Of course, even the most traditional Jewish weddings will still vary greatly between different cultural and geographic background. What we’ve compiled is a short overview of the most common practices that are generally seen if you’re not sure what to expect before a Jewish wedding ceremony. Afterwards, it will almost certainly be the same fine dining and excited dancing you’ll be used to.
Under the chuppah, which is a traditional Jewish wedding canopy, several significant events and rituals take place. The chuppah symbolizes the couple’s new home together and serves as a sacred space for the wedding ceremony.
- Bride and Groom: The bride and groom, along with their immediate family members, stand under the chuppah. The groom traditionally enters first, accompanied by both parents, while the bride is escorted after by her parents. Typically the bride walks around her groom seven times to symbolize the breaking down of barriers, reminiscent how the Jews made a procession around the walls of Jericho seven times before they miraculously were buried beneath the ground.
- Erusin (Betrothal): The wedding ceremony begins with the kiddushin, the betrothal ceremony. It might sound funny that a couple are only betrothed at the wedding, it is dates back to earlier practices where thousands of years ago the coupled would be betrothed according to Jewish law with enough time for the groom to build a home and save up money. Under the chuppah, the officiating rabbi recites blessings over a cup of wine, and the groom then recites a betrothal blessing. The groom places a ring on the bride’s finger, symbolizing their commitment and the establishment of a marital bond.
- Reading of Ketubah: The ketubah, a Jewish marriage contract, is often read aloud or displayed during the ceremony. It outlines the responsibilities and obligations of the groom to his bride and serves as a legal document that is reviewed and signed by witnesses. If a couple looses the ketubah, the marriage , so now many couples get beautiful artwork around the text and hang it on the wall, not only as a symbol of the couple’s married home, but also as a way to ensure its placement is remembered.
- Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings): The highlight of the ceremony is the recitation of the Sheva Brachot, or ‘Seven Blessings’. These blessings praise and celebrate the couple’s union, their happiness, and the importance of love and companionship in Jewish tradition. The blessings are typically recited by the rabbi or to call up honored guests. Often the final blessing is sung.
- Exchange of Vows: In more modern weddings, some couples may choose to express their personal vows to one another, speaking of their love, commitment, and promises for their married life together.
- Breaking of the Glass: At the conclusion of the ceremony, the groom traditionally breaks a glass wrapped in a cloth with his foot, though the custom in Israel is to do it earlier. This act has multiple symbolic interpretations, such as a reminder of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem or the recognition of the fragility of relationships. This is actually a mournful act, and sometimes ash is placed on the groom’s forehead, but once the ceremony is over, the guests joyfully shout “Mazel Tov!” to celebrate the union.
It’s important to note that Jewish wedding customs can vary based on cultural traditions and personal preferences. Nevertheless, the ceremony under the chuppah is a sacred and joyous moment that signifies the couple’s commitment to each other, their families, and the Jewish community, before God.
