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Tableau
Vivant: A Living Picture - The Berberisca
Ceremony
February
6, 2010
The
American Sephardi Federation conducted a live re-enactment
– in ceremonial dress and in an authentic Moroccan
setting, of the picturesque Noche de Berberisca
or Soirée du Henné. This most
traditional Moroccan Jewish ceremony generally takes
place during the week that precedes the wedding,
in an atmosphere full of joy and emotion. It is
enhanced with wedding songs, elegant outfits and
delicious pastries. The evening reached its climax
when the bride makes her entrance, magnificently
made up and dressed in the Berberisca gown called
Traje de paños in Spanish or Keswa
Elkbira (Great Dress) in Arabic.
The
Tableau Vivant was a program of the year-long
series, '2,000 Years of Jewish Life in Morocco:
An Epic Journey,' presented Under the High Patronage
of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco and
made possible through the generous support of the
Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation.
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ASF
Board member
Raquel Benattar Laredo opening the event
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Dr.
Yaelle Azagury speaking on the history of
the ceremony
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Singer
Vanessa Paloma entertaining the guests through
song
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ASF
Board member Florence Tatistcheff-Amzallag
as the mother
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The
bride making her entrance
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Mali
the kallah (bride)
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Jacob
the hattan (groom)
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Joining
the bridal party
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Sharing
some tea
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Opening
presents
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The
groom getting henna
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The
entire cast
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Sonya,
owner and lender of the special dress, Mali
and Ilanit
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Guests
speaking with Toby, a bridesmaid
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Stella
the 'grandma' with Shelomo Alfassa of ASF
and two guests
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Gila,
a bridesmaid, speaking with a guest
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Mali
dressed as the bride
Special thanks to Prosper Lankry Design for
their generous donation of the set design and decoration.
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