Let 'Personal 'Ylatrition Solutions 13&et .H6lp you. Look and fee for our 134.6 Event celebrate a guide to simchahs The Delicate Art Of Chuppah Music Widely used in Europe, The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method is a quick and healthy program with proven long lasting results using gourmet foods and ongoing personal support. • Lose an average of 2-4 pounds per week • Drop 2-4 dress sizes in 4- 8 weeks • Targets fat loss while maintaining muscle • Cellulite Reduction • FDA approved/Doctor endorsed Binyamin Kagedan I JNS.org he hall has been booked, the dress fitted, the flow- ers selected, the food tasted, the photographer approved, the bands auditioned, the rings engraved and the honeymoon suite reserved. With all the mate- rial components of the wedding in place, the focus now turns to the intangibles. What makes a Jewish wedding truly moving and memo- 15% OFF Initial Consultation when you mention this ad The program is supervised by Lina Dagher, RDN (Registered Dieticia Nutritioni Shelly Shores 43, Belleville Ml. lost: 60 lbs. etgonat YUVAL HABER Nutrition Solutions, llc 139 West Maple, Suite: H • Birmingham, MI 48009 • (248) 252-3856 For more information check out www.idealprotein.com 1901710 Binyamin Kagedan performs under a chuppah. j1 (248) 544-73701 11T, -"` For a good time... call Simone www.simonevitale.com info@simonevitale.com 19013 Invitations aStationery ALAccessories Party Favors t's, Gifts t'a, Calligraphy up to 30% off Of\ 09Ftvite.1 f j ) Terri Trepeck Phone: 248-258-1657 32802 Franklin Road Email: invitations@invitesink.com Terri@invitesink.com Providing personalized service from start to finish C28 celebrate! I March 2014 rable is not what is seen, but what is heard. The emotional tone of the ceremony won't be set by the size of the bride's bouquet, but by a heartfelt blessing, a unique vow or a special song. That's where I come in. A musician and singer by hobby, I have had the happy fortune of being asked to sing under the chuppah at the weddings of most of my best friends as well as close family members. The Jewish wed- ding ceremony is rich in opportuni- ties for powerful emotional expres- sion, especially in its music. Songs about holy love punctu- ate and enliven each step of the process: the groom's entrance, then the bride's; the last of the seven blessings; the breaking of the glass. The quality and combination of the tunes used for these moments lend each and every chuppah a unique emotional texture. I view my role in these weddings not just as cantor or entertainer, but as consultant. In order to cre- ate a "score" that channels the couple's individual personality, I provide them with a range of options for each musical moment and give ideas and tips on how to fit the music into the complex cho- reography of their chuppah. Some include pop music in their ceremo- ny; others keep to the traditional Hebrew verse. A few grooms will break the glass underfoot while I am still singing, "If I Forget Thee 0 Jerusalem," but most will wait until after the last note, letting the sound of the shattering signal the eruption of "Mazel tovI" from the crowd. Chuppah music is an art; and like all good art, it comes together in the details. Attention to detail is essential to creating a seamless esthetic experience for the bride, groom and assembled guests; and for my part, is a gesture of love and dedication toward the marrying couple. I begin rehearsing weeks before the event, nailing down the perfect tempo, finding the optimal key for my vocal range and making certain that I can com- fortably hit the lowest and highest notes. When the specifics are set, I get in touch with the band leader to bring him or her up to speed. Come wedding day, I drag the key- boardist out of the smorgasbord to run through the set with me in person, just to be sure that nothing is left to chance. There are few acts more gratify- ing than to enhance the sweet- ness of the wedding day for dear friends. I got to experience one of them recently as I designed and performed (along with my new sister-in-law) the vocals for my own chuppah. Singing to my glowing bride as she circled around me seven times, I felt as though all the time and care I had put into every previous chuppah performance, all of the logistical and esthetic expertise I had accumulated, all of it was meant to prepare me for that moment, for her. ❑ Binyamin Kagedan has an M.A. in Jewish thought from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He can be reached at bkagedan@gmail.com .