Jewish Wedding Rituals

For Jewish people, marriage is a fusion of two souls. They belief that God created the first man and woman (Adam and Eve) from one body and with the practice of marriage, they return to same oneness. A traditional Jewish wedding consists of significant rituals and beliefs. The wedding, not only indicates the beauty of the relationship of a couple, but also indicates their obligations to each other and to the Jewish society, as a whole. According to Rabbinic tradition, a marriage will be considered peaceful only if God is a part of the union. Jewish people have wedding rituals that are unique to their religion. Mostly Jewish wedding has two important phase - the kiddushin (engagement) and nissu'in (actual wedding). To get information about the beauty and joy of the Jewish wedding ceremonies, read through the following lines.

Jewish Wedding Customs

Wedding Ceremony
To begin with, the Rabbi checks the huppah, which is basically a canopy under which the religious ceremonies are carried out. This is done so as to ensure that there are two Kiddush cups and wine, which will be used during the performance of ceremony. The bridesmaids, usherers, maid and matron of honor, best man and other close relatives are made to stand around the huppah.

The groom and bride walk down the passage separately. Usually, they are accompanied by their parents. The bridegroom's side is the first to enter and the bride and her parents are the last ones. Thereafter, the couple is made to stand, next to each other, under the huppah. The huppah represents the new home of the couple. Over a cup of wine, the rabbi recites the blessings and the bride and groom are asked to take a sip. After that the couple exchanges their rings.

Reading Of Ketubah
It is followed by the reading of Ketubah, the marriage contract that is written beforehand and duly signed by two witnesses. It also makes a clear mention of the dowry and the alimony amount that the wife will receive in case of divorce. The Rabbi hands over Ketubah to the bridegroom, which he further gives to his wife to keep. This completes the legal formalities of the marriage ceremony.

Sheva Berakhot Ceremony
In Sheva Berakhot ceremony, seven blessings are recited over a cup of wine, either by one Rabbi. Thereafter, the relatives come closer and bless the newly weds over a cup of wine. The blessings usually begin with thanking God for His creation and then proceeds further.

Breaking of the Glass
One of the most symbolic customs, in this, it is customary that an empty glass, covered with cloth, is kept under the bridegroom's feet and he is asked to break it. Through this act, the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem is recalled. Sometimes, both the bride and the groom can together break the glass. Thereafter, the bridegroom kisses his beloved wife. The breaking of the glass is also the official signal to shout, "Mazel Tov!" and start partying.