Jewish Wedding Ceremony and Customs

There are many important rituals to observe when a couple participates in a Jewish wedding. The occasion is meant to be a joyous one but due respect for Jewish tradition must be adhered to and there is a lot of symbolism to reflect that. In this religion, a marriage ceremony represents a new beginning for the bride and groom.

The bride is known in Hebrew as the kallah and the groom is called the chatan. There are similarities in custom between a Jewish wedding and Yom Kippur. Fasting is a requirement in both and the couple start their fast at dawn and break it after the wedding ceremony. The chatan wears a kittel, which is a traditional white robe, also worn on Yom Kippur.

It is customary for the couple to not see each other in the week leading up to the ceremony. Just before the ceremony, separate receptions known as Kabbalat Panim, are held for the chatan and kallah. The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom will break a plate, to symbolize the consequences of a broken relationship. The actual Jewish wedding marriage ceremony takes place under an open canopy, called a chupah. This traditionally takes place outside and underneath the stars.

The bride and groom should not be adorned with jewelry, in order to reveal their real selves without decoration. As they stand under the chupah, the kallah circles round the chatan for a total of seven times. This is to symbolize the making of the earth in seven days. Wine is important in a Jewish wedding, as it represents joy. Two cups are used in the ceremony, one for the blessing and one for after the ceremony.

The giving of the ring must involve a plain ring of gold, with no stones or ornament of any kind. In Jewish law, the couple are married as soon as the ring is placed on the bride's finger. The chatan must make a promise to protect the kallah with food, shelter, clothing and emotional support. The marriage contract, called the ketubah, is signed by two witnesses.

On completion of the ceremony, the newlyweds retire to a room and break their fast. Then the couple and their guests come together to celebrate their Jewish wedding with food, music and dance. As with all cultures, weddings are important landmarks and an opportunity for those concerned to express their religious beliefs.