Jewish Weddings 101
Question
What is a Jewish Wedding?
Answer
A Jewish Wedding is a ceremony that adheres to Jewish law and customs, uniting a couple in marriage. While traditions vary, this wedding will include a ketubah signing, a chuppah, the seven blessings, and the breaking of a glass. The ceremony is filled with symbolism and blessings, celebrating the couple's commitment to each other and their Jewish community.
Question
What should I wear?
Answer
The dress code is semi-formal. During the ceremony, men (and women who chose to do so) are encouraged to wear a kippah (head covering). There will be a basket of kippot available for those that wish to wear one.
Question
What is a Ketubah?
Answer
The Ketabuh is a Jewish marriage contract that outlines the duties and mutual devotion needed for a healthy marriage. In Judaism, the wedding couple is officially married after signing the Ketubah. The Ketubah signing takes place prior to the wedding ceremony. Witnesses chosen by the bride and groom sign the contract. After the witnesses sign, the wedding ceremony can begin. The document is read to the guests during the ceremony. The Ketubah is often a beautiful piece of art that couples display in their home after the wedding.
Question
What is the Chuppah?
Answer
The Chuppah is is a cloth canopy supported by four poles, creating a separate, sacred space for Jewish couples during the wedding ceremony. It symbolizes the new home the couple will build together. Prior to standing together under the chuppah, Emily will circle Zach seven times. The bride circling the groom seven times symbolizes creating a new, protected home for their marriage, establishing and delineating their shared space within the larger world. In Jewish tradition, the number seven is deeply meaningful, representing completeness, divine creation, and spiritual power.
Question
What are the Seven Blessings?
Answer
The Seven Blessings, or Sheva Brachot, are a central part of a Jewish wedding ceremony and are recited over a cup of wine. These blessings express gratitude for creation, joy, and the newly formed couple. They will be recited by friends and family members, after which the couple will drink from the cup of wine.
Question
What is the Breaking of the Glass?
Answer
In a Jewish wedding, the breaking of the glass is a symbolic act that concludes the ceremony. Zach will step on a glass, shattering it, and this will be immediately followed by shouts of "Mazel Tov" (good luck) and applause. The tradition is rich with symbolism, representing the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the blending of joy and sorrow in life.