On the Shabbat prior to the wedding, Emily and Zachary will partake in an aufruf, which means “calling up” in Yiddish. At this ceremony, the Rabbi will bless the the Bride and Groom to be and their impending union. Guests will toss candy to the couple to celebrate the sweetness, and there will be a dessert reception following.
At a Jewish wedding ceremony, male guests, Jewish or not, cover their heads with a skullcap, known as a kippah or yarmulke as a sign of respect and to remind us there is a higher power.
A bedeken ceremony takes place before the wedding. Before the bedeken, Emily and Zachary will be separated. Zachary and his male friends and relatives will make a joyful processional to Emily, who will sit on a throne surrounded by female loved ones. As guests sing and dance, Zachary will place a veil over Emily's face. This tradition represents modesty, and references several biblical stories.
An important Jewish wedding tradition is the signing of the ketubah, or marriage contract. A ketubah signing ceremony will be held shortly before the actual wedding ceremony. Two witnesses (not blood relatives) will sign the ketubah, and the Rabbi and close family members will be present for this important moment. The signed ketubah will be displayed during the wedding ceremony.
The chuppah is among the most important Jewish wedding traditions. This wedding canopy consists of a cloth supported by four poles. The chuppah may be simple or elaborately decorated and represents the creation of a Jewish home that always welcomes family and friends.
During the processional and before Emily reaches the chuppah, Emily will walk in a circle around Zachary seven times. There are several reasons for this, but it’s most often seen as the bride creating a “wall of protection” around the groom.
The sheva brachot are seven blessings that are recited during the wedding ceremony. They are recited over a cup of wine and will be chanted in Hebrew and translated into English.
A tallit, or fringed prayer shawl, will be used during the final blessings. Emily and Zachary's parents will wrap the tallit around the couple’s shoulders as a symbol of unity and being surrounded by love.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Zachary will break a glass with his right foot and everyone will yell “Mazel Tov!” meaning “Congratulations!” There are many reasons why this Jewish wedding tradition takes place, but it’s most commonly thought of as a reference to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Other modern interpretations say that the broken pieces of the glass reminds us that life is fragile and even in times of great joy, we must not forget our people's journey throughout history.
Yichud refers to seclusion, which takes place immediately after the wedding ceremony. According to Jewish wedding tradition, the newlyweds are secluded from their guests for a short period of time after the ceremony to share their first moments together as husband and wife.