A traditional wedding begins with a hassan‘s tisch (a groom’s table). The groom attempts to speak words of Torah while his friends interrupt with songs and jokes. Liquor flows freely. The ketubah (wedding contract) is usually signed at this time. During the groom’s tisch, the bride usually holds a kabbalat panim, a reception, in which she sits in a large throne-like chair and receives her guests.
Today, many brides hold their own tisches where they too teach or hear friends recite words of Torah. Some couples hold a joint tisch.
