FAQsFAQs
Question
what is Kabbalat Panim?what is Kabbalat Panim?
Answer
The Kabbalat Panim is the first part of the wedding—the welcome or cocktail hour before the chuppah ceremony. It’s a time when both partners greet guests separately. Traditionally, the bride sits on an ornate chair and loved ones approach her to give their congratulations while the groom welcomes his guests. Since the couple is considered especially holy on their wedding day, it’s also a special moment where they can share personal blessings with those who come to greet them.
Question
what is a Chuppah?what is a Chuppah?
Answer
Jewish couples marry under a chuppah, a canopy symbolizing the home they will build together. It is open on all sides to represent hospitality and the idea that their home will be open to others. Traditionally, the chuppah is also held outdoors, symbolizing the couple's desire for a life filled with openness and blessings, just as Abraham and Sarah’s tent was open to guests.
Question
why does the bride circle the groom seven times?why does the bride circle the groom seven times?
Answer
This ritual, known as hakafah, has deep symbolic significance and can be understood in several ways. The bride traditionally circles the groom seven times, symbolizing the creation of a protective spiritual boundary or the couple’s unity, with the sacred number seven representing completeness and wholeness. The number seven also connects to Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah, where it represents the seven emotional qualities or attributes that guide a person’s character. By circling the groom, the bride may be invoking these attributes to guide their relationship and strengthen their bond.
Question
why does the groom step on a glass?why does the groom step on a glass?
Answer
At the end of the ceremony, the groom breaks a glass, symbolizing the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the bittersweet nature of life. It also reminds the couple to cherish their happiness and remember that life is fragile. After the glass is broken, guests shout "Mazel Tov!" meaning "Congratulations!" or "Good luck!" to celebrate the couple’s new union.