Rachel & Jason: Jewish Wedding

Jewish Wedding:

We have chosen to perform a Jewish ceremony and understand that some of our guests are unsure, or have little knowledge, of Jewish wedding customs and traditions. The goal of this page is to provide some of the basic information on those customs and traditions.

Bedeken
The veiling of the bride by the groom makes her hekdesh (literally, set apart in holiness) and symbolizes what the Groom values most in the Bride. Beauty may change over time but the woman’s spiritual qualities are something she will never lose.

Ketubah
The ketubah is the Jewish marriage contract that specifies the responsibilities and commitments of the bride and groom. It is witnessed and signed in a ceremony just prior to the wedding service by the bride, groom, rabbi, family and two witnesses. The ketubah sets forth the hopes, values and principles on which the marriage will be built. Rachel’s Uncle Jeff and Jason’s Uncle Brad will serve as witnesses.

Huppah - The Wedding Canopy
The wedding ceremony takes place under a huppah. The huppah is likened to Abraham’s house, which, according to tradition, had entrances on all four sides as a reflection of his hospitality. This huppah is a symbol of the new home Rachel and Jason will build together. It is open on all sides to indicate that family and friends are always welcome. The space under the huppah is a spiritually charged place, a place made sacred by the presence of love and community.

Havdalah
Havdalah is hebrew for separation. The ceremony formally ends Shabbat (the sabbath) and ushers in the new week. The ritual involves reciting blessings over a braided, three-wick candle which symbolizes divine light. Blessings are also recited over a cup of wine signifying a special time. A final blessing over spices is perfomed. Spices are especially unique in that they are meant to revive us from the loss of an additional soul which, according to tradition, is gained during shabbat. Each guest will receive a spice bag for use during this portion of the ceremony.

Hakafot - Circling
Circling is a magical means of protection. By walking around each other seven times - Rachel three around Jason, Jason three around Rachel and the final circle together - the bride and groom create an invisible wall to protect themselves from evil spirits. The circuits symbolically create a new family circle. The number seven abounds in the Bible and throughout Jewish life; the world was created in seven days and marriage is a seven-day-a-week act of creation. This circling is a powerful act of definition, as the bride and groom create the space the couple will share.

Birkat Erusin - Blessing Over Wine
Rabbi Dickman will recite a blessing over a cup of wine, a symbol of joy. Jason and Rachel will drink from the same cup, signifying their union. Before they drink, Rabbi Dickman will pass the cup to Rachel and Jason’s parents, symbolizing their contributions to this new union. The Kiddush cup from which they will drink belonged to Rachel’s grandfather.

Kiddushin - Ring Ceremony
Jason and Rachel will exchange wedding bands. The ring is placed on the right index finger, which stems from an ancient tradition that a vein in this finger runs directly to the heart. With the exchange of rings, the bride and groom consecrate themselves to each other. Traditionally, this ring is a flawless circle representing the continuous and unending love which their marriage will bring.

Sheva B'rachot - Seven Blessings
These blessings celebrate the creation of the world and humanity, the union of two companions, fertility and the joy and happiness of the day. This portion of the ceremony also includes a second cup of wine, from which only Rachel and Jason will drink, signifying their beginning as a couple distinct from their parents.

Shvirat Ha'Kos - Breaking of the Glass
Breaking the glass is entirely customary and essentially nonreligious. It is a joyous conclusion that encourages merriment at the meal to follow. Even as the shattering gives permission for levity, it is ironically a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Thus, even at the height of personal joy, communal sadness is recalled. The breaking of the glass also serves as a reminder that life is fragile and that marrieage includes both joy and sorrow.

Yichud
After the ceremony, Rachel and Jason will spend a short time in seclusion - a period of bonding and reflection, and to share their first meal as husband and wife before the festivities begin.