The Wedding Ceremony
A Jewish wedding has rich traditions and customs dating back centuries. It’s not simply the joining of a man and woman, but a uniquely meaningful ceremony uniting our rich heritage with our future.
Bedeken
This short ceremony takes place just before the couple stands under the chuppah. Bedeken (veiling) is an ancient custom, which has its roots in the biblical story of Jacob, son of Isaac, who was tricked into marrying Leah instead of her sister Rachel (his true love) because Leah’s face was covered with a veil.
The Chuppah
The chuppah is the most universally recognised symbol of Jewish nuptials. From nothing more than a cloth held up by four poles to the most ornately arranged, it represents the marital home and beneath it is where the bride and groom stand during the ceremony.
Circling The Groom
On reaching the chuppah, it is traditional for the bride to circle the groom either three or seven times. Rather than just making the bride dizzy, this is seen as a symbol of the protective care she will offer her new husband
Erusin (The Betrothal)
The erusin ceremony sees the couple declare personel commitment to each other and starts with a blessing over wine.
Ketubah
This is the Jewish marriage contract, read out under the chuppah and separating the erusin (betrothal) and the nisuin (marriage). Its reading it is one of the most important parts of the ceremony. It’s where a husband declares his martial obligations according to Jewish law.
Who Takes Part?
The bride and groom aside, the most important people at the wedding are the two witnesses that sign the ketubah. The couple often choose friends to perform this honour. It is their presence that establishes the validity of the marriage.
Nisuin (The Marriage) & Sheva Brachot
The nisuin makes up the actual marriage. Like the erusin, it begins with a blessing made over a cup of wine. The Nisuin is the first of the Sheva Brachot (seven blessings).
Breaking the Glass
The culmination of the ceremony sees the groom smash a wrapped glass with his heel to joyous screams of mazeltov from all assembled. Easier than it looks, this symbolic breaking of the glass reminds us of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.
Yichud
Having left the chuppah, the bride and groom will spend a brief period of time alone in yichud. The main reason for this is the marriage is not complete until the couple are alone together.
