Jews & Weddings

Kiddushin & Nisu’in

According to the Torah, there are two stages in a wedding: “kiddushin” (betrothal) and “nisu’in” (marriage). Upon kiddushin, the couple is officially married, but aren’t allowed to live together or consummate the marriage until nisu’in. 


Today, these two pieces are generally done during the same ceremony; kiddushin is done by exchanging rings and saying traditional blessings, and nisu’in is done through the sheva brachot.

Ketubah

The ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract.


It is often beautifully designed and displayed during the wedding ceremony. This document has legal and symbolic significance, affirming the couple's commitment and obligations to each other in a Jewish marriage.


The traditional ketubah outlines the groom's responsibilities to the bride, but couples today may choose different text for their ketubot based on their preference and values.

Bedeken

 In some traditional Jewish weddings, there is a custom called "bedecken." The badeken is a touching and symbolic moment where the groom lowers the bride's veil over her face. This tradition is derived from the biblical story of Jacob, who married Leah under a veil mistakenly, and it aims to represent the groom's recognition of his bride and his promise to cherish her for her inner beauty. The badeken adds a meaningful and emotional element to the wedding ceremony, emphasizing the groom's deep respect and love for the bride.

Chuppah

The chuppah (pronounced hoo-pah) is a central and symbolic element in Jewish wedding ceremonies. It is a canopy or covering under which the wedding ceremony takes place, often made of a Tallit Gadol (a large prayer shawl). It is a physical representation of the couple's commitment to each other and their future together, and it is a beautiful symbol of the love and unity they are celebrating with their family and friends.

Kiddushin/Eruvin

Kiddushin is a fundamental component of Jewish weddings where the groom formally betroths the bride. During this ceremony, the groom gives a ring to the bride, and both recite traditional blessings. This act symbolizes their commitment to building a life together and marks the beginning of their married life, as they consecrate their relationship under Jewish law. Today, the bride and groom often exchange rings, rather than the groom only giving one to the bride. Kiddushin holds significant religious and cultural importance in Jewish wedding traditions.

Sheva Brachot

In Jewish weddings, the Sheva Brachot are a series of seven blessings recited over a cup of wine, symbolizing joy and celebration. These blessings are typically read by different family members or friends and signify the couple's hope for a happy and prosperous marriage. 


Circling is a custom where the bride circles the groom seven times during the wedding ceremony, symbolizing the creation of a new family and the bride's protective role in their marriage. Both Sheva Brachot and circling are meaningful rituals that add depth and tradition to Jewish wedding ceremonies.

Breaking the Glass

Breaking the glass is a poignant moment in a Jewish wedding ceremony where the newleyweds stomp on and shatter a glass. This tradition signifies that even in moments of great joy, Jews should remember the historic hardships and challenges faced by their people. The breaking of the glass concludes the ceremony with a sense of solemnity, followed by shouts of "Mazel Tov!" as the guests celebrate the newlywed couple.

Yichud

Yichud is a Jewish wedding tradition where the bride and groom spend a few private moments alone together immediately after the ceremony. This intimate seclusion symbolizes their newfound privacy and the beginning of their married life. It's a meaningful moment for the couple to share their first moments of married life in private before joining their guests at the reception.