A Very Special Marriage
The Jewish Order of Wedding Ceremony Guide consists of seven parts, the first of which is the signing of the Ketubah.
1. Today, the modern Ketubah is signed by two appointed witnesses, who are not blood related family members to the bride and groom.
2. The Badeken, veiling of the bride by her bridegroom, takes place immediately after the signing of the Ketubah and in the same place.
Today, the modern ceremonies are balanced with the bride's placing a wedding kippah on her bridegroom’s head. I suggest that couples include a white wedding Kippah /Yarmulke for the bridegroom to receive from his bride.
3. Under The Chuppah, The bride and groom then take part in two marriage ceremonies under the Chuppah. It symbolizes the home where guests visit -- like Abraham's tent in the days of the Bible.The fabric that makes up the Canopy is not supported in the center or the sides.
The Jewish wedding vows and ring ceremony is part of the Jewish ceremony called Kiddushin. The bride and groom are welcomed into the Chuppah, with blessings recited by the officiant. The bride and groom approach the Chuppah separately, accompanied by their
respective parents.
•The groom is escorted to and stands with them under the Chuppah. •The bride is escorted down the aisle and stops in the middle. •The parents or honored relatives walk ahead and take their place under the Chuppah on the right side. •The groom standing under the Chuppah leaves to greet and escort his bride to the Chuppah. •The officiant officiant recites a blessings over the wine. For guests, they will notice the bride stands on the right side of her groom under the Chuppah, both facing the officiant.
4. The Ring Ceremony is part of the Kiddushin. The exchange of rings is the central act of the marriage ceremony. In Jewish law, a verbal declaration of marriage is not legally binding. There must be an act of formal physical acquisition of some object of known value. This answers the every popular question, "why does the groom place the ring on the bride's index finger?" It symbolizes the acceptance of the object from the groom to his bride and honoring Jewish law.
5. The Jewish wedding blessing ceremony is called Nisuin. A second cup of wine is poured, and the seven blessings, Sheva B’rachot, is
either sung or recited. These blessings praise God for creating human beings, and for making the groom and bride as happy as Adam
and Eve were in the Garden of Eden.
6. The Jewish Glass Breaking Ceremony is an important part of the Jewish wedding and full of symbolism. The groom breaks the glass with his right foot at the conclusion of the Jewish wedding ceremony. It reminds us of the destruction of the Holy Temple.
The breaking of glass also is a warning of the frailty of a marriage. That sometimes a single thoughtless act, breech of trust, or infidelity
can damage a marriage in ways that are very difficult to undo - just as it would be so difficult to undo the breaking of
this glass. Knowing that this marriage is permanent, the bride and groom should strive to show each other the love and respect
befitting their spouse and love of their life.
Your wedding ceremony is performed by a Rabbi.
The most popular marriage traditions and customs associated with Jewish ceremony are the Chuppah [wedding canopy], Ketubah [marriage contract], Kiddush [wine blessing], Ring exchange, Sheva Brachot [Seven Wedding Blessings] and the Breaking of the Glass. As in many cultures there are numerous regional and family customs that can be incorporated..
Your ceremony will be customized to include what is most important to you.
The following is a sample of what is traditionally included as part of the ceremony.
JEWISH CEREMONY
