Overview of the Jewish Wedding:
Preliminary Customs and Traditions  

Ketubah signing
    Before the ceremony , in the presence of witnesses, the groom
    undertakes the marriage  obligations. This is done by taking an
    object by the Rabbi, lifting it and returning it. The groom and witnesses then sign the Ketubah.
    The Ketubah is a binding document of confidence and trust, which details the husband's obligations to his
    wife. Therein, the Groom pledges  "to work for you, honor, provide for and support you, in accordance with
    the practices of Jewish husbands who work for their wives' honor, provide and support them in truth."










Processional
    The groom is then led to the Chuppah which signifies the home he is providing.









    The bride is led in to the accompaniment of music or a blessing of welcome chanted by the Rabbi.
    Often the bride circles the groom 7 times to delineate the sacred space for their union,  and to signify
    the sanctuary of the home being created. The bride stands to the right of the groom.
                                                                                                                                       
The Jewish Marriage Ceremony
    The actual nuptial ceremony has two basic parts: Consecration and Marriage.
    Both parts are introduced with the blessing over wine, the traditional symbol of joy and abundance.

    Part 1- Consecration
    Blessings: the Rabbi recites the marriage blessings over a goblet of wine. The First blessing over
    the wine sanctifies the marriage relationship. Both the bride & groom then drink from the glass.  
    (*tip: use white wine)

    Ring: in the presence of witnesses, the groom places a simple gold ring on the bride's   
    right forefinger. As the groom places the ring on her finger he says:

           "Harei At M'kudeshet Li B'taba'at Zo Kedat  Moshe V'Yisrael"                                                        
        "Behold, you are consecrated  to me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel."

    Part 2- Marriage
    The Second blessing over wine is recited to give thanks to G*d for giving us the
    opportunity to  be connected to G*d through performing this “mitzvah”

    The Ketubah – the marriage contract is read aloud.

    Sheva Berachot - the Seven Blessings are conferred over a cup of wine.                                    
    Often several different people are called upon to recite these beautiful and joyous blessings.
    At the conclusion of the blessings the bride and groom drink from the wine glass.

    Breaking a Glass - at the conclusion of the blessings the bride and groom drink from the wine
    glass, and then the groom breaks the glass with his right foot. (Tip: put the goblet in a cloth bag)
                                                                                                                                                     
    The Wedding Feast, Celebration and Dancing - The emphasis is on increasing the joy of the
    newlyweds, and on easing  any tension or stress that they may feel on this most important day.


Additional Customs & Traditions of Jewish Weddings

Timing
    Jewish weddings generally can occur any day of the week except the Sabbath,
    but there are some exceptions, which the rabbi can clarify.

Garments
    It is customary for the bride and groom to wear white as a symbol of the sanctity of their marriage.
    The bride usually wears a veil. The groom often wears a "kitel" (a white garment) along with the prayer
    shawl traditionally presented to the groom by his bride before the ceremony.

Ketubah
    are available pre-printed, or can be ordered with personalization. Artistic ketubahs are  popular
    and suitable for framing.  

Aufruf or Shabbat Chatan
    On the Sabbath preceding the wedding the groom is called up before the congregation to recite the ancient
    blessings over the Torah. Candies are thrown over his head in celebration

Mikveh Immersion
    According to the Talmud, the ultimate source of all water is the river that emerged from the Garden of Eden.
    Immersion in the pure living waters of the Mikveh is a spiritual preparation for the wedding.            

Chena Ceremony
    Inspired from the Sephardic custom of celebrating the Mikveh Immersion with song, dance, and the joyous
    blessings of friends and family

The Ring
    An unbroken circle representing the wholeness achieved through marriage,  the ring makes the agreement
    between man and woman tangible

Chuppah
    The multifaceted symbol of the home that is being established, forms a space which is spiritually charged
    with G*d’s protective presence as in the clouds of glory which protected Israel in the desert.

Wine & Kiddush Cup-

Breaking of the Glass Ceremony
    At the height of personal joy, we remember Jerusalem, and signal the end of the ceremony to the cries of
    “Mazel Tov”  

Ritual Veiling of the Bride by the Groom
    Abounding in symbolism and meaning

Bridal Draping of the Tallit over the Groom
The Tallit is symbolic of G*d’s encompassing protection. Also, paralleling the unity of Bride and Groom, the fringes
numerically correspond to the mitzvot, through which Jews are united with G*d.

Unity Candle Ceremony
    Light is a symbol of G*d’s presence, the candlesticks symbolizing the beginning of a home that will be filled
    with the light of Sabbath and festival candles.  3 partners in the relationship: the bride, the groom, and G*d,
    are symbolized by the lighting of a Unity Candle.
    As the famous Baal Shem Tov said, “From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to
    heaven. When two souls that are destined for each other find one another, their light flows together and a
    single brighter light goes forth from their united being.”

Mezuzah Ceremony
    Establishing the Sanctuary of Marriage- Circling the Groom, the Bride creates a new family circle, defining the
    space the couple will share, constructing an everlasting sanctuary of trust, of compassion, and of holiness.

Weaving Blessings under the chupah
    Seven ancient blessing recited by friends and family.

Tzedakah ceremony/ Dove or butterfly release
    Remembering  the poor and needy as we pray for blessings for the Jewish home which is being established
    awakens Divine mercy and blessing for us  

Badchanim- jesters, jugglers, and dancers
    Celebrating in joy with the groom and bride, the emphasis is on increasing their joy and alleviating any stress
    they may have. By dancing around the Choson and Kallah, the community expresses its support for the
    couple. As a part of the Jewish community, they never need to fear that they face life alone.

Musician-Jewish music

Kosher cake or refreshments

Kosher wedding reception

    Other customs include flowers, candles, family participation, special songs or prayers, music, and traditional
    dancing- all done with a Jewish flair.

Jewish Wedding Glossary

    Bedeken (veiling of the Bride): The groom brings down the veil over the bride's face, symbolizing the  
    dignity and chastity, which characterize the Jewish marriage
    Chatan: groom.
    Chatunah: the whole wedding ceremony
    Chupah: the wedding canopy usually made of fabric
    Kabbalat Panim: greeting the newlyweds, the Bride and Groom after the wedding ceremony
    Kallah: bride
    Ketubah: ancient marriage contact customized and often a work of art
    Kiddushin: sanctification.  Marriage is a holy institution in Judaism
    Mazel Tov:  a greeting expressing blessings, best wishes  
    Mikveh: a special body of water designated for ritual immersion
    Mitzvah: a G*dly action
    Simcha: joyousness with a spiritual element
    Kittel: a white ritual garment worn by men on special occasions
Please feel free to contact us with questions.
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