The ceremony will take place under a flowery canopy with four posts, known as a Chuppah. This symbolises the home that we will create together, with four open sides signifying that family and friends will always be welcome.
Traditionally, the bedeken involves the Groom 'veiling' the Bride to symbolise the spirituality of the ceremony and is understood as a way for the Groom to ensure that he is marrying the one he loves. We have chosen to expand this ritual to involve both of us.
After entering the chuppah, we will circle each other a total of seven times (three times each and once together). This will represent the creation of a new marital household where we will protect and support each other. The number seven is seen throughout the ceremony; referencing the biblical creation of the world in seven days, the seven wedding blessings and the seven qualities of marriage: eternity, righteousness, justice, love, kindness, compassion, faithfulness and knowledge.
There are two sets of blessings over wine within a Jewish wedding ceremony. One symbolises the marriage proposal and the other the marriage itself. Each is a special occasion deserving its own attention and cup of wine.
We will then exchange wedding bands as a sign of commitment to one another. In accordance with Jewish tradition, it is customary to place the ring on the right index finger, a practice that may stem from an ancient belief that the index finger was connected directly to the heart. Once the rings have been accepted, we are considered officially married under Jewish law.
The Ketubah is a Jewish wedding contract outlining our mutual commitment. We have written our own version which is a statement of our love and devotion to one another. This text will be read by Rabbi Hannah so that the wedding guests can bear witness to our agreement.
These blessings will be chanted in Hebrew by Rabbi Hannah and then followed by an English interpretation by seven of our guests. After the blessings, we will drink the second cup of wine.
The well-known tradition of breaking the glass acts as a reminder of the fragility of life, even in the most joyful of moments. After the glass is broken, we encourage everyone to shout “MAZEL TOV” to wish us congratulations and good luck for our future together. This marks the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the celebrations!