Jewish Weddings

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   Jewish weddings are full of traditions and customs that reflect their culture and their love of their faith.

   The Hebrew marriage begins with a ketubah or a marriage contract. In ancient times, the ketubah was designed to assure the bride's legal status. Today, the ketubah is just a formality and is not so conspicuous.

   The wedding ceremony begins with the traditional procession of the key wedding party members. Instead of the bride walking down the aisle with her father, both sets of parents escort the bride and groom down the aisle. The tradition symbolizes the importance of family involvement. One common piece of attire in a Jewish wedding is the yamulkes. A yamulkes is a white-colored cap worn by the rabbi, the groom, the groomsmen and Jewish male guests. The bride and groom recite their vows under the traditional huppah. Instead of an altar, this canopy is created by attaching four poles under which the happy couple declare their love.

   Many traditions are celebrated after the wedding ceremony as well. When the groom stomps on a piece of glass, it symbolizes the fragility of human happiness. A lively Israeli dance called the hora is performed that symbolizes the bride and groom as king and queen of the night. The bride and groom are seated in their individual chair and lifted high off the ground over the joyful crowd of guests. The bride and groom hold on to either end of a handkerchief symbolizing their loving union. And, of course, a Jewish wedding would not be complete without a sumptuous meal to satisfy the celebratory mass.

   It should be noted that a Jewish wedding cannot occur on just any given day. For example, couples are not allowed to marry on the Sabbath day. Working and travelling on a day that prohibits these activities would be frowned upon. In addition, celebrating on top of another established celebration would risk one or both. Meaning, if the couple wanted to celebrate their wedding on Rosh Hoshana either or both the wedding and/or religious celebration may not be given its well-deserved attention.

   Just as in their everyday lives, the Jewish incorporate their deep sense of tradition and custom into their weddings.

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