Jessica & Leah
Jewish Wedding 101
אופרוף
Aufruf
An Ashkenazi (Eastern European) synagogue custom to honor one or both of the soon-to-be-married folks with a Torah reading or blessing. Usually takes place the Shabbat before the wedding.
חופה
Huppah
The wedding canopy, and (by extension) the entire wedding ceremony. It is often white or made from a tallit (Jewish prayer shawl) suspended by four poles.
קדושין, שותפות, רעות אהובות
Kiddushin, Shutafut, Re'ot Ahuvot
"Holiness, Partnership, Loving Friends." Different forms of the wedding vows and exchange of rings. We are still deciding along with our rabbi and cantor which structure to use!
כתובה
Ketubbah
The marriage document laying out the rights and responsibilities of the new spouses to each other. Often beautifully decorated and hung on the wall of the couple's home, the ketubbah is read aloud during the ceremony.
שבע ברכות
Sheva Brachot
"Seven Blessings," prayers wishing love, holiness, prosperity, and happiness upon the married couple. Traditionally recited during the wedding ceremony and at celebratory meals with the newlyweds during the week following the wedding.
שבירת הכוס
Breaking the Glass
At the end of the wedding ceremony, one of both of the newlyweds stomps on a glass and breaks it. Some say this is a reminder that there is always brokenness in our world, even in times of great joy; some say it is a remembrance of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
קידוש
Kiddush
A blessing recited over a full cup of wine or grape juice, to mark Shabbat, holidays, and other celebratory events like weddings.
המוצי
Ha-Motzi
A blessing recited over bread (usually challah, a traditional braided bread) to start a meal.
ברכת המזון
Birkat Ha-Mazon
"Blessing the Meal," a series of blessings recited from a bencher (small blessing book) at the end of a meal that included bread. Many Jews recite this quickly every day, though it is customary to sing it aloud on Shabbat and other festive occasions; there are special additions to recite at a wedding meal.
טלית
Tallit
A Jewish prayer shawl. It is traditionally striped, and has tzitzit (fringes) knotted into the four corners.
כיפה
Kippah
A Jewish headcovering in a small round dome shape. Also called by its Yiddish name, yarmulka.