Jewish Marriage Contract
Before the public wedding ceremony, Brad and Gaby will have signed a Ketubah. The Ketubah is a historical Jewish marriage contract that articulates the couple's vows to one another. During the signing, the Ketubah will be witnessed by two non-familial Jewish people in Brad and Gaby's life. The Ketubah is a head nod to history and one of the ancient traditions of a Jewish wedding that many modern Jews still practice. The Ketubah will be displayed underneath the chuppah during the ceremony. After the ceremony, we'd encourage you to take a peak at it as it's not only a contract, but a gorgeous work of art. This will hang in Brad and Gaby's future home as a reminder of their commitment to one another and Jewish Values.
The Veiling Ceremony
The Bedeken (which literally translates to check or confirm) is a ceremony that comes from ancient times when Jacob accidentally marries Leah instead of who he truly intended to, Rebecca. When asked how he could have made such a foolish mistake, Jacob responded that his bride had come to the Chuppah veiled so he could not see her. As a result, the groom should now 'check or confirm' that his bride is who he intends to marry. This ancient tradition has evolved over the years to reflect a tender moment between the Bride and Groom right before the public ceremony where they are meant to look reverently into each others eyes as if they are seeing each other for the very first time. In this moment, knowing their full selves, they recognize each other's individual beauty both inside and out.
Wedding Canopy
The ceremony takes place under a Chuppah, or wedding canopy, representing the new home that the bride and groom will build and share together. It is open on all sides recalling Abraham’s tent, which had open doors on all four sides so guests coming from any direction would feel welcome. The wedding party surrounding the Chuppah portrays the family and community that will help establish the new couples’ home and be a part of their new life.
Jewish Custom
Prior to entering the Chuppah, it is traditional for the Bride to circle the Groom 7 times. This tradition is meant to symbolize the forming of a new family circle prior to when the Bride and Groom step into the Chuppah (marriage canopy which symbolizes their home) together. In modern interpretations, and the version of this custom that Brad and Gaby have chosen to do, both the Bride and Groom will circle each other, symbolizing their equal and joint participation in creating this new family.
The 7 Blessings
The seven blessings, called the Sheva B'rachot, come from ancient teachings. They are often read in both Hebrew and English. The blessings focus on joy, celebration, and the power of love. They begin with the blessing over a cup wine, then progress to more grand and celebratory statements, ending with a blessing of joy, peace, companionship, and the opportunity for the bride and groom to rejoice together
Jewish Tradition and Hebrew Exclamation
The ceremony concludes with the groom breaking a glass. There are several interpretations of this tradition. One of the most popular is that the shattered glass represents the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem and the losses suffered by the Jewish people. On happy occasions, we do not forget the pain and suffering that still afflicts so many. In modern times, it reminds us of how fragile life and love can be and is a reminder of the sanctity of marriage, for a broken glass cannot be mended. Other interpretations share that the marriage should be as strong as it would be difficult to put the glass back together after being shattered into thousands of pieces. As Brad steps on the glass, family and friends call out “Mazel Tov!”, the traditional expression of congratulations and good wishes.
Traditional Jewish Dance
It is a mitzvah (Jewish biblical obligation) to make the Bride and Groom merry and to treat them as King and Queen. It is customary to lift the new couple and their parents on chairs and carry them, as if on thrones, while dancing the Hora. Please join in the merriment and revelry of the celebration! The Hora which is a traditional Jewish wedding dance is the perfect way to get the party started. You grab hands with anyone around you and dance in a circle throughout the whole song. Towards the end of the song, there will be chairs brought out for the Bride and Groom to be lifted in by their friends and family. Hope everyone's lifting weights in preparation! You can google "Hora Jewish Wedding" or here's a link to an example - not the best but you get the idea: https://rb.gy/qxm9wz
Ceremony
Gaby and Brad will exchange rings, which must be unbroken, complete circles to represent the never-ending completeness of the couple’s love and marriage. Gaby recite traditional Jewish vows, consecrating her to Moses and Israel, while Brad will recite revised one to acknowledge his faith. Gaby and Brad will not publicly exchange personal vows. During the ceremony, Gaby will be married in her mother's wedding band, which was previously her grandmother's wedding band. Brad will have with him his great grandfather's ring. After the ceremony, Gaby will wear a ring that Brad gives her as well as her mother's wedding band.