For guests unfamiliar with Jewish wedding traditions, we wanted to share a little context about some of the rituals and symbolism woven throughout our ceremony.

The Ketubah

Before the ceremony, we will sign our ketubah, a traditional Jewish marriage contract. This symbolic document reflects the commitments we are making to one another and will later be read during the ceremony.

The Chuppah

Our ceremony will take place beneath a chuppah (wedding canopy), which symbolizes the home we will build together, open on all sides to welcome family, friends, and community.

Circling

At the start of the ceremony, we will circle around one another seven times. Seven is a sacred number in Jewish tradition and also symbolizes wholeness and completeness.

Kiddushin & Nissuin

The Jewish wedding ceremony consists of two parts: Kiddushin (betrothal) and Nissuin (marriage). The ceremony includes blessings over wine, the exchange of rings, and vows. In Jewish tradition, the ring represents the sacred and unbroken nature of marriage.

Sheva Brachot (The Seven Blessings)

A series of seven blessings will be recited over a second cup of wine, celebrating love, joy, partnership, and community. These blessings represent the joy of creation both in ancient times and the newest creation occurring underneath the chuppah.

Breaking the Glass

At the end of the ceremony, we will both break glasses by stepping on them. The tradition carries many meanings, including as a reminder us of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago, the fragility and preciousness of life and relationships, and the importance of holding joy and sorrow together. This moment is the official cue for everyone to join together and wish the new couple a hearty “Mazel Tov!”

Yichud

Immediately after the ceremony, we will take a few private moments together before joining the celebration, our first quiet time alone as a married couple.

Simcha

Then comes the simcha, or the celebration. According to Jewish law, wedding guests are commanded to celebrate, have fun, and increase the joy of the couple on their wedding day. We can’t wait to eat, drink, dance, and party with you!