6 key points on having a Jewish Wedding

[Lavish Jewish Weddings]

1. [A Jewish wedding has many very important rituals that has to be followed by the bride and groom]. 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.

2. [The Hebrew term for the bride is the Kallah and the groom is called the Chatan]. [The Jewish and Yom Kippur wedding are very similer in their customs]. 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.

3. [One of the key jewish customes is that the couple do not see eachother in the week before the marrage 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. [It is tradition that this take place in the open air underneath the moon and stars].

4. [The bride and groom are not permited to wear and jewelery, as they need to show their real selves with out distracting decorations]. [As they both stand underneath the chupah, the bride or kallah will circle around the groom, or chatan for seven times]. This represent a very important symbolization of the fact that the World was created in seven days. [Wine is also a very important substance in the wedding, as it high lights joy and happiness]. Two cups are used in the ceremony, one for the blessing and one for after the ceremony.

5. 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 signing of the contract is undertaken by two witnesses, the contract is called the ketubah].

6. [After the ceremony, the newlyweds will retire to a private 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 very important landmarks and an opportunity for those concerned to express their religious beliefs].

by 5 Star Weddings