Jewish weddings are rich in tradition, symbolism, and culture, making them incredibly meaningful for couples, families and the entire community as a whole.
Whether you’re attending a Jewish wedding, planning your own, or just interested in the unique customs involved, this article will explain everything you need to know about Jewish wedding traditions and their significance!
1. Chuppah
The chuppah is a canopy under which the couple stands during their wedding ceremony. Symbolizing the home the couple will build together, it’s a beautiful representation of shelter, protection, and love.
The chuppah is often held up by four poles and can be decorated with flowers or fabric. The open sides of the chuppah are meant to represent the couple’s willingness to welcome friends and family into their new home.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.
The chuppah is a central aspect of Jewish wedding ceremonies, and the design can vary greatly depending on personal style and preference.
While some couples opt for simple wooden structures, others go all-out with elaborate designs featuring fabric, flowers, or even greenery. A unique chuppah helps add a personal touch to the ceremony and sets the tone for the wedding! Your florist and Event Planner can help bring your Chuppah vision to life!
2. Ketubah
A ketubah is the Jewish marriage contract. It’s an important document outlining the couple’s obligations to each other. Traditionally, it’s signed by two witnesses and is often beautifully decorated.
After the wedding, the ketubah is typically displayed in the couple’s home as a reminder of their commitment.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.
The ketubah is not just a legal document; it’s also a deeply emotional part of the wedding ceremony. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of the husband toward the wife, ensuring that she will be supported and cared for.
While the ketubah is traditionally written in Aramaic, many modern couples today choose to have it in English, Hebrew or both Hebrew and English, especially in Reform weddings.
3. Sheva Brachot
The Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) are recited during the wedding ceremony and at the end of the Reception right after everyone recites the prayers of Grace after Meals.
These seven blessings are also recited at the subsequent seven days of celebrations, typically at a dinner. These blessings express gratitude for the creation of the world, joy in the couple’s union, and the hope for a future filled with love and peace.
The Seven blessings are traditionally said in Hebrew, but many couples choose to have both the Hebrew blessings and English versions of the blessings under the Chuppah. Having both is a beautiful way to include tradition with a modern twist to make sure everyone can appreciate the special blessings.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.
These blessings include words of praise for God’s creation, the gift of marriage, and the celebration of love and life. In many Jewish wedding traditions, these blessings are recited in Hebrew, and family members and friends take turns reciting them at the wedding celebration.
These blessings are repeated during the week-long festivities that follow the wedding, known as Sheva Brachot dinners.
4. Kabbalat Panim
Before the wedding ceremony, the kabbalat panim is the reception where the bride and groom are greeted by family and friends. Traditionally, the bride and groom are separated, and each receives guests in their respective areas.
Common in Orthodox and Conservative weddings, though not a standard practice in Reform weddings.
The kabbalat panim is a time of joyful celebration before the wedding ceremony begins.
While the groom and bride traditionally celebrate separately, the mingling and excitement build anticipation for the ceremony. This tradition allows both families and friends to enjoy the occasion together before the formalities begin.
5. Tisch
The tisch is a traditional pre-wedding gathering where the groom, family, and friends celebrate together before the ceremony.
It’s often lively and includes singing and dancing, especially with the groom’s male relatives and friends. The groom is usually seated at the head of the table, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and excitement.
The tisch sets the stage for the festivities to come and allows the groom to relax and enjoy the support of his loved ones.
Common in Orthodox and Conservative weddings, but not typically observed by Reform Jews.
The tisch is a key part of the Orthodox and Conservative Jewish wedding experience. The groom’s close friends and family gather around, singing and sharing moments of joy before the ceremony.
It’s a time for the groom to relax and focus on the joy of the occasion before the formalities of the wedding.
It is a cherished tradition for the groom to share words of Jewish wisdom. As he speaks, his family and friends joyfully interrupt with songs and dance, infusing the moment with lively celebration and communal spirit.
