Chair lift at a non-Jewish wedding?

Yes. I'm in New York and they do it at most weddings Jewish and non Jewish.

I'm not Jewish, but DH is - so we did it. My friends and family had never been to a wedding with it before so it was fun to see their reactions.

It was the most fun, and scary part of our wedding day.

I feel like it would be really out of place if you're not Jewish though. Maybe look into the reasons behind it, and make sure you're not being disrespectful in any way just to have some fun.

This would be considered cultural appropriation and i highly advise against it.

I'm also in NY and I have never seen this done at a goy wedding

Yeah I've seen it at non-Jewish weddings! I don't see anything wrong with it honestly.

I think it is super weird to do it if you are not Jewish. It is a Jewish tradition, and would likely be seen as cultural appropriation by some of your guests. It would be the same thing as jumping the broom if you are not black.

Honestly, I think it would be very weird if you're not Jewish. I have never even heard of this at a non-Jewish wedding....and I'm in NY.

@Elephant; jumping the broom is also used in a Celtic context; the reading is different, but it's a valid ritual for other populations.

Cultural appropriation - I couldn't think of the word - thanks for the other comments saying that.

I agree, I do see this as being on the same level as other things non-personal cultural traditions people try to make OK. And it just feels wrong.

Didn't realize that Celia - but I think the point stands if you are not Celtic or black then you shouldn't do it.

Agree with PP, seems like culture appropriation.

If you want to do something from another culture cause you think it sounds/looks cool. Just don't. If you don't know or understand the significance behind the act then leave it alone

Yeah...don't do this.

Thanks guys, I didn't think of it that way, especially because my Jewish friend was who suggested it. But I'm glad i sought some opinions first!

Yes, if you, your FS, and your families are not Jewish, this would be cultural appropriation. Not playing Hava Nagila doesn't make it cute or less culturally appropriative. I'm from NY and I've never heard of this being done at non-Jewish events, and would never participate in the Hora if I knew it was being appropriated.

Did you even know that the Hora has a name? The fact that you called it the "chair lift" makes me think you know very little about it. I'm not Jewish and would never think to do something like that or anything from a culture that doesn't belong to me or my FH.

ETA: Whoops, just saw your update! Glad you're open to what everyone is saying. It's like if my non-black friends say the N word and tell me that their other black friend said it's ok. Nope, not ok.

ETA: edited for clarity.

Why would you never participate in it Catti? It is totally acceptable, and you should, participate in the hora at a Jewish wedding. That is very different from having it at your non-Jewish wedding.

I agree with pp. Using wedding traditions from cultures you don't identify with is cultural appropriation. The same would go for jumping the broom (as previously mentioned) and hand fasting (though this has become very popular it is a cultural/religious ceremony).

Don't do this. This is cultural appropriation.

If neither of you is Jewish, I'd think it was really weird if I saw this.

@Catti, I very much appreciate your comments. No, I don't know anything about the hora (obviously) but referred to it as a chair lift to see if this was ever done outside of the Jewish tradition. I see that the general consensus is that this is solely a Jewish tradition and should be kept that way.

Thanks to everyone for contributing and I hope that no one thinks I'm insensitive to cultural traditions. It was merely a thought and clearly one that was misguided.

@MrsBee I don't think anyone would find you insensitive. You asked, got an answer that wasn't what you really wanted to hear, and yet responded well and appropriately. Many who post on here do not take hearing that they or their ideas are wrong so well as you did. Thank you for actually being open to answers to the question you asked!

@ElephantLover, I meant that I wouldn't participate in it if it was at a non-Jewish event, sorry if my wording was off. I will gladly (and have) participate in cultural events if asked to and it's appropriate.