This picture provokes many thoughts, most of which conflict with each other. The young girl, the Bride (kalleh, in Hebrew) appears pensive and not sure of what is going to happen to her. A feminist would say that the Groom is much bigger and taller and older than his Bride and is clasping her in a possessive manner. He looks at her intensely, possibly communicating in a physical way that she will be his now; she will belong to him. But is that all there is in this picture? The Bride looks hesitant, but could possibly be on the threshold of a new life, one of warmth and fertility.