Jewish weddings are rich in symbolism and meaning, drawn from centuries of tradition. We wanted to give you an overview of the major elements you'll see during the ceremony and throughout the day.

Chuppah

The chuppah, or wedding canopy, is the symbol of a Jewish home. It is open on all four sides, reminding us of Abraham's tent, into which he welcomed guests from all directions.

Ketubah

The ketubah is the Jewish marriage contract that has been in use for over 2000 years. It is written in Aramaic, the everyday language of the Israelites (Hebrew was the holy language, used only for prayer). Our ketubah is written in Aramaic and English so that its terms may be clearly understood by us and our witnesses.

The two witnesses who sign the ketubah must fulfill three duties: observing as the groom gives a ring to the bride and as the bride accepts the ketubah from the groom and guarding yichud (see below).

Bedeken

The bedeken is the veiling of the bride by the groom. This is an ancient custom of Biblical origin, recalling the story of Jacob who thought he was marrying Rachel, but married Leah instead because she was heavily veiled and he could not see who she was. In order to prevent this, it is the groom who places the veil over his bride's face, so he will be sure he is marrying his beloved.

Kiddushin (Betrothal)

During this first part of the ceremony, blessings are said over the first cup of wine, followed by the couple drinking from the cup. These acts sanctify the wine and the marriage. The ring ceremony then takes place. The groom places the ring on the bride's right forefinger, due to the ancient belief that this finger has a special path going directly to the heart. He recites, "Be consecrated to me according to the laws of Moses and Israel." The bride, in turn, places a ring on the groom's finger and recites the same text.

Seven Blessings

The seven blessings, or sheva brachot, are praise to God for the joy that surrounds a wedding and for happiness, love, contentment, and fruitfulness in marriage. See below for a full translation of the Seven Blessings.

Breaking of the Glass

This well-known act in a Jewish wedding reminds us of sadness even at times of greatest happiness. It is a symbol of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem 2000 years ago and a reminder of other instances of Jewish oppression throughout history. We remember briefly, and then we can rejoice with a free heart. The breaking of the glass marks the end of the ceremony and is greeted with cries of "Mazel Tov!" from the congregation.

Yichud

Immediately after the ceremony, the bride and groom seclude themselves for yichud, an eighteen minute period of time alone. Traditionally, the bride and groom break their wedding-day fast by feeding each other their first meal as husband and wife. In ancient times, this would be the time when the marriage was consummated.

After yichud, we will join our guests at the cocktail hour.

Seven Blessings Translation

1. Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

2. Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created everything for Your glory.

3. Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created humanity.

4. Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created humanity in Your image, in the image of the likeness of your form, and made for them an everlasting establishment. Blessed are you, Lord, who created humanity.

5. May the barren one (Jerusalem) rejoice greatly and delight in the ingathering of her children within her in joy. Blessed are you, Lord, who causes Zion to rejoice with her children.

6. The loving partners shall rejoice as You caused your creatures to delight in the Garden of Eden of old. Blessed are you, Lord, who causes the groom and bride to rejoice.

7. Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who creates happiness and joy, groom and bride, exultation, delight, amusement and pleasure, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. Soon, Lord our God, may the sound of happiness and the sound of joy and the voice of the bride and groom be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem, the rejoicing of grooms from their huppahs and youths from their singing banquets. Blessed are you, Lord, who makes the groom rejoice with the bride.