The marriage ceremony is known as ‘kiddushin’ in Jewish language and is considered a blessing. This is originated from the word ‘kadosh’, which means holiness.
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Jewish weddings are conducted in a very traditional manner. It is much more than just exchanging rings as it reminds them that they are responsible for each other as well as the religion and culture. The marriage ceremony is known as ‘kiddushin’ in Jewish language and is considered a blessing. This is originated from the word ‘kadosh’, which means holiness. Jewish wedding is usually conducted on a Tuesday.
The Jewish community is one of the most affluent communities of the world. This richness can well be experienced in Jewish weddings. The significant traditional Jewish Wedding Rituals act as a reminder for both the bride and the groom that they are not only responsible towards each other but also towards their religion and culture.
Pre Wedding Rituals in Jewish Wedding:
A Pre Wedding Ritual – Yom Kippur Viddui
One of the pre-wedding rituals is Yom Kippur Viddui. In this ritual the bride and the groom make confessional prayers, in order to forgive each other for their pasts and start a new life afresh.
A Pre Wedding Ritual – Kabbalat Patim
Kabbalat Patim is the next ritual, wherein the couple is not allowed to meet from one week before wedding.
A Pre Wedding Ritual – Badeken
Next ritual is Badeken tradition, during which the bride and the groom see each other as the groom veils the bride. This takes place just before the wedding ceremony.
Wedding Rituals and Traditions in Jewish Wedding:
A Wedding Ritual – Kiddushin
The marriage ceremony takes place under the ‘chuppah’, which is an open canopy. Here, the bride circles the groom seven times. This is known as ‘kiddushin’. After the blessings from the Betrothal, the couple drinks wine from the cup. This is followed by the exchange of the rings between the couple.
A Wedding Ritual – Ketubah
The next ritual is the reading of Ketubah. It is a wedding contract written beforehand and signed by two witnesses.
A Wedding Ritual – Sheva Berakhot
Afterward this, the Sheva Berakhot ceremony takes place, wherein the rabbi recites the seven blessings over a cup of wine. Subsequently, a wine glass is placed under the bridegroom’s foot and he is asked to break it.
Post Wedding Rituals in Jewish Wedding:
The marriage is usually followed by Seudat Mitzwah, which is a sort of reception party. The Jewish marriage feast contains mouthwatering delicacies for the newlywed couple. This is followed by Mitzwah dance, wherein everybody dances around the couple. Apart from the expression of joy it is an expression of support from the community towards the new couple.
Giving of the ring by the groom to the bride is the center of attraction of these rituals. Then the Ketubah, the marriage contract, is read which is signed by two witnesses. Post Ketubah, the Sheva Brachot, the seven blessings are recited by the rabbi. After this the couple again drinks wine. The last of the Jewish Wedding Rituals is the breaking of the glass ceremony. The couples break their fast during Yichud. Seudh follows where the guests eat and drink. After the meal Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals) and Sheva Brachat are recited.
Distinctive Features:
The festive meal is held amidst a lot of dance and music. Often the guests show their skills of juggling and aerobics during the feast. After the following week of the marriage, the guests and the relatives are supposed to hold festive meals in honor of the couple. This is known as the week of Sheva Brachot. It is named so because of the blessings being recited at the end of each meal.
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