|
Jewish Weddings
A traditional Jewish wedding is full of meaningful rituals, giving expression
to the deepest significance and purpose of marriage. These rituals symbolize the
beauty of the relationship of husband and wife, as well as their obligations to
each other and to the Jewish people.
In preparing for the wedding, the chatan (Hebrew for groom) and kallah (bride)
should not only pay attention to the material and temporal aspects of married
life, but should focus as well on ensuring their religious, spiritual and moral
readiness for the future.
The wedding ceremony takes place under the chupah (canopy), a symbol of the home
to be built and shared by the couple. It is open on all sides, just as Abraham
and Sarah had their tent open all sides to welcome friends and relatives in
unconditional hospitality.
The chupah is usually held outside, under the stars, as a sign of the blessing
given by G-d to the patriarch Abraham, that his children shall be "as the stars
of the heavens."
Under the chupah, the kallah circles the chatan seven times. Just as the world
was created in seven days, the kallah is figuratively building the walls of the
couple's new home. The number seven also symbolizes the wholeness and
completeness that they cannot attain separately. Another explanation is that the
seven circles correspond to the seven times in the Torah where it is written
"... and when a man takes a wife."
Two cups of wine are used in the wedding ceremony. Wine, a symbol of joy in
Jewish tradition, is associated with the Kiddush, the sanctification prayer
recited on Shabbat and festivals. Marriage, which is called Kiddushin, is the
sanctification of a man and woman to each other.
The ring should be made of plain gold, without blemishes or ornamentation (e.g.
stones) -- just as it is hoped that the marriage will be one of simple beauty.
Now comes the reading of the Ketubah (marriage contract) in the original Aramaic
text. In marriage, the chatan accepts upon himself certain marital
responsibilities which are detailed in the Ketubah. His principal obligations
are to provide food, shelter and clothing for his wife, and to be attentive to
her emotional needs. The protection of the rights of a Jewish wife is so
important that the marriage may not be solemnized until the contract has been
completed.
The document is signed by two witnesses, and has the standing of a legally
binding agreement. The Ketubah is the property of the kallah and she must have
access to it throughout their marriage. It is often written amidst beautiful
artwork, to be framed and displayed in the home.
The Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot) are now recited over the second cup of wine.
The theme of these blessings links the chatan and kallah to our faith in God as
Creator of the world, Bestower of joy and love, and the ultimate Redeemer of our
people. At the conclusion of the seven blessings, the chatan and kallah again
drink some of the wine.
A glass is now placed on the floor, and the chatan shatters it with his foot.
This act serves as an expression of sadness at the destruction of the Temple in
Jerusalem, and identifies the couple with the spiritual and national destiny of
the Jewish people. A Jew, even at the moment of greatest rejoicing, is always
mindful of the Psalmist's injunction to "set Jerusalem above my highest joy."
Others explain that this is the last time the groom gets to "put his foot down."
|
|
Cart
| My Account
