When Stacy and Joseph were planning their wedding, the usual questions of flowers and music were raised and discussed. One detail, however, was unquestionable: The location for their special ceremony would be their local Chabad center, Chabad of Wicker Park and Bucktown, directed by Rabbi Yosef and Sara Moscowitz. Site of the “Living Room”—the cultural and religious nerve center of the young and growing Jewish community north of downtown Chicago—Chabad felt like a second home for the young couple.
But with a rambling building that is still unfinished and little outdoor space, the community joined in creating a truly urban—and unordinary—wedding experience, combining the best of chassidic and “hipster” traditions.
1. Urban cooking . . . and beards.
The catering was done outside in the alley under the “L” train tracks, where bearded young men grilled some mean steaks for the reception (taking care not to dirty their wedding duds, of course).
2. Eat Local
Even the giant challah was baked by the rebbetzin, who used a full 5-pound bag of flour for a single braided loaf.
3. Embrace the urban sprawl
Outdoor chuppah? No problem. We’ve got some room at the bus stop.
4.Don’t forget to look up!
No need for crushed velvet or floral arrangements; all that’s required is a tallis, four dowels, and four friends with strong arms (plus a few orange cones to divert traffic). Voilà: instant chuppah under the sky.
5. Respect the neighborhood
The groom broke the glass, but made sure to do so before the bus pulled up.
6. Indie Music
The whole shtetl came out to celebrate. Even the fiddler (Chicago music legend Ruby Harris) climbed down from his roof for the occasion.
7. Take plenty of selfies
8. Craft it
Get crafty, and decorate with twine and other DIY touches.
9. Flowers in his hair
Hardly an ironic sendback; everyone expressed true joy and love for the bride and groom.
10. Feel the love
. . . and what better way to celebrate the union of two souls than to catch up on a mitzvah such as tefillin and a chance to connect to the Creator?
11. Like a boss
The Talmud teaches that a groom is compared to a king, but this takes it to a whole new level!
12. Truly Inclusive
Guests were welcome to take part in rejoicing, and even a traditional dance, be they child . . .
. . . Toddler
. . . or Infant
Join the Discussion