Rose Nathan, sister of Mr A.
Nathan, High-street, Hartlepool. The celebration of the nuptials
occasioned no
little
interest and excitement, this being the first Jewish marriage
solemnized in Hartlepool. One o’clock was the time fixed for the
ceremony to take place, and at that hour the room was pretty well
filled by those who had been invited, and outside at the entrance
there was a large number of curious onlookers. The ceremony was
performed by the Rev. J. Moses of West Hartlepool, assisted by the
Rev. Moses Woolf, of Sunderland. The Jewish ceremony of marriage, as
witnessed on this occasion, we shall endeavour to describe. The
first thing that strikes an onlooker is the intense joyousness that
pervades the whole affair, for both before and after the ceremony.
Messrs Bates and Williams’ band of harp and violins sent forth its
sweetest strains – the pieces played not being lively selections.
The marriage ceremony itself is marked for its simplicity, and is
performed under what is termed symbolically “the canopy of heaven.”
A canopy is composed of rich crimson velvet and satin with golden
fringe , the
whole supported upon pillars. Two cups of wine are also placed near,
and also a glass. First prayers in Hebrew were said, or more
properly
chanted, by the Rev. J. Moses, and afterwards what is called the
lecture was delivered by the Rev. Moses Woolf. This lecture first
expatiates upon the holiness of marriage, and the appropriateness of
the symbols employed in the Jewish Church, in its celebration. The
canopy of heaven under which they stand is to convey to their minds
that for every comfort they must look upward, and their thoughts be
directed heavenward, and ultimately to the Creator of heaven and
earth. The two cups of wine were to remind them of the two courses
of
life, joy and sorrow, and the ring of pure gold was to teach them of
the purity of mind, which should always be the characteristic of
Jewish wives. The ring had to be simple because marriage was not
founded on opulence and splendour but on simplicity and contentment,
lastly the glass was broken to show that man was frail and in a
moment
his life was gone. After this prediction the ring was adjusted on
the
finger of the bride by the bridegroom as in Christian churches, and
immediately thereafter the glass before referred to was cast on the
ground and crushed underfoot by the bridegroom as a symbol of
brittleness of life. The ceremony concludes some short responses
being made in answer to sentences read by the rabbi, and when all is
completed, the greatest joy prevails, and the bride is greeted with
a
hearty kiss from each of the bridesmaids, and the others present of
her own sex. The bridegroom was conducted under the canopy by Mr A.
Nathan, and Mr A. Harris, and the bride by Mrs A. Nathan (her
sister-in-law), and Mrs A. Harris, of West Hartlepool. During their
being conducted under the canopy, a short piece of music is
performed.
The bridegroom is followed by the groomsmen and the other gentlemen,
and after that the bride is introduced, and is followed by the
bridesmaids and the other ladies. The bride was given away by her
brother, Mr A. Nathan; the other groomsmen were Mr Kaufman Gallewsky,
of Sunderland, Mr J. Bernsdaf, of West Hartlepool, and Mr A. Harris,
West Hartlepool. The bridesmaids were Miss Hymes, of Newcastle, and
the Misses M., E., and F., Nathan, of Hartlepool. The bride wore a
dress of rich mauve silk; a bridal wreath of orange blossoms and a
handsome bridal veil. The bridesmaids were attired in dresses of
pure
white embroidered muslin, and head dresses of flowers. At five
o’clock, the bridal party was entertained to a splendid dinner by Mr
and Mrs Nathan, which was served in an adjoining room. The room was
tastefully decorated with flags and banners, and conspicuous were
sentiments wishing health, happiness, long life and prosperity to
the
newly-married couple. Mr A. Harris, president of the Hebrew
congregation at West Hartlepool, presided. After the toasts of “The
Queen” and “Dr Ardler[sic]” had been given, the Rev. Moses Woolf
proposed “The future happiness and prosperity of the bride and
bridegroom,” which was heartily responded to by the company. Several
short addresses congratulating the happy pair were given by the
Chairman, the Rev. J. Moses, Mr Noah Nathan, and others of the
party.
“Prosperity to the Hartlepools” was also drunk with great
enthusiasm.
The quadrille band was also again in attendance, and several songs
were sung by the gentlemen present. In the evening a ball was held,
at
which there were present about fifty couples. Dancing commenced at 9
o’clock, led off by the bride, and Mr A. Nathan. The quadrille band
of
Messrs Bates and Williams, under the leadership of Mr Williams,
supplied the music, and before concluding, we may add one or two
words
in praise of this excellent band. It gave the utmost satisfaction;
everyone was delighted with their enchanting music, and were
somewhat
surprised that there was[sic] such master musicians in the town.
Dancing was kept up with great spirit until about three o’clock next
morning, when the National Anthem concluded the festivities.
