@ThelittleIknow
This mid 60s aged attorney doesn’t hang out. He lives in small town Fairfield County, Connecticut and can be often found in his law office, Superior or Probate Court and his local orthodox synagogue.
That said, I have attended hundreds of weddings over the past 50 years, but never one in a Chassidic court. That is why I made the comment/observation about what I see or don’t see in the picture posted in YWN.
I also have never attended a wedding/chasunah where I was not invited for the entire affair: Tisch, chuppah, seudah…….I have never been invited for part of the festivities.
I would not dream of dropping in uninvited to wish someone a mazal tov.
When our eldest daughter married, our future SIL asked if he could invite some Yeshiva friends to the schmorg and chuppah or for dessert/shevah brochos, as he didn’t expect us to host these boys for the entire evening. He was told that we don’t invite or host people in separate classes. If he wanted them, then invite them for everything (Mrs. CTL and I would pay, that’s what the girl’s parents do).
Also, growing up and living OOT, one does not have the opportunity to just drop in to a local wedding hall and wish a mazal tov as may occur in Brooklyn, Monsey or Lakewood. In fact all three of our daughters were married right here on our grounds. I doubt an uninvited guest would have gained entry.
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As for your comments about my being an “classic” Litvak…it is only on my paternal side which arrived here in 1872. My mother’s side is Yekke and they arrived in 1868. Oma always thought my mother married down to a ‘peasant from the east.
I attended yeshiva at a Litvish establishment in NYC many decades ago. Our family followed in the ways of Brisk. I do not consider my politics to negate my observance or beliefs. Just because I want something for the general populace does not mean I shall avail myself of it. My religious prescriptions and restrictions are taken up by choice and should not be foisted upon the general American public (beyond the Noachide Laws). Before I got involved in local politics 45 years ago I discussed this fully with the Rav J.B. Soloveitchik. He was best suited to deal with a Litvak living as a traditionally observant Jew in New England. I received great guidance and advice which I’ve followed all these years.