The Secret Behind Sasha Israelovich: Why She Removed Her Engagement Ring

The absence of the engagement ring from the finger of Sasha Israelovich, wife of Omer Adam, during their wedding ceremony in Portofino, sparked quite a bit of curiosity among guests and fans. However, the choice to leave this ring out of the picture was not accidental, but a fascinating combination of Jewish traditional customs and ancient Italian superstitions that accompany the place where they walked to the chuppah.

Regarding the Italian tradition, the clear custom dictates removing other jewelry and rings from the hand during the chuppah. The goal is to clear space and not create a barrier or confusion with the pure and simple kiddushin ring, which symbolizes the clean and direct connection between the groom and the bride. But since the event took place on Italian soil, another layer of deep local customs was added. In Italy, there is a total ban on wearing gold jewelry on the wedding day, except for the wedding ring itself, because according to local superstition, wearing additional gold brings bad luck to the bride.

Furthermore, ancient Catholic and Roman tradition attaches enormous importance to the ring finger of the left hand, where, according to belief, the "Vena Amoris" (vein of love) runs, connected directly to the heart. In order for the wedding ring (Fede) to be the first to touch the finger and the closest to the heart, the finger must be completely free of any other jewelry.

Many brides in Italy who still choose not to give up their engagement ring move it to their right hand during the ceremony, and return it to their left hand only after the ceremony ends and they are officially married.

Thus, Sasha's clean look on her wedding day not only kept the rules of Halacha as they should be, but also connected perfectly to the spirit of the place, the Italian tradition, and the beliefs that accompany the wedding day in Portofino.