Moroccan Jewish Bridal Celebration to be held in NYC

Theatrical and Musical Rendition of Traditional
Moroccan Jewish Bridal Celebration to be held in NYC

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 25, 2011 - The American Sephardi Federation (ASF) will be holding a Tableau Vivant – living theatre - a picturesque, live portrayal of a traditional Noche de Berberisca, the Moroccan Jewish Bridal celebration.

The event will take place on Sunday February 6, 2011, 4:00pm, at the Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th St. in New York City. This cultural ceremony will be featured as part of a year-long series of events celebrating “2,000 years of Jewish Life in Morocco: An Epic Journey."

The 'Noche de Berberisca' ceremony, which takes place during the week before a Moroccan Jewish wedding, will be depicted in full ceremonial dress and in an authentic Moroccan setting. It is an intimate gathering of families and friends that precedes the wedding, held in an atmosphere full of joy and emotion.

It is enhanced with Sephardic songs, which will be performed by singer and scholar, Vanessa Paloma. Ms. Paloma will entertain the audience with traditional Jewish songs and Judeo-Arabic music. The evening reaches its climax when the bride makes her entrance, magnificently made up and dressed in the 'Berberisca Traje de Paños', or 'Vestido de Berberisca' (Spanish), or 'Keswa Elkibra' ('Great Dress' in Arabic).

Dr. Yaelle Azagury will provide an introduction and overview of this most traditional of Moroccan Jewish ceremonies. The program will be followed by a Moroccan tea and pastry reception to sample some of the traditional delicacies and pastries made with almonds and honey.

Tickets are $18 for General Admission and $12 for ASF members. RSVP is requested at 212.294.8350 x0, or by emailing [email protected].

* * *

Founded in 1973, the American Sephardi Federation (ASF) is the largest American organization dedicated to the promotion of the culture of the Sephardic Jewish population in the United States.

“2,000 years of Jewish Life in Morocco: An Epic Journey” continues with its array of activities including exhibitions, concerts, a film festival, an international symposium and a heritage tour of Morocco. For more information, go to: http://www.americansephardifederation.org.

PDF VERSION