You have questions, we have answers! If you’re hoping to explore a tradition that is NOT explained below, we would love to hear so that we can add it to the list!
Ketubah:
The Ketubah is the Jewish marriage license or contract. It outlines the responsibilities/rights of the groom in relation to the bride and marriage. It is typically signed by two witnesses and read out loud under the Chuppah. After signing, the Ketubah is typically displayed and is more ornate/detailed than an American marriage license.
Check out Ketubah.com for some beautiful designs!
Bedeken:
Bedeken refers to veiling the bride during the Ketubah signing. It symbolizes the groom loving the bride for who she is on the inside. It’s worth noting there’s also the story of Jacob, who was fooled into marrying the sister of his true love. Since she was already veiled, he mistook her for his true love. If the groom is the one who veils the bride, then he can’t be fooled! ;)
Chuppah:
The canopy under which a Jewish couple stands when getting married. The symbolism is vast, but primarily represents the first home that the couple will build together. The Chuppah is open on 4 sides and held by the couples’ closest family/friends. Sizing depends on the venue, the number of people that will be standing under the Chuppah, and the materials used.
7 Circles:
Often, the bride will circle the groom 7 times during the beginning of the wedding ceremony. This is symbolic of the bride creating the foundation of the home with her groom at the center. She then joins her groom in the center after the 7th circle. The number 7 is also symbolic of the 6 days that it took God to create the world, with the 7th day as rest.
7 Blessings/Sheva B’rachot:
Said to be the heart of the Jewish wedding ceremony, the couple is often wrapped in a tallit, or prayer shawl, during this portion. Many couples invite friends/family to recite each individual blessing. The 7 blessings are below:
1 Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
2 Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created everything for His glory.
3 Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created humanity.
4 Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created humanity in His image, in the image of the likeness of his form, and made for them an everlasting establishment. Blessed are you, Lord, who created humanity.
5 May the barren one (Jerusalem) rejoice greatly and delight in the ingathering of her children within her in joy. Blessed are you Lord who causes Zion to rejoice with her children.
6 The loving partners shall rejoice as You caused your creatures to delight in the Garden of Eden of old. Blessed are you Lord who causes the groom and bride to rejoice.
7 Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who creates happiness and joy, groom and bride. Exultation, delight, amusement, and pleasure, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. Soon, Lord our God, may the sound of happiness and the sound of joy and the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem — the rejoicing of groom from their huppahs and youths from their singing banquets. Blessed are you Lord who makes the groom rejoice with the bride.
From MyJewishLearning.com*
Glass Breaking:
Traditionally, it was the groom who did the breaking of the glass at the end of the ceremony! These days, couples often take on the task together. You can purchase glass online that comes with a pouch/wrapping, or we’ve had couples wrap a glass item in napkins/cloth. The glass breaking is typically followed by a group “Mazel Tov!” which means “good fortune.” The symbolism includes the fragility of life and marriage (& therefore the need to nurture that marriage), and a reminder of the destruction of the first Temple of Jerusalem. This tradition is the potentially the most common across Jewish weddings.
Yichud:
After the ceremony, the couple sneak away to have a few private moments. It’s common that even the photographer is kept out of this moment. In more religious circles, the Yichud is the first time the bride and groom have physical contact, so it’s a very important time. Often, the American marriage license is signed once the couple has finished The Yichud.
Blessing the Challah/Hamotzi:
Many Jewish families begin meals with the blessing of the bread, and it can be especially powerful at a wedding celebration. Essentially, it blesses/thanks God for allowing or enabling bread to grow from the earth. Sometimes salt is sprinkled over the newly blessed bread before being passed around. One the bread has been tasted, the meal can officially begin.
Hora:
At the wedding reception (or Bar/Bat Mizvah), guests celebrate by dancing in a circle, holding hands to form a chain. There may be multiple circles formed, but the bride and groom are at the center and are lifted up on chairs! They’re lifted by guests and wave napkins in the air, adding to the celebration!
We hope this guide has served as a helpful jumping off point, reach out to Kaitlin@KaitlinSheaWeddings.com with further questions or insight!
