As a contributor to www.bridalblog.info, there are frequent
questions that arise by people attending weddings, not just
planning them. Often times, people are a bit nervous when they
go to a wedding ceremony that is of a different faith than
their own. To that end, I have contracted with
www.bridalblog.info to do a series of articles discussing what
guests can expect when attending wedding ceremonies of various
faiths.
Although there are many similarities between Jewish and
traditional Christian ceremonies, there are some important
differences. These differences need to be acknowledged,
appreciated, and embraced by those planning and attending a
Jewish wedding ceremony.
When looking at the setting of a Jewish ceremony, one will
notice an arch over the place where the bride and groom stand.
This arch is known as a “chuppa.” There are several meanings of
this object. A chuppa symbolizes the home the new couple will
soon share, the new life the bride and groom will share, and
the consummation of marriage. Some brides and grooms chose to
have people hold up a chuppa. In this situation, the chuppa
symbolizes a life supported by people rather than material
things.
Before a Jewish wedding ceremony, the groom signs a Ketubah. It
is a contract of sorts signed by the groom and witnessed by two
Jewish males who are not related to the groom. This tradition
began as an attempt to protect the rights of Jewish women. The
contract states the responsibilities the groom has towards the
bride in regards to the marriage itself as well as death and
divorce. The Ketubah is presented to the bride during the
ceremony.
During the Jewish wedding ceremony, the bride and groom drink
from the same cup, as is done by many Christians during a
wedding communion. In the Jewish tradition, the groom then
breaks the glass. Again, there are several meanings behind this
custom. The action reminds the bride and groom to remember the
destruction of Jerusalem and the temple even in times of joy.
In addition, breaking the glass demonstrates that the union of
the bride and groom is unique, as is the glass that is broken
and never used again. Finally, the sound of the breakage is
intended to ward off evil spirits.
Another tradition during the Jewish wedding ceremony is known
as the seven wedding blessings. At this point in the ceremony,
the bride walks around the groom seven times as prayers are
being said.
A final Jewish wedding custom is shouting “Mazel tov” at the
end of the ceremony. Perhaps the most commonly known tradition,
it could be the most fun. It involves not only the wedding
party, but the guests, too. It is almost a cathartic moment for
everyone. The ceremony is over; let the party begin!
Pepper Montero | 
