Soc.Culture.Jewish Newsgroups Frequently Asked Questions and Answers URL: www.scjfaq.org/faq/08-28.html

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Question 8.28:
I've heard Jews can't get married on certain days. What are they?

Jewish marriages do not take place on Shabbat, festivals or the High Holy Days, because "one does not mix one occasion of rejoicing with another." Weddings may be held on Chanukah and Purim, however, because they are not defined as a "simchah." Similarly, wedding are not traditionally held on days of public mourning either, for the overriding mood of such days would diminish the joy of the wedding. This includes Tisha B'Av, the fast of Gedaliah, the tenth of Tevet, the fast of Esther, the seventeenth of Tammuz,the period between Pesach and Shavuot, and the three weeks from the seventeenth of Tammuz until Tisha B'Av. The one exception is the thirty- third day in the Counting of the Omer (the period from Pesach through Shavuot), during which time weddings are permitted.

This period also applies to the throwing of parties, such as engagement parties. However, there is an additional exception. If the "party" is really just a large Shabbat dinner, it is permitted, because public displays of morning do not take place on Shabbat. Note that, according to traditional thought, music should not be played during this period.

The FAQ is a collection of documents that is an attempt to answer questions that are continually asked on the soc.culture.jewish family of newsgroups. It was written by cooperating laypeople from the various Judaic movements. You should not make any assumption as to accuracy and/or authoritativeness of the answers provided herein. In all cases, it is always best to consult a competent authority--your local rabbi is a good place to start.

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© (c) 1993-2004 Daniel P. Faigin <maintainer@scjfaq.org>