The Sun.
London, England, 1838-08-21 00:00:00

JEW'S WEDDING.

(From the Shrewsbury Chronicle.)
On Tuesday week Whitchurch exhibited one universal
scene of delight. For the first time in this town the interest-
ing ceremony of an Israelitish wedding took place. Every
lover of Scriptural antiquities must venerate the customs of
the patriarchs of old. Customs preserved by the Jews to this
day, as confirmed by the law given by Moses, through all the
vicissitudes and persecutions of their nation, throughout 3,000
or more years.

An eye-witness has sent us the following parti-
culars :--On entering the room we found Rabbi Aaroa
Levi, Priest of the Jews, front London, occupied in
writing upon a parchment, what we understood to be the mar_
riage contract; the Rabbi having concluded the contract,
handed it to others present to read, and then to the happy
bridegroom, who, after apparently well considering the con-
tents, which were written in the Hebrew language, signed the
same, as did also two witnesses ; this being done, the bride-
groom was conducted from the room again, the bride being
all this time invisible ; a canopy was then erected, being sup-
p,)rted by four persons of the Jewish faith, and solemn strains
of music announced the approach of the bridegroom ; the
Reverend Official having placed himself beneath the canopy,
the bridegroom was conducted in, supported on both sides by
two male friends ; again the sound of music proclaimed the
approach of the grid', who was supported as the bridegroom,
but by two ladies. We could not help here remarking the
strict Scriptural dress of the fair bride, who was arrayed its
pure white, elegantly selected, being covered with a veil, as
in Genesis, c. 24, v. 65. The music having ceased, the
Vele, still supported, was thrice led round her future bus—
band. This part we take emanates from the marriage of
Jacob and Leah, Jacob having his bride veiled, marries Leah
instead of Rachel—Genesis, c. 29, v. 31. Thus giving the
bridegroom an opportunity of judging from the gait, or figure
of his intended wife, as he has no chance of viewing her
countenance through the folds of her veil. Having thus
circled round she was placed on the right side of her future
lord ; the priest proceeded then to pronounce a blessing upon
all pre'ent, holding a glass of wine in his hand, which, after
tit: conclusion et the prayer was handed by a friend to the
happy couple, in token of peace with all the world; they
loc.ing sipped the same mosiestly, handed it to the before..
named friend. The Venerable Rabbi then proceeded
to read aloud the document before described, and then a second
glass was tilled, and a pram offered up for the future grace of
the new couple, and the wine again was tasted by both.
the young people in token of consent to each other • then fol-
lowed a solemn silence, a moment of suspense, and the rie.g
was produced. The fair hand of the bride was extended, :rad
the ring being handed to the Rabbi, who first exhibited at to
°ther s, and then examined it himself, and handing the riattg to
the bridegroom, lie placed it upon the forefinger of the right
hand, and pronouncing the words—" Raliad Mekadasith Leh,
Zu Kadth Mosha Veh, Yesrael," Anglo, Thus I
thee wed, according to the laws of Israel, as by Moses com-
manded. The bridegroom leaving the ring upon the hand of
the bride, a glass wa.i placed upon the ground, and the brittle-
vessel was shattered in a thousand pieces by the right foot of:
the bridegroom. A token .of the uncertainty of life ; in :.11
oit joys we are shattered in it moment. The sudden cba-Age
font solemnity to joy was electric; no sooner was the 'glass
in the dust than the music struck up in lively note; the, place
resounded with the words " Joy, joy," the congre.sulations
were heartfelt and exhilarating,. The veil of the bride was
in a moment respectfully removed, and she ste ad before us
with eyes streathicg thanks ; and the cereme`Aes were con-
eltv'ed by a prayer, a benediction, and a. s%.pplication for the
blessing of Jehovah op the young course, their friends, and

_dl mankind. .
The lady was Miss"- S. C. Lazarus, well
.known in Whit-.
church, the gentleman is 'Mr. Z, Barnett, from London. The,
Rev. Rabbi was brought express from London for the occasion..

t;eNsltraeteareef
tile happywe report.weather,
s il3 c
ea
cahnwa nesg.ahia'rsine7—not had one shower, whereP4 for a
neparts from the country State that all kinds of
fmF:roitsdinta.;flahevtsoeSpu'ncrr e.anibligilsochnutl; 1y , there was scarcely a 0,5 y without, Snore or
glersistii?l'air.ueinitst ripening; and harvest I.las already
in various districts. A correspond cornmenced
IN,barley,as cut hdeolowiging
ncorrespond,.. states, that on Tuesdny-
to Mr. Ormiston at the
~,ll'eso:tivasa'snfinetlaelerfiKcelreCllT'soosf, in that distrie prime condition. This, as:
..., promise to be weighty unal
4 its like condition must yiAtia
abundant, and many other field
the sickle in this and the etp,ul;l4, week. if the weather continue
favourable."