The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-07-23
JEWISH WEDDING
 4 QUAINT AFFAIR "Snatchen" or Mach Making Plays Important Part MUSIC IN THE CERE M0NY If Boston Police Continue Their Sun day Crusade It Will Seriously
 curtall an Ancient Institu-
 ton of the Ghetto.
From tho Boston Herald.

From tho Boston Herald.
 The action of the local police in prose- cutting number of musicians on the charge of having violated the law by play ing at Jewish weddings on Sunday has served to bring to public notice very Interesting feature of the cosmopolitan life of Boston and other large cities-a feature whose oentures-old characteris- tics correspond strangely with the cus- toms and habits of modern New England. Comparatively few persons outside of the inhabitants of the Ghetto have ever witnessed a Hebrew marriage. but those who have are not likely to soon forget their experience.
 Everything pertaining to the prelimi- naries leading up to Jewish matrimony seems odd in contrast with the conven- tional way of doing things in this country. To begin with. the orthodox Jew, while perhaps believing that matches are made in heaven, also has faith that providence may very properly be assisted with lit- tie earthly wisdom. This faith furnishes foundation for the vocation of the "snat- chen," or matchmaker.
 
 ton of the meaning of the word, a matchmaker Is usually a woman. There semes to be something about the self-imposed employment of planning matrimony that surrounds it with fem feminine atmosphere of gossip and tea drinking. Among the Hebrews. however, it is different, and in most cases 1t is a man who plays the part of assistant to Cupid. Usually it is an elderly gentleman that assumes the role, and he makes it his business to keep thoroughly posted regarding the qualifications for marriage of as many of the young people of his &C., quaintance as possible.
 He usually begins accommodating infor- nation at very early period in the life of his prospective clients. For instance. as soon as a baby Is born he puts it's name down in his books, and from then on through childhood and youth he main tains 8 careful watch over its career. He usually has many, and sometimes unex- pected, sources of information. and what he does not ultimately find out about the young people that he hopes to serve Is scarcely worth knowing.
 For Modest Consideration.
 In time the little ones that the ''snatchen' has held upon his knees and cajoled with offerings of candy arrive at the age when their parents begin to think about marriage for them. On the one hand he knows of a sweet little maid of many attractions, who will make a model wife, and on the other he has been familiar for years with a young lad who possesses all of the qualifications for a very desirable husband Shall these two who seem so apparently fitted to be- come life partners pursue separate path ways through life because perchance fate does not see fit unaided to bring them fn0 har-1 Tr hi lrita hearted 'snatchen" promptly answers, No
 He, therefore, first visits the young man and his parents, and to them points out the many and manifest advantages of a matrimonial alliance with the young woman that he has in mind. For the old people he paints picture of a maid who is meek. gentle. thrifty and good housekeeper, while for the young mans ears he has a description of rosy cheeks, languishng eyes and other irresistible feminine charms.
 As soon as he has finished describing the admirable qualities of the young wo- man the "snatchen" visits the prospec- tive bride and her father and mother and endeavors to convince them of the numerous advantages of the marriage that he has in mind.
 Then, if everything runs smoothly, the s'snatchen" for modest cash consid-
 
 young people together and in the course of time 1t is very probable that marriage will be arranged. Whether or not it Is any tribute to the value of the professional match-malrer's services. 1t Is certainly fact that-the percentage of divorces among the He brews is comparativeIy small The s'snatchen'' himself in any event usually has liberal bank account to show as the fruit of his labors
 After a couple have been duly engaged, matters proceed much the same in the ghetto as In the rest of the world. The bride-elect usually goes about preparing her wedding finery. while the young man gives close attention to the condition of his finances Tn time they make out list of their friends and relatives. and send out invitations for the marriage cere- mony in the ordinary way.
 Bearing Wedding Canopy.
 The invitations usually announce that The ceremony Is to take place at one of the large halls of the city. It sometimes happens though that young couple will prefer to be married at the home of one of the contracting parties, or at syna- gogue that they have been in the habit of regularly attending. When the marriage takes place at either one of the latter places a reception in a hall comonly fol- lows.
 When wedding is to take place in public hall the hour for the ceremony is usually set at p. m. Some. time ear Ter often early as or 6 o'clock, the guests commence to assemble. and with music. dancing and social intercourse the time passes quickly until the arrival of the bridal pair
 The appearance of the bride and bridegroom is signalized by the sound ing of the first notes of beautiful we'd ding march. With the first strains of the music four friends of the contract ing parties come into the hall bearing be- tween them the handsome wedding can opy.
 Like almost everything else connected with the ceremony. this canopy has an important symbolical meaning. It re- calls to the imagination the days when the Hebfews were a nation of tent dwellers When a wedding takes place In some of the large halls of the city fhe canopy instead of being borne in by friends. is let down from the ceiling, to which it is permanently attached.
 As soon as the canopy has been placed in position the officiating rabbi takes his station at one edge of 1t, and the bridal couple after passing through an aisle tof friends stand facing him. The opening sentences of the ritual are very F.. to of ha ,olf