Guide to the Jewish Wedding: Ceremony, Traditions, Chuppah, Ketubah. A traditional Jewish wedding is full of meaningful rituals, symbolizing the beauty of the relationship of husband and wife, as well as their obligations to each other and to the Jewish people. The following guide explains the beauty and joy of these the Jewish wedding traditions. The Wedding Day. The dawning wedding day heralds the happiest and holiest day of one's life.
Part of a series of articles on: Jewish feminism; Advocates; List of Jewish feminists; Groups; Bat Shalom; Center for Women's Justice; National Council of Jewish Women. Judaism and Jewish resources in a popular and well-organized index, carefully monitored to ensure that all links are active. On the web since 1993. Reform Jewish wedding, Conservative Jewish wedding or Orthodox Jewish wedding Many scholars in the area of Jewish marriage and divorce point proudly to the fact that Jewish marriage is a private ordering between individuals.
This day is considered a personal Yom Kippur for the chatan (Hebrew for groom) and kallah (bride), for on this day all their past mistakes are forgiven as they merge into a new, complete soul. As on Yom Kippur, both the chatan and kallah fast (in this case, from dawn until after the completion of the marriage ceremony).
And at the ceremony, the chatan wears a kittel, the traditional white robe worn on Yom Kippur. This increases the anticipation and excitement of the event. Therefore, prior to the wedding ceremony, the chatan and kallah greet guests separately. The kallah will be seated on a . The reason is to show the seriousness of the commitment .
The veil symbolizes the idea of modesty and conveys the lesson that however attractive physical appearances may be, the soul and character are paramount. It is reminiscent of Rebecca covering her face before marrying Isaac (Genesis ch. The Ashkenazi custom is that the chatan, accompanied by family and friends, proceeds to where the kallah is seated and places the veil over her face. This signals the groom's commitment to clothe and protect his wife. Chuppah. The wedding ceremony takes place under the chuppah (canopy), a symbol of the home that the new couple will build together. It is open on all sides, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent open all sides to welcome people in unconditional hospitality.
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The Ashkenazi custom is to have the chuppah ceremony outside under the stars, as a sign of the blessing given by God to the patriarch Abraham, that his children shall be . Sefardim generally have the chuppah indoors. The Ashkenazi custom is that the chatan and kallah wear no jewelry under the chuppah (marriage canopy). Their mutual commitment is based on who they are as people, not on any material possessions.
The kallah follows the chatan, and both are usually escorted to the chuppah by their respective sets of parents. Under the chuppah, the Ashkenazi custom is that the kallah circles the chatan seven times. Just as the world was built in seven days, the kallah is figuratively building the walls of the couple's new world together. The number seven also symbolizes the wholeness and completeness that they cannot attain separately. The kallah then settles at the chatan's right- hand side. The tallit is then held by four young men over the head of the chatan and kallah.
The first cup accompanies the betrothal blessings, recited by the rabbi. After these are recited, the couple drinks from the cup. Wine, a symbol of joy in Jewish tradition, is associated with Kiddush, the sanctification prayer recited on Shabbat and festivals. Marriage, called Kiddushin, is the sanctification of a man and woman to each other. Giving of the Ring.
In Jewish law, a marriage becomes official when the chatan gives an object of value to the kallah. This is traditionally done with a ring. The ring should be made of plain gold, without blemishes or ornamentation (e. According to Jewish law, this is the central moment of the wedding ceremony, and at this point the couple is fully married. If the kallah also wants to give a ring to the chatan, this is only done afterwards, not under the chuppah.
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This is to prevent confusion as to what constitutes the actual marriage, as prescribed by the Torah. Ketubah (Marriage Contract)Now comes the reading of the ketubah (marriage contract) in the original Aramaic text. The ketubah outlines the chatan's various responsibilities . Protecting the rights of a Jewish wife is so important that the marriage may not be solemnized until the contract has been completed. The document is signed by two witnesses, and has the standing of a legally binding agreement. The ketubah is the property of the kallah and she must have access to it throughout their marriage. It is often written amidst beautiful artwork, to be framed and displayed in the home.
The reading of the ketubah acts as a break between the first part of the ceremony . The theme of these blessings links the chatan and kallah to our faith in God as Creator of the world, Bestower of joy and love, and the ultimate Redeemer of our people. These blessings are recited by the rabbi or other people that the families wish to honor. At the conclusion of the seven blessings, the chatan and kallah again drink some of the wine. Breaking the Glass. A glass is now placed on the floor, and the chatan shatters it with his foot.
This serves as an expression of sadness at the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and identifies the couple with the spiritual and national destiny of the Jewish people. A Jew, even at the moment of greatest rejoicing, is mindful of the Psalmist's injunction to .
Sefardim always break the glass at the end of the ceremony, even in Israel.)This marks the conclusion of the ceremony. These moments of seclusion signify their new status of living together as husband and wife. Since the couple has been fasting since the morning, at this point they will also have something to eat. There is much music and dancing as the guests celebrate with the new couple; some guests entertain with feats of juggling and acrobatics.
After the meal, Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) is recited, and the Sheva Brachot are repeated. During the week following the wedding, it is customary for friends and relatives to host festive meals in honor of the chatan and kallah. This is called the week of Sheva Brachot, in reference to the blessings said at the conclusion of each of these festive meals. If both the bride and groom are marrying for the second time, sheva brachot are recited only on the night of the wedding.
Jewish Wedding Rituals, Traditions & Customs. Jewish Wedding Cheat Sheet. We created this one- page guide to Jewish wedding traditions and customs as a resource for you. The beauty of each object is literally endless as you incorporate you and your fianc. Whether it be traditional, modern, 3. D, Watercolor, Papercut, or include a special or meaningful photo, the possibilities are nearly endless. It’s popular to honor a loved one (for example, your grandparents) by using their kiddush cups.
This begins with the guests visiting the bride and groom in separate rooms before the wedding. Some couples invite all of their wedding guests to witness them sign the ketubah, while others prefer a more intimate ketubah signing ceremony. Bedecken (Veiling the Bride) –. To make this ritual more egalitarian, some couples choose to hold hands and walk the seven circles together. Breaking the glass is said to represent the destruction of the Temple. It can also symbolize warding off evil spirits. Companies such as Mazel Tov Glass can incorporate the shards into a beautiful, customized work of glass art.
Some couples stay in yihud for 1. Chai”, meaning life, and considered good luck. Hora Dance – Usually danced to the Hava Nagila, this traditional Jewish celebration dance is sure to get everyone up on the dance floor and get the party started! Mezinke – This fun Jewish tradition is reserved for families that are marrying their last son or daughter.