For the Jewish people, kiddushin (Jewish word for marriage)
is a blessing. The word "kiddushin"
has been derived from the word, "kadosh",
meaning holiness. The favorite day for the
conduct of Jewish wedding
ceremony is Tuesday.
In this section, we will provide you information
about the Jewish matrimonial customs &
traditions.
Here is provided information on pre wedding
Jewish rituals:
Yom Kippur Viddui
Confessional Prayers
On the day of marriage, the groom and
bride observe fast. If the wedding takes
place in the afternoon time, the couple
privately recites Yom Kippur Viddui confessional
prayers. It is done before the wedding
ceremony to forget the past and make a
fresh beginning of married life.
Badeken Tradition
In this tradition, the bride and groom
are given an opportunity to catch a glimpse
of each other along with the friends and
relatives of either party. It takes place
before the commencement of wedding ceremony.
Jewish Wedding
Rituals:
Here is provided information
on Jewish wedding rituals:
Wedding Ceremony
To begin with, the Rabbi checks the huppah,
which is basically a canopy under which
the religious ceremonies are carried out.
This is done so as to ensure that there
are two Kiddush cups and wine, which will
be used during the performance of ceremony.
The bridesmaids, usherers, maid and matron
of honor, best man and other close relatives
are made to stand around the huppah.
The groom and bride walk down the passage
separately. Usually, they are accompanied
by their parents. The bridegroom's side
is the first to enter and the bride and
her parents are the last ones. Thereafter,
the couple is made to stand, next to each
other, under the huppah. The huppah represents
the new home of the couple. Over a cup
of wine, the rabbi recites the blessings
and the bride and groom are asked to take
a sip. After that the couple exchanges
their rings.
Reading Of Ketubah
It is followed by the reading of Ketubah,
the marriage contract that is written
beforehand and duly signed by two witnesses.
It also makes a clear mention of the dowry
and the alimony amount that the wife will
receive in case of divorce. The Rabbi
hands over Ketubah to the bridegroom,
which he further gives to his wife to
keep. This completes the legal formalities
of the marriage ceremony.
Sheva Berakhot
Ceremony
In Sheva Berakhot ceremony, seven blessings
are recited over a cup of wine.
Thereafter, the relatives come closer
and bless the newly weds over a cup of
wine. It is customary that an empty glass,
covered with cloth, is kept under the
bridegroom's feet and he is asked to break
it. Through this act, the destruction
of the temple in Jerusalem is recalled.
Thereafter, the bridegroom kisses his
beloved wife.
Post-Wedding Jewish
Rituals:
Seudat Mitzwah
Jewish Wedding Feast
An important post wedding Jewish
ritual is the reception party, in which
mouthwatering Seudat Mitzwah Jewish
wedding feast is served. At the
time of reception, the newly wedded couple
is made to sit in the center of the dancing
circle. All friends and relatives get
together and share joyous moments.