Jewish Wedding

A bride and groom under a chupah, a large covering often used at weddings.

A chupah is a large covering that is often used at weddings to cover the bride and groom.

It can be constructed with four vertical poles with a prayer shawl or similar cloth draped over them. This canopy represents God's protection and blessing over the couple.

As the bride enters the hall the rabbi announces, "Baruch habah beshem Adonai, ( ברוך הבה בשם יי ) blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD." Traditionally the bride will circle the groom, reminiscent of the text in Jeremiah 31:22 that says, "A woman shall court (go around) a man" and Hosea 2:19, 20; "I will betroth you unto me..." Seven blessings are usually recited, including the kiddish and quotes from Jeremiah 33:11.

During the wedding ceremony, the rabbi will usually read the ketubah, the Jewish marriage covenant that is signed by the bride (kallah), groom (chatan), and witnesses. Toward the end of the ceremony the groom will break a glass with his right foot. Some say this is a reminder that our Temple in Jerusalem is still in ruins. Others say it symbolizes that all other relationships are broken and now the bride is the only woman for him and that just as the broken glass is an irrevocable act so is his commitment to her.

As beautiful as the wedding traditions are it is God that makes a marriage successful. We need God's covering, not just over our wedding but also over our entire marriage. Just as a chupah represents God's protection over us, we should do all we can to protect the feelings of our loved ones. Elohim places His righteousness and His law in our hearts, which will cause our homes to be constantly filled with acts of righteousness and order. As we appreciate how God loves us just as we are, we are able to love our spouses just as they are. We need God's faithfulness and His forgiveness covering our lives to have a happy life. So also we need to allow God to make us faithful and forgiving in order to have a happy home.

Originally from: Jewish Discoveries by Jeff Zaremsky, pages 188-189, which contains a total of 22 fascinating chapters of biblical history and lessons plus 25 rich Jewish tradition sections, and 27 powerful testimonies, with over 40 beautifully rendered professional works of art all on over 300 jam packed pages. You can own this treasure by visiting Jewish Discoveries.

Related Articles

More From Traditions

Alms (Tzedakah) Box

The Hebrew word "tzedakah" derives from the biblical word "tzedek" meaning righteousness or…
Alms (Tzedakah) Box

Seinfeld: Jewish Food

You will get a real laugh from this excerpt from the show Seinfeld.
Seinfeld: Jewish Food
Plate of lox, as featured in Allan Sherman's song

There is Nothing Like a Lox

Do you like Jewish food? What is your favorite? Bagels and cream cheese? Blintzes?
There is Nothing Like a Lox

Circumcision-Jewish Tradition

Male circumcision is a well known Jewish tradition. Avraham (Abraham) was called by God and…
Circumcision-Jewish Tradition

Kaddish

There are several Jewish traditions surrounding the death loved ones. We say the mourner’s…
Kaddish

Kippah

A yarmulke in Yiddish, or a kippah in Hebrew, is a small head covering. Kippah literally means…
Kippah

Tallit

A tallit is a prayer shawl. Tallitot (plural of tallit) are rectangular in shape and have…
Tallit

Tsitsit

The custom of putting Tsitsit, fringes or tassels, on the corners of garments originates in the…
Tsitsit

Daily Blessings

It is often said of Judaism that it is less a faith than it is a way of life. For Judaism…
Daily Blessings

Archie Bunker Does Shabbat

Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton as Archie and Edith Bunker from All in the Family sit down…
Archie Bunker Does Shabbat

Mezuzah

A mezuzah is a little box that is nailed to the doorpost of a Jewish home. The Hebrew word…
Mezuzah

Pointing to the Torah

When reading sometimes it is helpful to have something to guide us so we don’t skip a line of…
Pointing to the Torah

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation