The 5 Best Parts of the Jewish Wedding
THE KETUBAH SIGNING
The Ketubah signing allows you to have an intimate ceremony before the ceremony. Most couples choose a ketubah that is both visually beautiful and spiritually meaningful, which makes this brief ceremony special. Being surrounded by the people you are most connected to before the fuller ritual is a great way to sense how much your family of origin and/or of choice love and supports you. It also centers the two of you with your most essential hopes and commitments before you walk down the aisle.
CIRCLING EACH OTHER
The visual of a couple circling each other before stepping under the Chuppah, the wedding canopy, is an elegant way to convey intertwining your lives without words. The more contemporary version, where both partners circle each other, is a way to take an ancient ritual that represents values we no longer embrace and reconstruct it to have a powerful meaning.
FIRST KIDDUSH
When I officiate a wedding, I bring up the parents or other designated family members or friends to honor. Sharing the first cup of wine (or juice) while honoring the people that have guided you can be exceptional. This ritual has a way of creating and bonding an expanded sense of family.
CHANTING THE SEVEN BLESSINGS
There are a few different ways to chant the seven blessings, but the music is sweet and mystical. The blessings themselves continue to build until they reference the joy, singing, friendship, delight, and unity that weddings inspire. It is a time to open the heart and receive. Then a nice touch is to invite friends and family to read them in English.
BREAKING THE GLASS
While some Jewish weddings end with a kiss, I like to end with the drama of breaking the glass. ( I make sure there is a kiss just before the glass!) There are many things this ritual symbolizes, but it is so distinct and memorable on its own. Teaching people, if needed, to say Mazel Tov at the end is a great note to end the entire ceremony!