Jewish Wedding Information

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Jewish Wedding Information

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A Jewish wedding can be comprised of many different parts with various interpretations. In order for the wedding to be kosher, only the exchange of rings is necessary. These are the traditions that we have chosen to include in our ceremony.

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Pre-Ceremony Rituals (guests are invited but not obligated to attend)

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HACHNASAT KALLAH (Welcoming the Bride) - A gathering with the bride, female friends, relatives, and guests. Although not traditional, Sarah invites everyone to join her. The bride is seated on a platform or decorated chair, showing her status as wedding royalty. Guests might entertain, give blessings, and can be blessed by the bride during this time. BADEKIN (Veiling) - The veiling of the bride is the custom of having the groom lower the veil over the bride’s face, which has been understood as a way for the groom to ensure he is marrying the one he loves. Avoiding the mistake made by Jacob in the Torah, who married the veiled Leah, instead of his intended Rachel.

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Wedding Ceremony

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CHUPPAH (Ceremony) - The processional is started by the chuppah being carried out. The chuppah (covering) demarcates the holy space in which a Jewish couple affirms the sanctity of their relationship. It is a symbol of the new home that is being established through the marriage. CIRCLING - The bride and groom will circle each other a total of seven times before entering the chuppah. The number seven has special resonance at a wedding. The world was created in seven days and seven wedding blessings are recited under the chuppah. Circling can signify many things; to us it symbolizes our commitment to protect and support each other. KIDDUSH (Blessing Over the Wine) - This is how Jews sanctify virtually all Jewish holidays and personal observances. RING CEREMONY - The rings are exchanged and the following is said, “I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine.” We have also chosen to add personal vows. KETUBAH READING - The rabbi reads the ketubah. The ketubah is a written legal document of the marriage agreement between the bride and the groom. Our ketubah will be signed by the bride, groom, rabbi, and two witnesses. SHEVA B’RACHOT (Seven Blessings) - These are the seven blessings that invoke some of the great themes of Judaism, including creation, peoplehood, Jerusalem, and redemption. The traditional blessings will be read in Hebrew and an alternative interpretation will be read in English. SHATTERING THE GLASS - The breaking of the glass symbolizes that even at the height of personal joy we recall the pain and losses suffered by the Jewish people and remember a world in need of healing.

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Before the Meal

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- After cocktail hour the hora will be danced! This is a celebratory Jewish dance which starts the reception. The bride and groom are lifted into the air on chairs in celebration. Other family members can also be lifted. The steps are easy please join in!!! - A blessing over challah begins the meal.