Jewish Weddings

There are many important rites to celebrate when a couple takes part in a Jewish wedding ceremony. The affair is meant to be a

cheerful one but due respect for Judaic custom must be bound to and there is a great deal of symbolism to reflect that. In

this faith, a marriage ceremony represents a fresh beginning for the new couple.

The bride is known in Hebrew as the kallah and the groom is called the chatan. The Jewish wedding and Yom Kippur share many

tradition similarities. Fasting is a necessity in both and the couple start their fast at the break of day and end it after

the wedding. The chatan wears a kittel, which is a traditional white robe, also worn on Yom Kippur.

It’s tradition for the couple to avoid seeing each other during the week prior to the ceremony. Just before the ceremony,

separate receptions called Kabbalat Panim, are held for the chatan and kallah. The mother of the bride and the mother of the

groom will break a plate, to represent the consequences of a broken relationship. The actual Jewish marriage ceremony takes

place under an open canopy, called a chupah. This traditionally takes place outside in the evening, and underneath the stars.

The bride and groom ought not be decked out in jewelry, as a means to reveal their actual selves without ornamentation. As

they stand under the chupah, the kallah circles round the chatan for a full seven times. This is to represent the seven days

it took in making the earth as recognized in religion. Wine is crucial in a Jewish wedding ceremony, as it represents joy.

Two cups are used in the ceremony, one for the consecrating and one for after the ceremony.

The giving of the ring must involve a plain ring of gold, with no stones or decoration whatsoever. In Judaic law, the couple

is married as soon as the band is placed on the bride’s finger. The chatan must make a commitment to protect the kallah with

food, shelter, clothing and emotional support. The marriage contract, called the ketubah, is signed by two witnesses.

On completion of the ceremony, the newlyweds retire to a room and break their fast. Then the couple and their guests join to

celebrate their Jewish marriage with food, music and dance. As with all cultures, weddings are important turning points and an

opportunity for those concerned to express their faith.

Share This