Wedding Ceremony of Lauren & Seth

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SIGNING OF THE KETUBAH

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Prior to the ceremony the couple and immediate family gather to sign the ketubah, or the Jewish marriage contract, which outlines the couple's commitment to each other. The covenant is signed by the officiant, bride, groom and two witnesses.

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THE CHUPPAH

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Lauren and Seth will be married under a chuppah, which is a canopy supported by four posts and open on all four sides. The chuppah symbolizes the home that the couple will make together, filled with love, hospitality and welcoming to all.

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CIRCLING AND THE SEVEN BLESSINGS (SHEVA BRACHOT)

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Known as hakafot, the tradition of the bride circling the groom is common at many Jewish weddings—though some couples have updated this custom to reflect modern relationships. During the processional and before the bride reaches the chuppah, she walks in a circle around the groom seven times. Alternatively, the bride circles the groom three times, and then the groom circles the bride three times. Finally, the bride and groom circle each other. Susan and Robert Mashioff will wrap the bride and groom in a tallit while the blessings are being chanted.

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RING EXCHANGE

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The bride and groom will place wedding bands on each other's fingers to represent their commitment to each other.

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BREAKING OF THE GLASS

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Before the ceremony comes to an end, Seth will step on and shatter a glass wrapped inside a glass bag. The breaking of the glass reminds us of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago and of the fragility and preciousness of life and relationships. When the glass breaks, wedding guests should shout "mazel tov" to wish the couple congratulations and good luck.