Jewish Wedding Traditions
If you're seriously interested in knowing about Jewish wedding
traditions, you need to think beyond the basics. This
informative article takes a closer look at things you need to
know about Jewish wedding traditions.
The Jewish faith is one that is deeply ensconced in tradition. A
traditional Jewish wedding follows a number of beautiful
traditions that date back for thousands of years. The traditions
include the signing of the Ketubah, the use of the chuppah as
well as traditional dances that are performed at the wedding.
The rings exchanged during a Jewish wedding also have
traditional connotations.
The signing of the Ketubah is the traditional start to a Jewish
wedding ceremony. The Ketubah is a written agreement that not
only asserts that the bride is not already married but also
outlines the expectations that the couple hold for each other in
the marriage. This ornate document can later be framed and
prominently displayed in the couple's home as a reminder of
their commitment. After the bride and groom have signed the
Ketubah, the groom takes one final look at his bride before
lowering her veil and beginning the wedding procession. This
tradition has biblical roots and recalls the story of Jacob who
married the wrong woman because she was veiled and he did not
realize his mistake in time.
The wedding party traditionally precedes the couple in the
wedding procession. The bride and groom then proceed down the
aisle together accompanied by both of their parents to symbolize
that their union includes the union of both families and not
just the bride and the groom. The couple ends their procession
under a traditional canopy called a chuppah. This canopy
symbolizes that God is present and that he is sheltering and
protecting the couple.
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After the couple exchanges their wedding vows, a rabbi reads 7
traditional blessings. After the blessings the groom steps on a
wine glass to break the glass in a symbol of human frailty and
the suffering that members of the Jewish faith have endured and
this with a final blessing from the rabbi concludes the
ceremony. Unlike other traditional weddings, there is usually
not a receiving line at the conclusion of a Jewish wedding.
Tradition holds that the couple spends a few minutes alone
immediately following the wedding so many members of the Jewish
faith honor this tradition by leaving the ceremony immediately
and waiting until the reception to offer their well wishes to
the couple. This togetherness time was traditionally an
opportunity for the couple to consummate the marriage but in
modern times it is more of chance for the couple to reflect on
their wedding ceremony and the start of their life together
before the chaos of the wedding.
Even the rings that a couple exchanges during a Jewish wedding
have traditional values. Tradition holds that the couple
exchange very simple rings that are devoid of gems, engravings
or other distinguishing marks. With nothing to distinguish the
beginning or the end of the ring, it is a beautiful symbol of a
love that endures forever with no clear beginning or end. This
symbolizes both the couples love for each other as well as God's
love for his people.
A traditional Jewish wedding reception features many dances. An
energetic dance called the Hora is performed at many traditional
Jewish weddings. In this dance the bride and groom hold a
handkerchief between them while they are seated in chairs and
hoisted into the air by their guests. This dance is a
celebration of the bride and groom and recognizes the
significance of their union. If this wedding represents the last
son or daughter of one of the parents to be married there are a
few more traditional dances that may take place. If the bride
was the last in her family to be married, she and her sisters
may honor their mother in a tradition known as Krenzi. The
mother is crowned with flowers and her daughters honor her in
the form of dance. Also, if either the bride or groom was the
youngest to be married both of the parents will be honored
through the Mizinke dance. In this tradition all of the guests
circle the parents and shower them with flowers and praise.
The Jewish faith is a faith that is full of history and
tradition. Many couples and their guests choose to honor these
traditions by incorporating them into their wedding ceremony and
reception. Many of these traditions are the defining moments of
the celebration and they lend an atmosphere of historical
significance to the wedding.
That's how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject
can change over time, so be sure you keep up with the latest
news.