I've never been to a Jewish Wedding before! What will happen?
The creation of a Jewish marriage is full of symbolism, participation and celebration (but don't worry, the ceremony is still short)! Read below for a quick outline and click on the links provided for more details on specific items.
Preparation
Prior to the wedding itself, the bride and groom prepare by visiting a mikveh, fasting, and separating from one another for a period of time (sometimes up to a week).
Marriage
Ketubah (Marriage Contract)
Prior to the public ceremony, Noam and Rachel will gather with family and the Rabbis for the signing of the Jewish marriage contract and secular marriage license. This will be the first time Noam and Rachel will see each other on the day of the wedding.
Bedeken (Veiling) and Blessings
This ritual has various interpretations including: modesty for the bride, the job of the husband to clothe the bride and 'checking' to see that the bride is the one that has been intended for the groom. Rachel and Noam will make this ritual a little more egalitarian by 'veiling' each other; Noam will place a veil on Rachel and Rachel will place a kippah (head covering) on Noam.
At this time, Noam and Rachel's parents will offer blessings to them before they process to the Chuppah to complete their marriage.
Chuppah (Public Ceremony)
The Chuppah ("covering" in Hebrew) symbolizes the home the bride and groom will create together, as well as the shelter of love that their family, and friends provide. For this reason, Rachel and Noam's chuppah is a work of art created by a close friend. The Chuppah is open on four sides to represent the hospitality to strangers and acts of love the bride and groom's new home will embody. Under the chuppah, the following rituals take place in front of the community:
Erusin (Betrothal): Erusin consists of two blessings. First a blessing over wine, as is customary at all joyous occasions. Second, a blessing that expresses that the bride and groom are forbidden from relations with others. Lastly, Rachel and Noam will exchange rings and recite a blessing to one another.
Nissuin (Marriage): Another blessing over wine precedes the 'Sheva Brachot' or 'seven blessings,' which are the heart of the Jewish wedding ceremony. These will be sung in Hebrew, translated in English and all guests are invited to join in the singing! The singing of the blessings will be capped off by the breaking of the glass (by both Rachel and Noam).
Yihud (Seclusion)
After the Chuppah, Rachel and Noam will consummate (no, not like that), their marriage by enjoying some peaceful alone time together. When they emerge, they will join their guests for dancing and feasting!
A festive meal, dancing, and entertaining the bride and groom are a "mitzvah" (moral imperative) at a Jewish Wedding! We take this very seriously :).
Preparation
Prior to the wedding itself, the bride and groom prepare by visiting a mikveh, fasting, and separating from one another for a period of time (sometimes up to a week).
Marriage
Ketubah (Marriage Contract)
Prior to the public ceremony, Noam and Rachel will gather with family and the Rabbis for the signing of the Jewish marriage contract and secular marriage license. This will be the first time Noam and Rachel will see each other on the day of the wedding.
Bedeken (Veiling) and Blessings
This ritual has various interpretations including: modesty for the bride, the job of the husband to clothe the bride and 'checking' to see that the bride is the one that has been intended for the groom. Rachel and Noam will make this ritual a little more egalitarian by 'veiling' each other; Noam will place a veil on Rachel and Rachel will place a kippah (head covering) on Noam.
At this time, Noam and Rachel's parents will offer blessings to them before they process to the Chuppah to complete their marriage.
Chuppah (Public Ceremony)
The Chuppah ("covering" in Hebrew) symbolizes the home the bride and groom will create together, as well as the shelter of love that their family, and friends provide. For this reason, Rachel and Noam's chuppah is a work of art created by a close friend. The Chuppah is open on four sides to represent the hospitality to strangers and acts of love the bride and groom's new home will embody. Under the chuppah, the following rituals take place in front of the community:
Erusin (Betrothal): Erusin consists of two blessings. First a blessing over wine, as is customary at all joyous occasions. Second, a blessing that expresses that the bride and groom are forbidden from relations with others. Lastly, Rachel and Noam will exchange rings and recite a blessing to one another.
Nissuin (Marriage): Another blessing over wine precedes the 'Sheva Brachot' or 'seven blessings,' which are the heart of the Jewish wedding ceremony. These will be sung in Hebrew, translated in English and all guests are invited to join in the singing! The singing of the blessings will be capped off by the breaking of the glass (by both Rachel and Noam).
Yihud (Seclusion)
After the Chuppah, Rachel and Noam will consummate (no, not like that), their marriage by enjoying some peaceful alone time together. When they emerge, they will join their guests for dancing and feasting!
A festive meal, dancing, and entertaining the bride and groom are a "mitzvah" (moral imperative) at a Jewish Wedding! We take this very seriously :).
