David and Stephanie

What is a Jewish Wedding

Traditionally the Jewish wedding starts with the signing of the marriage contract or ketubbah. The ketubbah is a document that describes the rights and obligations of the bride and groom. It is signed by the groom and then given to the bride for safekeeping. In modern weddings the bride also signs the contract. This document is often framed and displayed in the newlyweds' home.
After the signing of the contract the groom goes up to his bride and gazes into her face. Having confirmed that she is the woman he chosen to marry, he lowers her veil over her face. This is a symbolic representation of the lesson learned from the story of Jacob who was tricked into marrying Leah instead of Rachel, his true love. Leah pretended to be Rachel and covered her face with her veil so Jacob wouldn't know the truth.
The Stage
The wedding ceremony takes place under the huppah (wedding canopy). The huppah is often made of velvet with embroidery and fringes but sometimes a floral canopy is used. The huppah is supported by four poles which is optionally held during the ceremony by friends or relatives. Under the huppah is a table with two glasses and a bottle of kiddush wine.
By custom all of the immediate relatives are part of the wedding party. The bride and groom are escorted down the aisle by their parents. Siblings can act as attendants and grandparents may have a place in the procession.
Under the huppah the bride stands to the right of the groom. Under Orthodox custom, the bride may circle the groom seven times (representing the seven wedding blessings) before taking her place at his right.
After the introduction by the rabbi, the groom recites his wedding vow and gives the ring to the bride. Traditionally the ring is a plain gold band without any breaks or engravings. This type of ring is used because it clearly shows the true value and purity of the ring. At the ceremony the ring is placed on the bride's right index finger because it is the finger of intelligence (it is the finger that points at the words when reading the Torah). Modern brides that follow this custom will sometimes switch the ring to the left hand after the ceremony.
Next the ketubbah is read aloud. This is followed by a reading of the seven wedding blessings by various guests. During this reading the bride and groom sip their wine. When the reading is done, the groom breaks a glass with his foot. The breaking of the glass represents various things, one of which is the destruction of the Temple. The shattered glass also reminds us of how fragile life is.
The Celebration!
The wedding party then proceeds down the aisle, led by the bride and groom. At this point, the couple may perform a traditional ritual known as yihud (union). For this they will go to a private room where they will briefly eat some food (typically a broth) together. They will then go to the reception area for the festivities.
A typical celebration includes circle dancing where the bride and groom may be lifted above the circle. In Orthodox communities, where dancing with the opposite sex is prohibited, a special dance may be done where the dance partners will hold opposite ends of a scarf. If either the bride or groom is the last child of the family to be married, another special dance may be performed for the parents to celebrate their success in marrying off all of their children.


Customs & Traditions of Jewish Weddings
by Anna Karden, The Jewish Bride & More!

The purposes of marriage in the Bible are for companionship and procreation. In the past, they were usually arranged by parents, but the bride's consent was asked.
Jewish weddings can occur any day of the week except the Sabbath, Jewish festivals, the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, and the "sefirah" period Passover & Shavuot (Lag Ba-Omer and other exceptions).
It is customary for the bride to wear white and a headdress & veil. Jews from oriental countries wear elaborate costumes richly embroidered. The groom may wear a "kitel" (a white garment) along with a tallit.
Before the ceremony, the groom, in the presence of witnesses, undertakes an act of "kinyan" (the obligations of the Ketubah). This is done by taking a handkerchief or some other object by the Rabbi, lifting it and returning it. The groom and witnesses then sign the Ketubah. The groom is then led to the "Huppah" by two male relatives facing Jerusalem. The bride is led in by the Mothers usually to the accompaniment of a blessing of welcome chanted by the Rabbi. Sometimes the bride is led in 7 circles around the groom to ward off evil spirits.
The bride stands to the right of the groom and the Rabbi recites the marriage blessings over a goblet of wine. Both the bride & groom then drink from the glass. The groom places the wedding ring on the forefinger of the bride's right hand and recites the marriage formula. The "ketubah" (marriage contract) is then read and the 7 marriage benedictions are recited.
In most ceremonies, the groom then crushes the glass under his right foot and the Rabbi invokes the "priestly blessings". The couple is then escorted away.

TERMS OF INTEREST
Huppah: The term was originally referred to as the bridal canopy or bridal chamber. It consists of a cloth spread on four staves. The cloth can be of an elaborate design or a large Talis may be spread over the staves.
The Ring: It has become universal Jewish practice to use a ring, except in a few communities where a coin is used. The ring must belong to the bridegroom and be free of any precious stones. In the ceremony, the groom gives the ring to the bride as an act of acquisition and the bride, by accepting it, becomes his wife.
Ketubah: It is a document recording, in Aramaic, the financial obligations which the husband undertakes toward his wife in respect of their marriage. It was instituted for the purpose of protecting the woman so that the husband would not find it easy to divorce her.