I got up at 05:30 again and Heidi slept in. I made breakfast (cucumbers, tomatoes, lemon juice, fruit). When Heidi got up we went to eat “the best Hummus in the world” at Abu Hassan’s (the Ali Karavan restaurant). It is not as good as the “best Hummus in the world” in Akko but it is better than anything else.
Then we went to the Yafo museums and antique shops.
We ran errands and hit the beach on our way to the “big event” near Rishon L'tzion. The weather is hazy and warm.
The Event
I was completely blown away by the wedding. It was more powerful than any concert or theatre performance or other entertainment / party I have ever attended. There were about 400 people there. With two exceptions, all 51 of my cousins were there. The event was “opulent.” I want my kids to get married here (seriously).
Everything about the production was as good or sometimes better than a Cirque du Soleil play – A Cirque show is the only thing I have experienced that could compare to it. The pre-production including music mixes, music video productions, place settings, flowers, props, choreography, lighting, logistics, torch-lit promenade, stage, Hupa, and food were all superb, polished, and extraordinary.
More importantly, the guests, their mood, actions, emotions, and interactions were also unbelievable: these people are direct, warm, loving, joyful and genuine. They want to dance and to celebrate this important life event and share in the love and joy. They are very open and emotional – everyone! They sighed, cheered, applauded and participated in the ceremony. They danced spontaneously. Their core values and principles hold marriage to be vital, fundamental, and most important. I was crying (I never cry at weddings). I am very happy I came.
Part of the Jerusalem contingent.
400 guests at the garden reception. A torch-lit red-carpeted promenade lead to a large garden. First stop was the gift box (a large safe with envelope slot for cards and a big basket for gifts. In the large garden were 8 horsd’hoevres tables and three wet bars. There was seating strategically placed. On one end of the garden was the dance hall where the sit-down dinner was served (11 courses with dancing before each course). At the other end was the Hupa (covered stage) under which the ceremony took place. A white, raised promenade led to the Hupa. The natural and artificial outdoor lighting was carefully arranged to create a perfect contrast with filler at a midrange temperature. The technical details are astounding. Two sound engineers with a professional mixing board and high-end Bose speakers everywhere coordinated the sound from a prepared track that included remixes of pop songs that were mostly Israeli and US with some French, Spanish, and two Italian.
The bride and groom marched down the promenade after their parents.
The ceremony under the Hupa was carefully delivered.
After the couple accepted congratulations from every guest (again), we went into the dining/dance hall. It had interesting (Cirque-like) lighting for dancing.
the Food
My cousins are farmers and I did not know what to expect. I sincerely thought that the food served before the ceremony in the garden was all we would get. It included Mexican burritos and quesadillas, Thai chicken strips, mini-pizzas, Chinese noodles, Chinese vegetables, three kinds of sausages, burgers, and salads with spreads and dips.
After the ceremony and reception we went inside. The tables were decked with expensive wines, juices, sodas (in elegant bottles) and we had to order water. The first course was salads and spreads including smoked/marinated vegetables, eggplant, tambuli, hummus, cheeses, cabbage, green salads, carrots, and warm bread. Again: I thought this course was the entire meal. Then came casserole, then came spicy Moroccan lamb in a bread covering, then came chicken with rice and vegetables, then came steak (NY Strip) with potatoes, vegetables, noodles. The courses were served family style. Then came four different courses of desserts including mousse aux chocolat, tiramisu, fruits in a cream sauce, cake, and a course of fried Yemenite pastry. There may have been more food served after midnight when we left. They continued dancing until 2am.
Between courses (I forget which 2) they showed a professionally-produced music video. It was mixed together from clips of each family member singing separately, sometimes singing together (staged) and other times just dancing to choreographed moves. They had the typical childhood slides of the bride and groom mixed in as well. It was so much better than the amateur productions I have created and seen that I was blown away.
The make-up and formal photos are also better than I have seen before.
On the dance floor they passed out silly hats and flashing LEDs.
We came to see a quaint, informal wedding and were overwhelmed. All of our cousins came from all over Israel; we got to see them and catch up with them all at one event. I saw cousins from Nahalal I had not seen since 1981.
Next
Today (Friday May 6), I dropped my sister off at the airport for her flight home. I fly out tomorrow. We were up most of the night trying to understand the tainted jet fuel situation. It appears all of the diesel and jet fuel in Israel has been tainted with an agent that clogs filters and prevents flow into motors. The military released fuel to run the country from their reserves. All of the flights are landing in Athens or Cyprus to take on fuel. 20% of El Al flights were canceled.
Gil called and wants to take me to “his” Tel Aviv to show me secret sights the tourists don’t know about. I can’t wait!
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