Jewish Wedding Traditions

Overview of the Jewish Wedding

Preliminary Customs and Traditions

Ketubah signing
Before the ceremony , in the presence of witnesses,
the groom undertakes the marriage obligations.
This is done by taking an object by the Rabbi, lifting it and returning it.
The groom and witnesses then sign the Ketubah.
The Ketubah is a binding document of confidence and trust, which details the
husband's obligations to his wife. Therein, the Groom pledges to "work for you, honor, provide
for and support you, in accordance with the practices of Jewish husbands who work
for their wives' honor, provide and support them in truth."

Processional
The groom is then led to the Chuppah which signifies the home he is providing.

The bride is led in to the accompaniment of music or a blessing of welcome chanted by the
Rabbi. Often the bride circles the groom 7 times to delineate sacred space for their union,
and to signify the sanctuary of the home being created.
The bride stands to the right of the groom.


THE JEWISH MARRIAGE CEREMONY

The actual nuptial ceremony has two basic parts: Consecration and Marriage.
Both parts are introduced with the blessing over wine, the traditional symbol of joy and
abundance.

                              Part 1- Consecration
Blessings: the Rabbi recites the marriage blessings over a goblet of wine.
The First blessing over the wine sanctifies the marriage relationship.
Both the bride & groom then drink from the glass. (*tip: use white wine)

Ring: in the presence of witnesses, the groom places a simple gold ring on the bride's
right forefinger. As the groom places the ring on her finger he says:

"Harei At Mekudeshet Li                                                                                  "Behold, you are consecrated
B'taba'at Zo Kedat                                                                                         to me with this ring according
Moshe V'Yisrael"                                                                                       to the laws of Moses and Israel."


                                 Part 2- Marriage
The Second blessing over wine is recited to give thanks to G*d for giving us the opportunity to
perform this “mitzvah”

The Ketubah – the marriage contract is read aloud.

Sheva Berachot

- the Seven Blessings are conferred

over a cup of wine.

Often several different people are called upon to recite

these beautiful and joyous blessings.

At the conclusion of the blessings the bride and groom

drink from the wine glass

Breaking a Glass - at the conclusion of the blessings
the bride and groom drink from the wine glass,
and then the groom breaks the glass with his right foot.
(Tip: put the goblet in a cloth bag)






                   The emphasis is on entertaining the newlyweds.

Additional Customs & Traditions of Jewish Weddings
Jewish weddings generally can occur any day of the week except the Sabbath,
but there are some exceptions, which the rabbi can clarify.
Garments- It is customary for the bride and groom to wear white as a symbol of the sanctity of
their marriage.
The bride usually wears a veil.
The groom often wears a "kitel" (a white garment) along with the prayer shawl traditionally
presented to the groom by his bride before the ceremony.

Ketubah are available pre-printed, or can be ordered with personalization. Artistic ketubahs
are popular and suitable for framing.

Aufruf- On the Sabbath preceding the wedding the groom is called up before the congregation
to recite the ancient blessings over the Torah. Candies are thrown over his head in celebration

Mikveh Immersion- According to the Talmud, the ultimate source of all water is the river that
emerged from the Garden of Eden. Immersion in the pure living waters of the Mikveh is a
spiritual preparation for the wedding.

Chena Ceremony- Inspired from the Sephardic custom of celebrating the Mikveh Immersion
with song, dance, and the joyous blessings of friends and family

Ring- consecration an unbroken circle representing the wholeness achieved through
marriage, the ring makes the agreement between man and woman tangible

Chuppah- the multifaceted symbol of the home that is being established, forms a space which
is   spiritually charged with G*d’s protective presence as in the clouds of glory which protected
Israel in the desert.

Wine & Kiddush Cup-

Breaking of the Glass Ceremony- At the height of personal joy, we remember Jerusalem, and
signal the end of the ceremony to the cries of “Mazel Tov”

Ritual Veiling of the Bride by the Groom- abounding in symbolism and meaning

Bridal Draping of the Tallit over the Groom- the Tallit is symbolic of G*d’s encompassing
protection. The fringes correspond to the mitzvoth, through the observance of which Jews are
united with G*d, paralleling the union of Bride and Groom.

Unity Candle Ceremony- Light is a symbol of G*d’s presence, the candlesticks symbolizing
the beginning of a home that will be filled with the light of Sabbath and festival candles.
3 partners in the relationship: the bride, the groom, and G*d, are symbolized by the lighting of
a Unity Candle. “From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven.
When two souls that are destined for each other find one another, their light flows together
and a single brighter light goes forth from their united being.” (the Baal Shem Tov)

Mezuzah Ceremony- establishing the Sanctuary of Marriage- Circling the Groom, the Bride
creates a new family circle, defining the space the couple will share, constructing an
everlasting sanctuary of trust, of compassion, and of holiness.
Weaving Blessings under the chupah- seven ancient blessing recited by friends and family.

Tzedakah ceremony/ Dove or butterfly release – at we pray for blessings for the Jewish home
which is being established, remembering the poor and needy awakens Divine mercy and
blessing for us

Badchan- jesters, jugglers, and dancers-   celebrating in joy with the groom and bride, the
emphasis is on entertaining the newlyweds. By dancing around the Choson and Kallah, the
community expresses its support for the couple. As a part of the Jewish people, they never
need to fear that they face life alone.

Musician-Jewish music

Kosher cake or refreshments

Kosher wedding reception

Other customs include flowers, candles, family participation, special songs or prayers, music,
and traditional dancing- all done with a Jewish flair.

Jewish Wedding Glossary

Bedeken: veiling of the Bride. The groom brings down the veil over the bride's face,
symbolizing the dignity and chastity, which characterize the Jewish marriage
Chatan: groom.
Chatunah: the whole wedding ceremony
Chupah: the wedding canopy usually made of fabric
Kabbalat Panim: greeting the Bride and Groom
Kallah: bride
Ketubah: marriage contact customized and often a work of art
Kiddushin: sanctification. Marriage is a holy institution in Judaism
Mazel Tov: a greeting expressing blessings, best wishes
Mikveh: a special body of water designated for ritual immersion
Mitzvah: a G*dly action
Simcha: joyousness with a spiritual element
Kittel: a white ritual garment worn on special occasions