A new look at the nuptial benedictions in Babylonia and Palestine

Shulamit Elizur*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

In contrast to the seven nuptial benedictions of the Babylonian rite, the Palestinian rite - according to the Sefer ha-Hilliqum - consisted of only three. In spite of scholarly attempts to surmise what these three benedictions were, they have yet to be identified. This article presents a Genizah fragment that contains a series of benedictions and suggests that these be viewed as the Palestinian nuptial benedictions. In addition to the blessing over wine, the fragment contains a special benediction for the Sabbath, which is followed by two benedictions that would be appropriate for the groom, "...Who causes us to rejoice in His salvation" and "...Who multiplies joyous occasions in Israel." These benedictions also shed light on the Babylonian nuptial benedictions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOn Wings of Prayer
Subtitle of host publicationSources of Jewish Worship; Essays in Honor of Professor Stefan C. Reif on the Occasion of his Seventy-fifth Birthday
Publisherde Gruyter
Pages171-186
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9783110630282
ISBN (Print)9783110629958
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 Jul 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Babylonian rite
  • Benedictions
  • Joyous occasions
  • Nuptials
  • Palestinian rite

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