Jewish Wedding FAQs

Question

What is a chuppah?

Answer

A canopy representing the new home the couple are creating together. Traditionally, it is a square cloth supported by four poles held by four people. Holding the chuppah is considered an honor. In some rituals, a tallit (a prayer shawl) is draped over the couple instead. The wedding ceremony traditionally takes place beneath a chuppah, when possible, and includes blessings, a ring ceremony, and vows. Pronounced: CHUH-pah, with a ch sound like Bach.

Question

What are sheva brachot?

Answer

The "seven blessings", typically recited during the ceremony. These blessings praise G-d and celebrate the couple getting married. Pronounced: SHEH-vah BRAH-chot, which a ch sound like Bach.

Question

What is a ketubah?

Answer

A Jewish marriage contract that outlines the couple's commitments to each other. Traditionally, it explains the husband's obligations to his wife, including the commitments to provide food, clothing, and sexual satisfaction. The ketubah is traditionally signed by two witnesses (not related to the couple) as well as the couple being wed. In some ceremonies, the ketubah is read aloud, representing the physical and spiritual union of the couple as well as the moral and legal commitment between the two. Pronounced: keh-TOO-bah

Question

What is yichud?

Answer

Yichud is a tradition in which the newly married couple spend some time alone, in seclusion, before proceeding to the wedding feast and celebration with family and friends. Pronounced: YIH-chood, with a ch sound like Bach.

Question

"Mazel tov!"

Answer

The ceremony ends with shattering a glass, which has numerous explanations and meanings. It is tradition for everyone at this point to shout, "Mazel tov!" Pronounced: MAH-zil TAHV or MAH-zil TOHV. It is a mitzvah, which can be translated as "commandment" but more often conceptually meaning "a good thing to do", to help the couple celebrate their marriage. Thank you for helping us celebrate!

Question

Fun Fact

Answer

In Hebrew, the "amen" at the end of prayers is pronounced ah-MEYN, not ah-MEN.