Tag Archives: Jewish customs
Jewish Wedding Traditions: From Signing the Ketubah to the Breaking of the Glass
There are quite many Jewish wedding traditions that have been observed for generations. Although the wedding service is not that long, there are many Jewish wedding traditions. If you examine popular Jewish customs in Jewish communities around the world, you will notice that there are differences between Sephardic Jews and Ashkenazi Jews However, most of the prominent Jewish traditions are largely the same. What Jewish wedding traditions are you familiar with? Have you been invited to a Jewish wedding and knows not what to expect? In this short article I will introduce to the most common Jewish wedding traditions that are observed by religious and non-religious Jews to this day. Here is a short introduction to the prominent Jewish wedding traditions.
Ketubah:
The Ketubah is signed before the wedding service begins. The Ketubah is an important part of a traditional Jewish matrimony. The ketubah exemplifies Judaism’s view on marriage- as a sacred contract between man and woman. The Ketubah includes the husband’s commitments to his wife: to provide food, shelter and so on. The Ketubah is signed by two witnesses who must not blood related to the bride and groom. The Ketubah is usually read out loud under the Huppah.
Covering the face of the bride:
One of the most famous Jewish wedding traditions is the covering the face of the bride. Before the bride goes under the Huppah the groom, covers the bride’s face with a veil. This tradition is called badeken meaning “the covering” or a veil.
Chuppah;
Most of you are probably familiar with the Chuppah – a large canopy, under which the Jewish wedding service is performed. The Huppah is a metaphor for the new home that the couple will be building together.
Wearing Tallit and Kippah:
There are several Jewish wedding traditions that are not observed in all Jewish communities. In quite many Jewish communities the groom wears a Tallit under the Chuppah although it is not obligatory. Among Sephardic Jews, it is customary that the bride purchases a new Tallit for the groom.
The Jewish wedding ring:
According to Jewish law, the groom has to wed with a ring that must worth more than a dime. The ring has to be round and smooth, as a symbol for marriage life.
The Seven blessings:
The seven blessings are one of the most loved Jewish wedding traditions. Then, wine is poured into a glass and the bride and groom drink after the rabbi recites a blessing. According to the tradition of Ashkenazi Jews, after the drinking of the first glass, a second glass of wine is poured by the rabbi and the Seven Blessings, also known as Sheva Brachot, are recited. According to Jewish tradition, the seven blessing are often recited by the rabbi who performs the Kidushin or by guests; this is considered a great honor. The Seven Blessings are recited only if a ‘minyan’ is present. The seven blessings are usually chanted in both Hebrew and English.
Ani LeDodi VeDodi Li (I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine):
This is one of my favorite Jewish wedding traditions. Under the Huppah, the bride and groom recite this psalm from the biblical book, Song o Song, which is believed to have been written by King Solomon. Ani LeDodi, also known as “I am my beloved’s and my beloved’s is mine”, is traditionally interpreted as the divine love that God has given to the people of Israel. The people of Israel are equivalent to the wife, the beloved, and God in the one who blesses His people with eternal love.
Jewish blessings in praise of women
Breaking of the glass:
At the peak of the ceremony, the groom takes the wedding ring in his hand and in front of witnesses, the groom says the eternal prayer: “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither” and then declares to the bride: “You are betrothed unto me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel.” Finally, the groom smashes the glass with his feet as the audience cheers.
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Affixing a Mezuzah – An ancient Jewish Custom
Mezuzah Case is one of the most prominent Jewish symbols. Mezuzahs are affixed to the door-posts of many Jewish homes throughout the world, both religious and secular. The Mezuzah case is a small box used to hold the sacred Mezuzah scroll –the significant part of the mezuzah- and protects it from damage. The mezuzah case has always been one of the most recognizable signs for a Jewish home since it is the first thing that meets the visitors’ eyes as they come through the main entrance. That is why many Jewish people choose to display a decorative mezuzah case that shows off their personal style.
What is the origin of this custom?
We are commanded by the Torah to inscribe the words of the Shema Yisrael prayer and affix them to the doorposts. A portion of Shema Yisrael prayer that appears in the book of Deuteronomy commands: “And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates” (6:9). The idea behind this important command (mitzvah) is to constantly keep God’s words in front of our eyes and mind.
How do we observe this commandment?
In Jewish homes that follow this commandment, a mezuzah case is affixed to the doorframe of the main entrance and to the doorposts of every room. The popular custom of kissing one’s fingertips before touching the mezuzah case expresses their commitment to God’s commandments . A kosher mezuzah case signifies the sanctity and blessing of the Jewish home. The mezuzah is very sacred. Mezuzahs are also believed to protect the Jewish home from harm, and if something bad happens God forbid they are usually replaced. However, mezuzahs are by no means just a good luck charm or some kind of talisman.
What are Mezuzahs made from?
A common Mezuzah case used to be a simple wooden box . However, with the years the mezuzah case has become a popular Judaica item and one of the most appreciated Jewish gifts. Today, the mezuzah case is usually very decorative and eye-catching. A modern Mezuzah case comes in different shapes and is made of assorted materials. Mezuzah cases are made of metal, wood or glass and more. Mezuzah cases are designed in different styles: classic or modern, western or oriental. Many of contemporary Mezuzah cases combine these elements to create unique designs. Contemporary Judaica designers often draw on traditional motifs in Jewish and Israeli culture, as the landscape of Jerusalem. You will also find that many Mezuzah cases are carved or imprinted with the Hebrew letter Shin, which stands for one of God’s many sacred names (Shaddai) . It also stands for Shomer Dlatot Israel which means the keeper of our gates.
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