Mollie & David
Jewish Wedding Traditions
HEAD COVERINGS
KIPPAH! At a Jewish wedding ceremony, male guests, Jewish or not, cover their heads with a skullcap, known as a kippah or yarmulke as a sign of respect. We will provide the head coverings at the ceremony, so guests do not have to bring their own.
KETUBAH
MARRIAGE CONTRACT! A common Jewish wedding tradition is the signing of the ketubah, or marriage contract. A ketubah signing ceremony is traditionally held shortly before the actual wedding ceremony. The couple chooses two witnesses (not blood relatives) to sign the ketubah with them. The signed ketubah is frequently displayed during a Jewish wedding ceremony.
CHUPPAH
THE CEREMONY! The chuppah is among the most important Jewish wedding traditions. This wedding canopy consists of a cloth supported by four poles. It is a symbol of the home that the couple will build together in their married life, and is open on all sides like the biblical tent of Abraham and Sarah, signifying that everyone is welcome and that everyone will be treated hospitably.
Breaking of the Glass
MAZEL TOV! Concluding the final moments of the wedding ceremony, David will break a glass (usually wrapped in a cloth napkin or bag to avoid injury!) with his right foot. The couple will then kiss, the guests shout “Mazel Tov!” meaning “Congratulations!” and that's the end of the ceremony! There are many conflicting reasons why this Jewish wedding tradition takes place. Among them: a reference to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem; a representation of the fragility of human relationships; and a reminder that marriage changes the lives of individuals forever. Whatever it is, we're now married!
The Horah
PARTY TIME! It's time to PARTY! In fact, it is a mitzvah (a Jewish commandment) for wedding guests to entertain the bride and groom. During the reception, the band will begin playing a traditional song known as "The Horah." Mollie and David will be entertained by the guests and ultimately lifted up in the air in chairs while holding either side of a cloth napkin. We encourage you to join hands and dance in a circle around them.