Jewish Weddings

1. Kabbalat Panim -- Greeting the Wedding Couple

As the guests arrive at the ceremony site, they are invited to meet the couple either together or separately.

2. Ketubah – Marriage Contract

The ketubah, written in Aramaic (and often also in English and other languages), is the Jewish legal contract that states the rights, provisions and conditions of the marriage partnership.

3. Bedeken – Veiling of the Bride/Moment of Really Seeing One Another

During the ceremony if the bride wears a veil, the groom approaches the bride, looks into her eyes and lowers the veil before the ceremony begins. By doing so he makes sure that he has the right bride, unlike Jacob, who married Leah first instead of Rachel.
In other ceremonies, the couple takes some moments to really see one another before entering the chuppah.

4. Chuppah – Wedding Canopy
The wedding canopy is a multifaceted symbol: it is a home, a garment, and a reminder of the tents of our ancestors.

5. Hakafot – Circling

This ancient custom symbolizes the couple making an invisible wall of protection around themselves.

6. Erusin – Betrothal

The rabbi recites the blessing over the wine and then the betrothal blessing, Birkat Erusin. Drinking from the same glass indicates that the couple is ready to begin a life of sharing.

7. Tabba’at/Shutafut – The Ring Ceremony/Partnership Ceremony

Tradition stipulates that the rings be simple, unbroken bands without precious stones, symbolizing that rich and poor are alike in love and marriage. The rings are sometimes placed on each other’s right index finger. Sometimes a couple will declare mutual responsibility for their relationship and for shared property.

8. K’riat HaKetubah – Reading of the Ketubah

The ketubah is read aloud.

9. Sheva B’rachot

Each blessing has its own significance: the first is for the wine; the second is in honor of the wedding guests; the third celebrates the creation of humankind; the fourth, fifth and sixth bless the couple’s marriage; finally, the seventh is in honor of Israel and the wedding couple. These blessings are recited over the second cup of wine, after which both drink.

10. Shattering the Glass

The most well-known interpretation of stomping on the glass is that it represents the destruction of the Temple. This reminds us that even at times of greatest joy and happiness, we should not forget the suffering of our people – past and present. There are also other interpretations.

11. Siman Tov u’Mazal Tov

The couple exits. A common song at Jewish weddings, “Siman Tov u’Mazal Tov” is a musical way of wishing the couple well. “Siman Tov” means a good sign. “Mazal Tov” means good fortune.

12. Yichud – Seclusion

This is the formal seclusion of the couple. Some quiet time and something to eat gives the couple an opportunity to spend their first married moments together and focused on one another.

13. Se’udah – Festive Meal and Celebration

Upon the couple’s return from yichud, family and friends join together in celebration.