By Amit Epstein | 20/05/2010
In the last month I have been invited to three weddings and one funeral. Just like the movie, I though, only I wasn't really prepared, although I saw it several times...well, one wedding was in Israel – no problem there, I know the rules by heart…but it was the first time I was invited to attend such Christian ceremonies – and I must admit, I have not fully prevailed…
The funeral, of a young woman I knew and died of cancer, I did not attend – she asked to be burnt, and I felt that willingly visiting a crematorium in Germany might confuse me.
So I only came to the social get together that followed, in a less loaded location; it was beautiful and stirring, piano music, long tables. Still, I thought, how can you deal with all of that in one day? How brilliant is the idea of the Shiv'ah - what's the rush, now?
The one wedding was English and the church was meant only for family – the friends joined later to a banquet at a bier garden, for the speeches and such. Was moving, different…refined, under stated and with British wit. Nothing I couldn't handle.
On the first day, at the late afternoon till late in the night, was the bachelors' party, on the second day early afternoon the religious ceremony followed by a formal dinner and a party which let to the third day, on which a recovering breakfast was served at mid day.
This time I've decided to experience it – going to church, attending a ceremony. Be serious. In retrospective I can say, much too serious – Christians, apparently, do it by the book, or do not do it at all.
It was very emotional, beautiful to watch. I say watch, since I was observing rather then taking part – I wasn't able to sing along. It felt too awkward.
I couldn't stop thinking how faster we do it, until the glass is broken. I hardly stopped myself from yelling "Mazal Tov!" as they were passing by…
