The Portland daily press., 1872-10-14

JEWISH MARRIAGE CEREMONY IN PORTLAND.
1t is probably not generally known in this
city that the Jews have attained to such num-
Der that they are able to sustain synagogue
and regular service of the ancient form. But
so it is. The synagogue is located in the large
brick block on Middle street, near the corner
of India. The synagogue is very neatly fitted
up, having an ark containing the scrolls of
the Peutateuch, or the five books of Moses,
handsomely engrossed on parchment; also a
reading desk for the priest and seats for the
people. The congregation is known as "Beney
Israel" or sons of Israel The festival of the
new year was celebrated about ten days ago
with the opening of Month Tishi, and this is
the year of the world 5633. On last Friday, at
sunset, the fast of the day of atonement was
observed; meeting was held in the evening,
and on the Sabbath (the next day. the people
assembled at 8 o'clock and spent the entire day
in prayer and fasting, none partaking of q par
ticle of food for twenty-four hours.
Yesterday the first Jewish wedding was cele-
brated in Portland at the synagogue above men,
toned, and at the residence connected there
with. Invitations were extended to the repre-
sentatives of the press and they attended the
novel service. At o'clock the services COM
menced in the synagogue by the Rabbi, Solo
man Sherman, offering prayer and chanting
the service much after the form of Catholic
priests. Rabbi Sherman is advanced in years,
a native of Hungary, and a very polite, gentle
manly man. -...-.
The canopy is of as much importance to the
Jewish service as the ring, and accordingly a
canopy supported by four men was brought in
to the synagogue, and the bridegroom, a young
man from Bangor, named Isaac Isaacson, took
his place under it. The bridal party entered
and came iunder the canopy. The bride, Miss
Coan of Boston, was supported by two Jewish
maidens as bridesmaids misses Harris and
Fonseca). We should men ton here that the
wearing of the black hat is always particular
mark of respect in a Jewish assembly, and ac.
cordingly the bridegroom and all present wore
their hats.
The priest at first gave his blessing on the
couple, thea wine was proffered to the bride
groom, bride, priest and witnesses The ring
was placed upon the finger of the bride, he
saying, "With this ring you shall be bound tc
me according to the law of Moses and Israel.
The marriage certificate was read in Hebrew
having been previously signed by the parties
The Rabbi again blessed the couple, the com
pany responding, and wine was again tasted b,
those engaged in the service. The bridegroom
then dashed the goblet to the floor and crushe,
it beneath his feet, signifying by it that il
this moment of his joy he should remembe
that the hour of crushing trouble, even death
will come, and that he should not be too great
elated. All the guests gave their good wishe
and the service ended. There was a stric
solemnity about the whole service, which Nigh
well be initiated by Christian community
and if it could have been performed in a large
room or hall it would have been very impressiv
and beautiful.
After the ceremony was over the whole part
repaired to the parlors and dining room, wher
an ample wedding feast Was set out, consistin
OF cakes, fruit, cordials, wines, ETC. 1t wa
very Pheasant to see all ages, from the babe q
afew months old to the venerable Rabbi O
seventy odd years, mingling together in thi
feast singing their songs of joy and giving thei
wishes OF success and happiness to each other