Melanie & Ryan
Jewish Traditions
The Ketubah
The Marriage Contract
Before the wedding ceremony, there will be a small private ceremony where we sign our ketubah (the Jewish wedding contract). We will hang the ketubah on our wall at home, where it will serve as a reminder of our love and commitment to each other.
The Chuppah
The Wedding Canopy
The ceremony takes place under the chuppah (the wedding canopy), which represents the home we will build together. It is open on all sides to signify that friends and family will always be welcome.
Hakafot
Seven Circles
The ceremony begins with us circling each other seven times as a symbol of building our new life together.
Kiddushin
Blessings of Betrothal
Kiddush (Hebrew for sanctification) is the blessing over wine. We will drink a cup of wine twice during the ceremony. Sharing wine reminds us that we will be sharing both the sweetness and bitterness of marriage. The Kiddish cups we will use are the same cups Ryan's parents shared during their wedding ceremony.
Sheva Brachot
The Seven Blessings
The seven blessings are recited over the second cup of wine. We've asked some of our friends and family to each read a blessing.
Breaking of the Glass
Mazel Tov!
The ceremony concludes with Ryan breaking a glass under his right foot. At that moment, our life as a married couple begins. The breaking of the glass reminds us that, even in a time of great happiness, much in the world is broken and that we must be constantly working on tikkun olam (making the world a better place). After Ryan breaks the glass, the guests shout "mazel tov" which means "good luck!"
Yichud
Seclusion
After the ceremony, we will adjourn to a private room to share our first moments as husband and wife. This is the time for us to relax, reflect, and let it all sink in before we join you for the reception.