Tag: Jewish Wedding
Chuppah
Jewish Wedding: Chuppah
The ceremony takes place under a Chuppah, or wedding canopy. It represents God’s sheltering presence in the lives of the bride and groom, as well as the new home that they will build together. The presence of family under the Chuppah, as well as its lack of walls, signify that their home will always be open to family and friends.
Filed in: Ceremony
Bedeken (Veiling of the Bride)
Legend has it that this tradition, which means “checking,” dates back to Biblical times, when Jacob was tricked by his father-in-law Laban. Jacob was presented with an already-veiled bride; he discovered only after the ceremony that she was not his intended bride, Rachel, but instead her sister, Leah. Often we will include Veiling of the Bride either immediately following the Ketubah signing, or as part of the processional to the Chuppah. By checking under the veil, the groom indicates that he is sanctifying the bride to be his wife.
Filed in: Ceremony
Nissuin (Nuptials)
Jewish Wedding: Nissuin
The second section of the wedding ceremony begins the Sheva Brachot, or seven benedictions, which are recited over a cup of wine. The blessings thank God for the fruit of the vine, the creation of the world, the creation of human beings, the perpetuation of life, the survival of the Jewish people, the joy of marriage, and the bride and groom’s happiness.
Filed in: Ceremony
Breaking of the Glass
Jewish Wedding: Breaking of the glass
At the conclusion of the ceremony, it is customary for the groom to break a glass. The breaking of the glass has several meanings. Some consider it a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in the first century, for even at the height of personal joy, we must not forget the tragedies that our people have endured. Others explain that the fragile glass reminds us of the delicate nature of marriage, which must always be cared for and cherished. At the sound of the breaking of the glass, guests traditionally clap and chant “Siman Tov” and “Mazal Tov,” Hebrew phrases which offer congratulations and good luck to the couple.
Filed in: Ceremony
After the Ceremony: Yichud and Seudat Mitzvah
Yichud
Jewish Wedding: Yichud
Following the ceremony, the newly weds customarily spend a few minutes in a private room for yichud, which means “togetherness.” There, they will quietly share the excitement of their first moments together as husband and wife. Since the wedding day is often a whirlwind, these private moments of yichud often are the only private moments the bride and groom will share for the entire day. This time is really special, and they then emerge from yichud as a couple to greet their guests.
Seudat Mitzvah (The Wedding Feast)
According to Jewish law, the wedding guests are commanded to celebrate, to have fun, and to increase the joy of the bride and groom on their wedding day. So, dancing, singing, and rejoicing throughout the night is very much encouraged!
Filed in: Ceremony
