Traditions

The Ritual, Meaning and Joy of the Jewish Wedding Traditions

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Kabbalat Panim - קַבָּלַת פָּנִים
‘The Receiving of Faces’

On their wedding day, the bride and groom are considered royalty. The Jewish wedding begins with the ‘Kabbalat Panim’ which translates to ‘the receiving of faces.’ Just like a Queen and King, The Bride and Groom are given the respect to bestow blessings and grace to their loved ones and friends. Special powers are granted to them from the Divine; they are made sovereign over their own lives and over their surroundings. All their previous sorrows are lifted, and they are empowered to chart a new future for themselves. The couple receives their guests in two separate events – the ‘Hachnasat Kallah’ for the bride and ‘Chossen’s Tish’ for the groom.

Hachnasat Kallah- הַכְנָסַת כַּלָּה
‘The Bride’s Reception’

The literal translation “bringing in the bride” refers to the *mitzvah of joyfully providing the bride and groom with all that they need to marry. The bride is seated on a throne-like chair where she is greeted and entertained by guests; showered with joy, compliments and heartfelt wishes as an act of providing loving, happy, supportive community presence.

*Mitzvah is a good deed for which we are rewarded during our lifetime.

Chosson’s Tisch- טִישׁ חַתָן
‘The Groom’s Table’

Guests gather around the groom to create a high energetic atmosphere by singing, laughing and drinking toasts. The groom tries to read a spiritual passage while guests playfully interrupt him with jokes and song to keep the mood light and good-spirited. With the start of the Badekken music- the Jewish veiling ceremony is signaled to begin. The groom is danced and serenaded by his rowdy entourage as he walks toward his bride.

Badekken- באַדעקן
‘The Veiling’

Guests lead the groom to the bride’s throne where she is surrounded by guests. The veil expresses the symbolism that above her physical appearance, the groom is drawn to his bride’s inner beauty. The custom comes from the biblical story of Jacob’s love for Rachel.

When the groom veils his bride, he is saying, "I will love, cherish and respect not only the 'you' which is revealed to me, but also those elements of your personality that are hidden from me. As I am bonding with you in marriage, I am committed to creating a space within me for the totality of your being — for all of you, all of the time."

Chuppah- חוּפָּה
‘The Wedding Canopy’

The chuppah, A four-post structure covered by a ‘Tallis’ prayer shawl is a multifaceted symbol.

The Chuppah structure represents the new home the couple will build together in their married life.*

The Tallis symbolizing The Shechinah שכינה, Divine Presence hovers above the chuppah, gracing and sanctifying the space below. Signifying the uniqueness of the Jewish marriage where The Divine dwells in the home, and the relationship is elevated to a new level of holiness.

It is said that passed ancestors and loved ones descend from their heavenly abode to join the wedding celebration.

Four posts and open on all sides likened to the biblical tent of Abraham and Sarah, signifying that their home is open, warm and welcoming of loving guests.

*Tovah and Jordan designed their Chuppah with intent to represent those same qualities they wish to feel in their future home: Strength, Power, Solidity, Sturdiness with dreamy elements of Softness, Light, Whim and Beauty.

Chuppah- חוּפָּה
‘The Marriage Ceremony’

The ceremony will be lead by the inspiring and respected Rabbi Pinchas Allouche of Congregation Beth Tefillah of Paradise Valley, AZ.

The groom wears a kittel, a pristine white robe, traditionally worn on Yom Kippur. Both the bride's white gown and Kittel, are symbols of Divine purity and perfection.

The Kiddushin קִידּוּשִׁין
Sanctification ceremony is comprised of two elements:
Erusin אירוסין and Nissuin נישואין.

Erusin אירוסין
’The Betrothal’

Circling
A circle is believed to have protective, mystical qualities. The bride circles the groom seven times. Representing the seven wedding blessings and seven days of creation. With each sacred circle infused with intention and love, their individual protective walls soften so that they meld into protected and sacred union.

Reading of the Marriage Contract
Ketubah כְּתוּבָּה
The legal document and moral agreement of the Groom, assuming responsibility to provide for his Bride, is read aloud to declare the ceremony as a legally binding agreement and not solely a spiritual one.

Nissuin נישואין
’The Marriage’

The Seven Blessings
Sheva B’rachot שבע ברכות
Seven blessings are recited over a cup of wine by honored friends and family members under the the Chuppah. symbolizing the power of love, joy, companionship, and celebration.

Breaking the Glass

The ritual of shattering of glass is to remind us that even at the
height of our personal joy it is immensely important to momentarily reflect on the suffering and sadness in the world.
After the glass is broken everyone yells “Mazel Tov!”