What is the significance of the badeken ceremony practiced in Ashkenazic communities?
It’s one of the most magical moments of the wedding: the chassan, accompanied by his father and future father-in-law, witnesses, and friends, comes to put the veil over the kallah’s face. The kallah, flanked by the two mothers and other family members, sits on a royal throne eagerly awaiting this special moment.
What is the significance of the badeken ceremony practiced in Ashkenazic communities? Let us try to unveil some of the deeper meaning to have a greater appreciation of what’s transpiring.
Rav Aryeh Kaplan ztz”l, in his sefer Made in Heaven, explains that the source of this custom is Rivkah Imeinu’s act of veiling herself upon seeing Yitzchak Avinu. A veil is a sign of modesty, and the hope is that the new couple will live a life of holiness akin to that of Rivkah and Yitzchak.
Although the customs vary as to who veils the bride — the chassan, members of the family, or a representative from the community — this source indicates the chassan should be present at the time of the veiling.
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