Marriage
Jewish wedding ceremonies take place under a canopy called a ḥuppa. This symbolises both the home that the couple will share, as well as God’s protection over them. This canopy is so important that the whole wedding ceremony is often referred to as a ḥuppa.
There are many traditional and symbolic elements to the ceremony.
It often begins with the bride walking around the groom in 3 or 7 circles. Some people say this is to create a spiritual wall of protection from evil and negativity. Others believe the bride is symbolically creating a new ‘family circle’. 7 blessings are said, often by family members and friends to wish the couple well, then wine is blessed and passed from parents to their new children-in-law to welcome them into the family.
A ketubah is a marriage contract which contains promises as to how the couple will look after each other (including financially), which is signed during the ceremony in front of two witnesses. Many couples have beautiful and illustrated ketubahs which they frame and display on the wall in their home.
The ceremony ends with the breaking of a glass to remember the destruction of the ancient Jerusalem Temples and that even though it is a happy occasion, the world is still not yet a perfect, peaceful place.
Wedding rings are placed on the index finger. This is because the vein from that finger goes right to your heart, but also because it is the strongest digit and therefore the ring could be refused if it were a forced marriage.
Same-sex marriages take place in MasortiAn ideology within Judaism (see ‘Groups within Judaism’ page for more details)., ReformAn ideology within Judaism (see ‘Groups within Judaism page for more details). and LiberalAn ideology within Judaism (see ‘Groups within Judaism page for more details). communities, but not in Orthodox communities.
