A Look at the Jewish Wedding Ceremony: Rituals and Traditions

Jewish weddings are not only beautiful to watch, but be a part of. They are symbolic and traditional. Many non-Jews who attend Jewish weddings probably do not understand all the rituals and traditions that are happening before their eyes. Here is a quick rundown to this magical lifecycle event.

A ketubah is a marriage contract that explains the moral responsibilities of the husband to his wife. It is signed by the groom, as well as two witnesses, and given to the bride during the wedding ceremony. At the wedding, parts of the ketubah are read aloud by the rabbi officiating the ceremony. Although ketubahs are a marriage contract, many are very artistic and are hung in the home of the new bride and groom.

The Chuppah or the wedding canopy is where the entire ceremony is conducted. The bride and groom, rabbi(s), and usually both sets of parents stand under the chuppah together during the wedding ceremony. In biblical times, the bride was brought to the tent of the groom. It symbolizes the home that the bride and groom will build together.

When the bride arrives at the chuppah, usually escorted by her parents, the bride circles around the groom 7 times to ward off evil spirits. This symbolizes the woman being a protector in the household, granting understanding and love and protecting the home from harm from the outside. The number seven is symbolic of the seven days of creation. The bride and groom will create a new home and life together.

Even if you aren't of the Jewish faith, you are probably familiar with the "breaking of the glass", which has been shown in many mainstream movies that portray Jewish weddings. At the end of the ceremony, the groom steps on the wine glass wrapped in cloth. This smashing of the glass is to recall the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by the Romans. It symbolizes that in this happy moment and time, life can also be incomplete.

Symbolism can be seen in more than just the wedding ceremony. The wedding ring must be plain solid metal without stones. This symbolizes that at that moment, there is no difference between richer and poorer. This continuous flow of the ring, unbroken by pattern, symbolizes the continuous flow of hope for the future.

Now, the next time you attend a Jewish wedding, you'll better understand the tradition and symbolism behind these sacred rituals. L'chaim!