Jewish Weddings
A Jewish wedding is one of the most joyous occasions in Jewish life. From the signing of the ketubah to the breaking of the glass, every element of the ceremony carries layers of legal significance, historical memory, and spiritual meaning.
Two Legal Acts, One Ceremony
Under Jewish law, marriage consists of two distinct stages traditionally combined into a single ceremony: Kiddushin (betrothal/sanctification) and Nissuin (full marriage). Kiddushin is the halachic act of the groom consecrating the bride to himself through the ring. Nissuin is consummated when the couple enters the chuppah together and is marked by the recitation of the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings).
Key Elements of a Jewish Wedding
- Tena'im
- Formal engagement agreement outlining the marriage terms; a plate is broken to seal the agreement.
- Kabbalat Panim
- Separate pre-ceremony receptions for bride and groom, where the groom signs the ketubah in front of witnesses.
- Bedeken
- The veiling ceremony: the groom covers the bride's face with her veil, recalling Rebecca covering her face upon meeting Isaac.
- Ketubah
- The Jewish marriage contract detailing the groom's obligations to his wife; read aloud under the chuppah.
- Chuppah
- The wedding canopy symbolizing the new home the couple will build together.
- Kiddushin (Erusin)
- The betrothal; the groom places a plain gold ring on the bride's index finger and recites 'Harei at mekudeshet li…'
- Sheva Brachot
- Seven blessings recited over wine celebrating God, creation, Jerusalem, and the joy of bride and groom.
- Breaking the Glass
- The groom stomps on a glass to recall the destruction of the Temple even in moments of great joy.
- Yichud
- A period of privacy immediately after the ceremony—the couple's first moments alone as husband and wife.
Joy and Memory Together
Jewish law and custom insist that even at the height of joy, the Jewish people remember their incomplete redemption. The breaking of the glass, placing ash on the groom's forehead (in some communities), and leaving a section of the home unplastered are all ways to recall the destruction of the Temple (Churban)—ensuring that no celebration is completely untouched by the broader story of the Jewish people.
The hora (circle dancing), klezmer music, and endless toasts of L'chaim! make a Jewish wedding one of the most exuberant celebrations in any culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a Jewish wedding be held on any day?
- Jewish law prohibits weddings on Shabbat, Yom Tov, certain days of the Omer period (Sefirat HaOmer), the Three Weeks (between 17 Tammuz and 9 Av), and other fast days.
- What is a Jewish divorce (get)?
- A get is a religious divorce document that must be given by the husband to the wife before either can remarry under Jewish law.
- Are two witnesses required?
- Yes. Two valid halachic witnesses must observe the ring being placed and the Sheva Brachot recited for the marriage to be legally binding under Jewish law.
- What is a Sheva Brachot week?
- For seven days after the wedding, the couple is hosted at festive meals by friends and family. At each meal with a minyan and new guests, the seven blessings are recited again.