Live Life Team
Even within the Jewish community customs for weddings can vary. Traditional or Orthodox marriage celebrations can last for a week. They begin with the couple agreeing on a written marriage contract, called a “ketubah”. This outlines the couple’s obligations in the marriage and spells out what is to happen if they should divorce. It may not be the most romantic of beginnings to a wedding, but it is practical.
The couple is married under a “chuppah” or wedding canopy. This can be a free standing structure held up by four poles, or a “tallit” or prayer shawl held over the couple by four of their closest friends or family. The “chuppah” represents the future pair’s new home. Flanked by both sets of parents, the couple is given the seven ritual blessings and then they each sip from a single glass of wine.
Depending on how conservative the wedding party is, the bride may or may not speak and she may be the only partner to wear a ring. After the ring ceremony, the glass they have both shared is broken underfoot by the groom. The couple then go to a separate room and spend a few moments in seclusion. This is thought to help seal the bond between the pair.
Of course there is one big party, known as the “seudat mitzvah” that involves much eating, drinking and dancing. Again, if this is a strict orthodox wedding, men and women will most likely be seated separately and may be forbidden to dance with others unless they are married. The “Birkat Hamazon” (or Grace after Meals) is recited, along with the seven wedding blessings. Ultra orthodox observers will have these blessings repeated at every social function the couple attend for the next seven days.
