Jewish Wedding

by Lisa Weinberger | More from this Blogger

12 Apr 2006 04:10 PM

In a Jewish wedding ceremony, there are many different traditions which can be observed.

Ketubah

The Ketubah is the Jewish marriage certificate. This is signed by two witnesses prior to the wedding ceremony. When the bride and groom are standing under the Chupah, it is given to the bride as a symbol of the commitment of marriage by the groom.

Standing under the Chuppah

A Chuppah can be made from anything as simple as four wooden poles and placing a Tallis across the top. The bride, groom, and Rabbi stand under the Chuppah to symbolize the making of the new home which will be built once the couple is married. A Chuppah is also known as a canopy.

Some couples want a large Chuppah with flowers, decorations, and free standing; while others want their friends and family holding the poles thoughout the entire ceremony. Some couples will not even have poles and just a Tallis be held over them.

Hakafot

In some Jewish wedding ceremonies, you may see the bride circle the groom before beginning the actual wedding ceremony. This is called Hakafot, the circling of the groom seven times to symbolize the seven marriage blessings. (I joke to husband and say it is to serve the future husband seven days a week. I chose not to circle.)

Sheva Berachot

There are seven marriage blessings called Sheva Berachot which the Rabbi will recite. Then the bride and groom drink wine to symbolize their joining lives. These blessings are repeated later on at the end of the wedding celebration, and for a week after the couples wedding.

Breaking of the Glass

The famous and most well-known Jewish wedding tradition is the Breaking of the Glass. As the ceremony comes to a close, the groom is given a wine glass wrapped in a cloth and when the guests hear the glass break, everyone screams, "MAZEL TOV!" This means good luck and symbolizes the remembrance of the destruction of the temple. (Again, I changed the rules and my husband and I both broke a glass.)

Learn more about Lisa Weinberger

Lisa Weinberger began her career as a teacher and private tutor 15 years ago, and has taught preschoolers to adults. Lisa spent 4 months in Israel teaching English to Israeli students.

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