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Our ceremony takes place under a wedding canopy on four posts, known as a chuppah. The chuppah symbolizes the home that we will create together in our married life. It’s open walls signify that family and friends, old and new, will always be welcome.
The badeken takes place as the groom lifts and replaces the bride’s veil to both confirm her identity and that she is his heart’s desire. This custom is inspired by the biblical story of Jacob, who did not see his bride’s face beforehand and mistakenly married his betrothed’s sister, Leah. One interpretation of the veil’s significance in this context is that it represents modesty and symbolizes that the beauty of the soul is paramount to the physical.
The ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract with ancient roots. It is written not in Hebrew, but in the ancient language of Aramaic. Our ketubah highlights our commitment to building a home based on love, Jewish tradition and mutual respect for one another. It was signed before our wedding ceremony by two witnesses.
As we enter the chuppah, the bride will circle the groom seven times. The circling is a physical enactment of the wedding ring, conveying unity and completeness. There is also a mystical teaching that suggests that the bride, in circling seven times, enters seven spheres of her husband’s innermost being.
Seven blessing are recited over our second cup of wine. These blessings include praise for G-d, a prayer for peace in Jerusalem and ask that our married life be filled with joy.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the groom will break a glass under his foot in memory of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The broken glass also reminds us of the delicate nature of marriage, which must always be nurtured. As the glass breaks, it is customary for the wedding guests to shout “mazal tov”, a wish of congratulations and good luck.
Guests at a Jewish wedding are commanded to share in the joy of the bride and groom. The seudat mitzvah is a celebratory feast, so please join us as we continue to celebrate our marriage into the evening.