Jewish Wedding Customs

Circling the Jewish Groom

Traditionally, though not obligatory, the bride alone or with her mother and future mother-in-law circle the groom seven times as she enters the seven spheres of her beloved’s souls.

The Jewish Wedding Ring

The groom place a plain gold on the index finger of the bride's right hand. In the presence of two witnesses, he recites “Behold you are sanctified to me with this ring, according to the Law of Moses and Israel.” The Jewish wedding ring symbolizes the concept of the groom encompassing, protecting, and providing for his wife. After the ring is placed on the bride's index finger, the Ketubah is read aloud and given to the bride. At this point, the bride can place a ring on the groom's finger. The ring symbolizes the wholeness of the union and of the groom encompassing, protecting and providing for his wife. The reason for the solid plain unblemished gold ring is three fold.

A solid, un-blemished ring represents complete wholeness in the marriage with no holes or obstacles.

The bride and groom should consider the marriage and devotion to each other without considering wealth.

So every groom could afford to buy a ring for his bride.

A Jewish engagement is announced with an engagement party. The bride's and groom's mothers break a plate to symbolize the finality of the engagement On the Sabbath morning before the wedding, the groom is reads the Torah in the synagogue. After he recites the last blessing, the congregation throws candies and raisins to wish him a sweet life with his wife. In traditional weddings, the bride and groom fast on the day of their wedding until after the ceremony to purify their souls.

Signing the Ketubah

The groom signs the Ketubah, which is the marriage contract . Historically, the Ketubah was a great leap forward in women's rights. It details the husband's obligations toward his wife about providing food, clothing, shelter, and even frequency of sex. It associates a lien on all his property to pay her a sum of money and support in the event of a divorce. Two people must witness the groom sign the document. Jewish males sign the document as witnesses. It is a legally binding agreement that enforceable by secular law in many countries. The Ketubah document is also a wonderful form of art that becomes a treasured family heirloom.

Have you seen this scene in a movie where the groom stomps on a glass? This custom dates back to Talmudic times to remind people of the destruction of the holy temple in Jerusalem. Another explanations that the breaking the glass is as permanent as is the marriage that unites a man and a woman and creating a new family.

Unveiling the Bride

In Orthodox Jewish weddings, the bride sits like a queen on a throne-like chair surrounded by her family and friends. The groom enters the room along with his father and future father-in-law, musicians and male guests. He uncovers the veil from her face to identify her before the wedding. If Jacob did so, he would not have been tricked into marrying Leah instead of his beloved Rachel. The bride and groom are like a king and queen. This friends lift them on chairs and dance around.

Standing Under the Chuppah

The actual Jewish wedding ceremony is conducted under a canopy called a "Chuppah," which symbolizes the new home that the bride and groom are creating. It is open on all sides, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent open to welcome friends and relatives. It is customary for four best friends and siblings to hold the poles during the ceremony. The bride stands to the right of the groom.

Orthodox Jewish weddings separate men from women. In this case, the two fathers or other two male relatives lead the groom to the Chuppah, while the mothers or other female relatives lead the bride. In reform and conservative weddings, the bride and groom are led by their parents.

Under the Chuppah, the Rabbi recites the marriage blessings and a blessing over wine. He then recites a blessing praising God for providing laws to preserve the sanctity of family life.The bride and the groom then drink from the wine.

Dancing With Chairs

At just about every Jewish wedding reception, you will hear the music of the Hora and participate in the dance. The bride and groom are sit in chairs like a king and queen. A group of men holds them in the air while dancing.

Jewish Wedding Traditions

Jewish engagement

Jewish Wedding Breaking Glass

Modest Jewish Wedding Dress