6. Bedekin
The bedekin is the veiling ceremony that takes place just before the couple’s wedding ceremony. The groom places a veil over the bride’s face, symbolizing modesty and the groom’s acceptance of the bride’s inner beauty.
During an Orthodox and Conservative wedding, this usually takes place right after the Tisch. The groom walks or dances his way to the bride with the whole community with him, once he is in front of the bride, he goes to her and puts the veil over her head to cover her face.
Commonly practiced by Orthodox and Conservative Jews, though some Reform weddings may include it based on personal preference.
The bedekin is a beautiful and symbolic ritual, highlighting the groom’s commitment to his bride.
It’s a moment of intimacy before the ceremony begins, and it is a very traditional part of Orthodox and Conservative Jewish weddings. It is also a time for the families to come together and celebrate the union. In Reform weddings, the veil may be less emphasized, and couples may choose to focus on other elements of the ceremony.
7. Ring Exchange
During the ceremony, the couple exchanges rings as a sign of their commitment to one another. In Jewish tradition, the groom typically places the ring on the bride’s index finger and recites a blessing.
The ring is traditional a gold band. A simple, unbroken circle shape represents a marriage without conflict or distraction.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.
The ring exchange is one of the most important moments in the Jewish wedding ceremony.
In Orthodox traditions, the ring is given without any markings or gemstones, representing the couple’s pure and eternal bond.
While this is the most common custom, Reform Jews may opt for a ring that has more personalization, such as engraving or the inclusion of gemstones.
8. Breaking the Glass
At the end of the wedding ceremony, the groom (and sometimes along side the bride) breaks a glass, typically wrapped in a cloth, with his foot.
This act has multiple interpretations, including the reminder of the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem and the hope that the couple’s marriage will be filled with both joy and sorrow, as life is full of contrasts.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.
Breaking the glass is one of the most iconic traditions at Jewish weddings.
The sound of the glass shattering symbolizes the breaking of the couple’s past life as they begin their new life together. In some traditions, guests shout “Mazel Tov!” immediately after the glass is broken, signaling the celebration of the couple’s future.
9. Yichud
After the ceremony, the couple spends a few moments in private, called yichud. This tradition allows the couple to be alone together for the first time as newlyweds, reflecting on the commitment they’ve just made. It also symbolizes their new status as a married couple.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.
The yichud period is a moment of quiet reflection and intimacy after the chaos of the wedding ceremony. The couple is in a secluded room where they can enjoy their first moments as husband and wife.
This practice is observed in both traditional and more modern Jewish weddings, providing a peaceful pause in the celebration.
In both Orthodox and Conservative traditions, the Rabbi will inspect the Yichud room beforehand to ensure it is properly secluded and free of any other guests.
Once the bride and groom enter and settle into the room, the door is closed behind them, and two witnesses stand guard outside to ensure their privacy, maintaining the sacredness of this intimate moment.
10. Chatan and Kallah
In Jewish weddings, the groom is referred to as the chatan and the bride is called the kallah.
These terms reflect the couple’s roles in the wedding ceremony and signify the joyous occasion.
Common across all branches: Orthodox and Conservative
The terms chatan (groom) and kallah (bride) are used throughout the wedding ceremony to refer to the couple. These words are a sign of respect and are used when referring to the individuals being united in marriage.
While they are commonly used across all Jewish traditions, you may also hear these terms in other aspects of Jewish life, such as during blessings or prayers.
Jewish weddings are beautiful, deeply rooted in tradition, and filled with meaningful rituals that symbolize love, commitment, and faith.
Understanding these terms will help you better appreciate the beauty and significance of a Jewish wedding and the many layers of meaning that come with this joyous celebration.
Whether you’re planning the wedding, attending your first Jewish wedding, or something in between, knowing the meanings behind these terms can deepen your connection to the experience.
Jewish weddings are a celebration of love, life, faith and tradition and each term, custom, and ritual plays a vital role in honoring that legacy.
