Jewish Wedding Traditions

Jewish weddings have meaningful rituals. The bedeken is the veiling ceremony. The groom places the veil over the bride's face. The chuppah is the wedding canopy. It symbolizes the home the couple will build. It is open on all sides to welcome guests. The ketubah is the marriage contract often an illuminated work of art. The couple and witnesses sign it before the ceremony. The couple circles each other. This symbolizes creating a new family circle. The seven blessings are recited over a cup of wine. The glass is broken at the end of the ceremony. It represents the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and reminds us that marriage is fragile. Guests shout Mazel Tov after the glass breaks. The celebration includes dancing, often with chairs held high.