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From: meth@csd2.UUCP (Asher Meth)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Re: throwing candy
Message-ID: <3780066@csd2.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 16-Aug-85 08:28:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: csd2.3780066
Posted: Fri Aug 16 08:28:00 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 20-Aug-85 02:21:44 EDT
References: <741@lsuc.UUCP>
Organization: New York University
Lines: 25

Yom hashishi, erev shabbos leparshas re-ei, 29 Menachem-Av 5745

The custom of throwing candy, nuts, etc. at a chosson (bridegromm) at the
"aufruf" (when he is called to the Torah the shabbos before his wedding)
is symbolic of our wishing him and his bride-to-be many blessings (wishing,
or perhaps, throwing blessings at them).

I don't have the sources for this in front of me, but Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan
alav hashalom (may he rest in peace) wrote a book called - "Made in Heaven",
a guide to the Jewish wedding. He takes one through all the steps and customs
leading up to and at the wedding. He also has extensive footnotes (where he
gives his sources).
-----
I asked my brother about this, and he suggested another reason (he is not sure
if he ever saw or heard it). On the day of their wedding, it is customary for
the chosson and kallah (bride) to observe a private Yom Kippur and to fast.
There is an old custom among some people to get (symbolic) lashes (makkos) on
the day before Yom Kippur, as a partial atonement for their sins. Perhaps this
custom spread to - throwing candy at the chosson as a symbolic lashing, to
atone for any sins, in case it is necessary.

Again, no source for this. Check Rabbi Kaplan's book.

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Asher Meth ....... meth@nyu-csd2.arpa ....... allegra!cmcl2!csd2!meth