Standing Under the Chuppah
The actual Jewish wedding ceremony is conducted under a Chuppah or canopy. What the Chuppa symbolizes is the new home being created by the couple. It is open on all sides, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent open all sides to welcome friends and relatives in unconditional hospitality. It is customary for the bride and groom to honor four of their best friends and siblings to hold the poles during the ceremony. This adds love, warmth and intimacy to the ceremony. The bride and groom stand under the Chuppah during the ceremony, with the bride to the right of the groom. Traditionally, Jewish wedding ceremonies were held outdoors under the stars as a reminder of God's blessing, bestowed upon Abraham that his children shall be will be as numerous as the stars of the heavens.
In Orthodox Jewish weddings that separate men from women, the 2 fathers or other 2 male relatives lead the
groom to the Chuppah, while the bride is led by the mothers. In Conservative and Reform - less restrictive Jewish weddings, his parents accompany the groom to the Chuppah and her parents accompany the bride to the Chuppah.
Under the Chuppah, the Rabbi recites the marriage blessings and a blessing over wine. He then recites a blessing that praises and thanks God for giving us laws of sanctity and morality to preserve the sanctity of family life and of the Jewish people. The bride and the groom then drink from the wine.
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