Chuppah: The chuppah is the canopy under which the wedding ceremony takes place.
Yarmulke (Yiddush) or Kipah (Hebrew): A head covering worn by Jewish males in
synagogue and other occassions.
Ours will be navy blue, and personalized with our names and wedding date.
Tallit: a fringed prayer shawl worn during morning services.
Ketubah: A marriage contract. This functions primarily as an assertion of the rights of women in marriage. In addition, the marriage contract also includes personal data including the day of the wedding, the city where the wedding took place, and the name of the bride and groom. The Ketubah must be signed by two witnesses.
Breaking the glass: Another well observed custom is that of the groom breaking a glass at the end of the ceremony. Over time this tradition is carried on to remind us of various things like the destruction of the second Temple of Jerusalem in 70 CE. This ritual also serves as a reminder that, like a broken glass, marriage is permanent. The loud noise that the breaking makes can also help ward off any evil spirits. Yet another interpretation holds that the sound is a reminder that love, like glass, is fragile and must be protected.
Yichud: After the ceremony David and Goldy will share a few moments in Yichud, which means seclusion. Through this demonstration of a couple's right to privacy, these moments have remained a symbolic consummation of the marraige. It is traditional for the bride and groom to feed each other during the Yichud.
Unity Candle: The unity candle, a braided three-candle combination, symbolizes the union of two people into a lifelong pledge. The outer candles represent the bride and groom as individuals. The center candle, which is kindled together by the Bride and Groom, represents the unity that will continue to develop throughout their marraige. The outer candles remain lit, to show that even in unity, the couple also remain as individuals.
Oyfrufn: On the Shabbat morning before the wedding, it is common for the hatan (groom) to be called up to read the Torah in the synagogue. After the groom recites the final blessings, some communities throw candy and raisins to wish the groom a sweet life.
more to come!
Back to main page