Jewish Orthodox Wedding Rituals & Customs
The world of Jewish weddings can be extremely confusing.
Unfortunately, it's not just a matter of the differences between Reform,
Conservative, and Orthodox Jewish weddings. The range of authentic Jewish
traditions and customs that couples incorporate into their weddings is
staggering, especially when you consider all of the variations.
ceremonies :-
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EngagementIn
ancient Jewish tradition, the groom gave his bride an engagement gift. In modern
times it is customary for this gift to be a diamond ring. The stone specifically
indicates that it is not a wedding ring and symbolizes that the bride is as
precious to the groom as a diamond. |
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The
Aufruf:
The groom has to be called by the Rabbi (rabbis are
teachers specially trained in the law of the Torah or the Jewish Bible, to guide
the Jews through life), who invites him to read the Torah in the synagogue, on
the Sabbath morning before the wedding.
After the groom is called for the
'aliyah' (blessing God at the reading of the Torah), the entire congregation
tosses small packets of candy and nuts on him, while he is returning to his seat
in the synagogue.
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The
Grooms Reception
Before the wedding ceremony, the groom sits at
the head of table specially laid out for him, known as the 'Chatan's Tisch'
(literally translated, means the groom's table), where he is treated like a
king. The elders of the family discuss much legality and the civil marriage
license is signed and witnessed.
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The
Wedding Day:On the wedding day, tradition has it that all past
sins are forgiven as the couple begins a new life together. The wedding takes a
certain similarity to Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement. This similarity is
signified by the recitation of the Afternoon Service of the Viddui - the
confessional of the Yom Kippur. To further emphasize this similarity, the bride
and groom fast on their wedding day. |
Mincha:After
the couple and the Rabbi sign the ketubah, the family proceeds to the synagogue
for the recital of the afternoon Mincha prayers. Preparations are made for the
groom to proceed to the reception, which is known as the 'Baddekin' |
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Baddekin:
This ceremony takes place at the same time as the groom's reception - at the
Chatan's Tisch. The bride enters the festive buffet reception accompanied by her
family, who is called the 'Hachnasat Kallah' (literally meaning, 'accompanying
the bride'). |
The
Procession:This procession begins with the entrance of the
Mesader Kesushin (presiding Rabbi). The groom enters the 'chuppah' first. The
'chuppah' is a canopy covered with embroidered silk or satin fabric, held up by
4 tall posts, which in turn are held up by relatives or friends and the wedding
is solemnized under it. |
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Kiddushin:The
Jewish marriage ceremony is divided into two parts: the 'Kiddushin' or the
blessing over wine and the 'Birkat Kiddushin' or thanking God for the sanctity
of marriage. The bride and groom take a sip of the wine and the 'Kiddushin'
is completed upon the bride's acceptance of the wedding ring. |
Ketubah:
To separate the betrothal blessings from the marriage blessings (Sheva
Brachot - seven spoken marriage blessings), the 'Ketubah' is read aloud in
Aramaic (a Semitic language used after Hebrew). The 'ketubah' is a binding
document that details the groom's obligation to the bride. Therein. |
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Nissuin:
This is the recitation of the seven marriage blessings. As in 'Kiddushin',
the first blessing is over wine. The second and the third speaks of creation,
the fourth is for Zion's joy, the fifth is for the joy of the bridal couple, and
the sixth is a prayer, that the couple should experience the same joy that Adam
and Eve had in creation |
Breaking
the Glass: It is customary for the groom to smash a glass by
stamping on it at the conclusion of the ceremony, with his right foot. Once the
glass is broken, there are shouts of 'Mazel Tov', which, in Hebrew means 'Good
Stars', 'Good Luck, Congratulations!' |
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Yichud:
After
the completion of all the ceremonies, the couple moves to a private room. Before
they enter, two witnesses ascertain that no one else is in the room. The bride
enters the room first and waits for the groom.
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Seudat
Mitzvah:
During the wedding feast, all the guests and relatives
participate in the 'mitzvah' (good deed) of 'Lesameach Chatan Ve Kallah' or
celebrating in joy with the bride and groom.
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