Jewish tradition teaches that marriage is two people made into one. Just as Adam and Eve were created of one body, so are the two people joined into marriage – they are returning to the state of one being. If God is not part of the union, the couple will not have a long and happy marriage.
Before the Jewish tradition wedding begins, the Ketubah must be signed. This is the formal marriage contract, in which the couple are reminded of their moral responsibilities to each other. They sign the contract in front of witnesses before the ceremony can begin.
The badeken is another ceremony which might take place before the wedding itself. This is the act of “veiling” the bride by the groom, and the veil will stay in place until the Seven Blessings of the Chuppah.
The chuppah is the moment when the bride and groom are escorted to the place of their wedding. During the wedding day they are to be treated as a royal king and queen, and as such, they should have escorts. Sometimes the escorts carry candles, which symbolize the union the couple is about to enter into.
During the chuppah, the bride might circle the groom. She might do this once to signify how the woman emcompasses the man. She might do it three times, in keeping with scriptures from Hosea. She might also do it seven times, in keeping with the way Joshua circled the walls of Jericho seven times, until the walls fell down. This signifies that the walls are gone and their souls are connected.
Both the man and the woman then drink of the wine and exchange rings. The ring is placed on the index finger of the right hand, since the right hand is most powerful. It is also the easiest place for witnesses to see the exchange of the rings. Once the rings have been exchanged, the couple is considered married.
After this, the marriage contract is read aloud. The Jewish tradition contract is written in Arabic, and must be translated by the rabbi. The contract is then handed from the groom to the bride.
The Seven Blessings are then read over the couple as they share the second glass of wine. The blessings are not only for the couple’s future, but for the future of those around them as well.
Finally, the groom wraps a glass in a handkerchief and breaks it with his foot. This symbolizes the fact that even during times of great joy, the couple will not forget their religious path and past. Upon the breaking of the glass, the couple retires to a private room. There they might have a bite to eat, relax for a while, and prepare to meet their wedding guests.
The Jewish tradition wedding is not complete without a party afterward. During the party there is music, singing, dancing, and other markers of the joyous occasion. During the dancing, the bride and groom are often lifted on chairs in celebration. There is a meal as well, and after that the toasts are made. The celebration continues for seven additional days, during which time the wedding guests prepare feasts for the couple, and prolong the joy a little bit longer.
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