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QUIZ BOX
By Rabbi SAMUEL J. FOX
JEWISH QUIZ
Question: What are “Unterfirer?"
Answer: In the traditional wedding ceremony it is customary
to appoint two couples to precede the bride and the groom re
spectively to the altar. These are called ‘Unterfirer" which is a
Jewish term meaning "Those who lead (them) under (the
canopy).’’
Question: W'hat is the origin of this custom?
Answer: The exact time and place of its origin is not definitely
established. "Unterfirer" are mentioned in the Talmud (Talmud
Babli, Tractate Baba Bathra, 144b, 145a) under the name of
"Shushvinon" which is the Aramaic word for “friends." In most
Talmudic sources it seems that only one might have been ap
pointed for each to serve in the capacity of the "Best Man” and
the "Maid of Honor" which we have today. It was their duty to
collect the presents, sometimes share the first meal with the
couple, etc. In the Talmud it is related that these positions are
reciprocal, i. e. the favor of being an unterfirer was to be re
turned at some later date, including the usual expense that goes
along with assuming such a position. It seems, generally that the
custom of having such attendants is quite ancient in origin. The
Midrash (Genesis, Parshah 8) claims that Adams, the first man,
had two "Unterfirer," i. e. the angels Michael and Gabriel who
walked on either side of him.
Question: What is the logical reason for having such
attendants?
Answer: It is quite obvious that Jewish marriages were not
meant to be isolated affairs. No man could achieve his rightful
degree of spiritual happiness and perfection unless he did so in
the company of others. Indeed, marriage itself, as an institution,
indicates the incompleteness of solitude and stresses the inter
dependence of men and women. Having others lead the way to the
altar before the bride and groom, indicated the community spirit
of friendship and cooperation and stress to the couple that they
are not alone in the forthcoming problems.
Question: Why is it customary for the "Unterfirer” to carry
lighted candles?
Answer: It is always customary to have lighted candles at
Jewish Simohas (affairs of happiness). Light has always been the
symbol of joy in Jewish lore. Especially at a wedding do the rabbis
insists that candles be lit. The marriage of the bride and groom
is often compared to the marriage of the Jewish people to its
faith which occurred w-hen the Torah was presented at Mount
Sinai. Just as at that time brilliant flares of lightening illuminated
the entire area, so is the setting of a Jewish marriage set off to
light. The first Commandment of the Torah which bade man to
"be fruitful and multiply.” Some writers have offered a fascinat
ing interpretation of the custom whereby the "unterfirer" carry
in the candles.
Chairmanship of Brotherhood Week
Robert P. Patterson, former Secretary of War, has accepted
the notional chairmanship of Brotherhood Week, sponsored an
nually by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He
said that American unity is indispensable to world peace and can
be realized only by a rejection of intolerance, and in increasing
prevalence of “the understanding and good will found in the
bond of brotherhood."
"Intolerance is bound to produce a divided people, a weak
nation," he said. "We may be sure that we will never achieve a
lasting peace on such terms. The unity we had in the war years,
when we saw the losses and sorrows of war being born by
Americans without distinction as to race or religion, when it was
plain to all of us that our spiritual aims and purposes were far
more powerful than our differences, is still available as the vital
force for peace. The understanding and good will found in the
bond of brotherhood will bring us to realize that unity. I know
of nothing else that can."
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