Greeting of the Bride (Kallah) and Groom (Chosson): Traditionally, since the chosson and kallah do not see each other for a week prior to the wedding, separate welcoming receptions, known as Kabbalat Panim ("receiving of the guests"), are held for them.
Bride’s Reception (Hachnassat Kallah): The bride sits on her symbolic “Queen’s Throne,” surrounded by family, as guests greet her with warm wishes. This event includes singing, dancing, and entertainment for the bride. Groom’s Reception (Chosson’s Tisch): The groom greets his guests with songs and “L’Chaims” (toasts). It is during this time that the legal components of the marriage are finalized. The first requirement is the Tena’im, the betrothal agreement. The Tena’im are read aloud, emphasizing the commitments of the bride and groom. The mothers of the bride and groom break a plate, symbolizing the fragility and care required in relationships and the irreversible nature of marriage. The second is the signing of the Ketubah, the marriage contract. The ketubah is an ancient document that specifies the groom’s commitments to the bride. It is signed by the parties and witnessed by two appointed witnesses, who must not be blood-related family members to the bride and groom.
The Veiling of the Bride: Before the wedding ceremony, the groom is escorted by his father, father-in-law, and male guests to meet his bride, with song and dance, to the Badeken, the veiling ceremony, marking their first meeting in seven days. The groom places a veil over the bride’s face, symbolizing inner beauty, modesty, and dignity. This custom derives from the biblical account of Jacob’s first marriage when he was deceived into marrying the heavily veiled Leah instead of Rachel, his intended bride. This is then followed by the fathers’ blessing of the bride.
The Chuppah: The Wedding Canopy The wedding canopy is known as the Chuppah. The wedding parties enter the main ceremony area where all the guests are seated separately. The procession begins with the groom being escorted by his parents and the bride, escorted by her parents. They all make their way towards the Chuppah – a canopy held up by four poles. The Chuppah represents the shelter of the home that the bride and groom will create following their marriage. Open on all four sides, it symbolizes hospitality and the couple’s intention to create an open and welcoming home. The home, being central in Jewish life, is the place where we grow, learn to share and love, and pass on our traditions and values. You will see that the bride and groom stand at the center of it, and the walls are formed by those closest to them. Just as the walls of our home protect us from the elements, offering warmth and security, so too the ‘walls’ of the Chuppah, that is- our families, friends, and community, provide strength and support with their love and encouragement.
There are many reasons for this. The number seven is significant in Judaism — representing completeness and holiness: The world was created in seven days, There are seven blessings (Sheva Brachos) in the wedding ceremony, The Shabbat is on the 7th day. Circling seven times echoes this completeness — symbolizing the creation of a new world and new life together. The bride's circling can be seen as symbolically creating a protective wall around the groom, representing her role in safeguarding their home and relationship.
The two part are Kiddushin (betrothal) and Nissuin (marriage). Kiddushin: Begins with two blessings over the first cup of wine, symbolizing joy and the sanctity of marriage. The groom gives a ring to the bride, accompanied by a declaration of betrothal. In Jewish law, a marriage becomes official when the groom gives an object of value to the bride, and this is traditionally done with a ring. The ring should be plain, without stones or etchings. The Ketubah is then read aloud, detailing the groom’s obligations to the bride. Nissuin: Includes the Sheva Brachot (seven blessings) recited over the second cup of wine, acknowledging God’s creation and blessing the couple’s new life together. The ceremony concludes with the groom breaking a glass, reminding everyone that even at the pinnacle of one’s happiness, one must remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago. After the glass is broken, men will rush up to the chuppah to cheer, dance, and shout “Mazal Tov!” to the newly married couple.
Yichud Room: Immediately after the ceremony, the bride and groom spend their first moments of married life alone together in a private room. Yichud symbolizes their new relationship and the importance of privacy. It is a time of reflection on what just took place and the new roles they will each have. They then join their guests at the wedding feast.
The wedding reception, known as a Seudat Mitzvah (festive feast), is a joyous celebration where guests honor the bride and groom. Men and women eat and dance separately, reflecting the religious traditions. The meal concludes with Birchat Ha’Mazon (Grace after Meals) and the repetition of the Sheva Brachot (seven blessings).
The Sheva Brachot, meaning "Seven Blessings" in Hebrew, are a central and beautiful part of a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony and the week that follows. They are blessings of joy, love, creation, and the bond between bride and groom, and they connect the couple to Jewish history, community, and divine presence.