jewish wedding program

We have several non Jewish guests attending our wedding and we wanted to hand out programs explaining some of the Jewish customs and traditions. Does any one have something written up - or know where we can find something on line?

Thanks

Re: jewish wedding program

I am reposting myself:

I had seen on a post a while ago, what a Jewish bride had put in her program. I saved it so I could use it for myself. Here it is. It is quite extensive though I am sure you could edit it to suit your needs and the customs you are either using or NOT using. Hope it helps!:

Cover (our monogram)
Page 1 - Introduction (our names, date, church)
Page 2 - Bridal Party
Page 3 - Bridal Party continued
Page 4 (centerfold) - ceremony schedule including Hymns, reading titles, psalms
Page 5 (centerfold) - ceremony schedule continued
Page 6 - Description of traditions we will be incorporating into the ceremony
Page 7 - Thank you


The Ketubah
The Bedeken
Wedding Processional “SONG”
Bride’s Processional “SONG'
Welcome
Kiddushin
Presentation of the Rings
Reading of the Ketubah
Rabbi’s charge to bride and groom
Nissuin
Sheva Brachot
Breaking of the Glass
Recessional “SONG”


Traditions
A traditional Jewish wedding is full of meaningful rituals, giving expression to the deepest significance and purpose of marriage. These rituals symbolize the beauty of the relationship of husband and wife, as well as their obligations to each other and to the Jewish people. The following is a guide to the laws and customs of a Jewish Wedding. We hope this information will help you appreciate the essence and symbolism of a Jewish wedding and enable you to more actively participate in our joyous occasion.

The Ketubah

In Jewish tradition there is a marriage contract, called a Ketubah, that defines the relationship in terms of commitment and financial aspects. The Ketubah is a binding document of confidence and trust, which details the husband's obligations to his wife. It expresses the idea that marriage is not only a physical and emotional union, but also a legal and moral commitment. The Ketubah was executed in the presence of two witnesses prior to the ceremony.

The Bedeken

This is a brief ceremony where the groom will come to the bride, verify her identity, and lower her veil. The custom of Bedeken recalls the predicament of Jacob, who thought he was marrying Rachel only to discover, after the ceremony, that he had married Leah. After the signing of the Ketubah, XXX lowered the veil over XXX’s face, reminiscent of Rebecca’s covering her face before marrying Isaac.

The Chupah

The wedding ceremony takes place under the Chupah, a canopy that represents the new home about to be created. Open on all four sides, the Chupah is reminiscent of Abraham’s house, which had entrances on all four sides in order to warmly welcome any approaching guests.

Seven Circles

There is a tradition followed whereby the bride walks around the groom seven times under the Chupah before the rabbi begins the wedding ceremony. This tradition has ties to the prophet Jeremiah, who said that a woman encompasses and protects a man. As Joshua circled the wall of Jericho seven times, the walls fell down. So, too, after the bride walks around the groom seven times, the walls between them will fall and their souls will be united.

Kiddushin (Betrothal)
Two cups of wine are used in the wedding ceremony. The first cup accompanies the betrothal blessing, and after these are recited, the bride and groom drink from the cup. Wine, a symbol of joy in Jewish tradition, is associated with the Kiddush, the sanctification prayer recited on Shabbat and festivals. Marriage, which is called Kiddushin, is the sanctification of a man and woman to each other.

Exchanging of Rings
The central act of the Kiddushin occurs when XXX places a solid and unbroken ring on XXX’s right index finger. This is based on a belief that the second finger is directly connected to the heart. The ring should be made of precious metal, without blemishes or ornamentation, just as it is hoped that the marriage will be one of simple beauty. XXX legalizes the marriage as he gives the ring by declaring in Hebrew “Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring in accordance to the laws of Moses and Israel.” According to Jewish law, this is the central moment of the wedding ceremony, and XXX and XXX are now fully married at this point.
After the Kiddushin, the Ketubah is read aloud. The Ketubah is written in Aramaic, but the rabbi must translate it when he reads it to make sure the bride and groom understand the terms of the marriage contract. After the reading, the groom hands the marriage contract to the bride.
At this time, XXX will give XXX his ring and recite in Hebrew “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.”


Nissuin (Nuptial Ceremony)

The second part of the ceremony, Nissuin, consists of the “Sheva Brachot,” the seven blessings of marriage, which are recited over the second cup of wine. The Sheva Brachot are among the most joyous and beautiful blessings in Judaism. Recited under the Chupah, and over festive meals during the first week of marriage, they represent not only the happiness of the couple but of the entire community. The Sheva Brachot are as follows:


Blessed art thou, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, creator of the fruit of the grapevine.
Blessed art thou, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who created all things for his glory.
Blessed art thou, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who created humanity.
Blessed art thou, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who created man in his image, in the image set forth by his plan, and who prepared from himself a structure to last for all time. Blessed art thou, Lord our G-d, Creator of humanity.
May the barren (land) rejoice and be glad when its children are gathered back to it in joy. Blessed art thou, Lord our G-d, who makes Zion rejoice in her children.
May you grant great joy to these dearly beloved, just as you granted happiness to the work of your hands long ago in the Garden of Eden. Blessed art thou, Lord our G-d, who grants joy to the bridegroom and bride.
Blessed art thou, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who created happiness and joy, bridegroom and bride, rejoicing in song, delight and cheer, love and harmony, peace and fellowship. Soon, O Lord our G-d, may there be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, a sound of gladness, a sound of joy, a sound of the bridegroom and sound of the bride, the sound of rejoicing from bridegrooms at their weddings, and young people at their feasts of song. Blessed are you, O G-d, who grants joy to the bridegroom with the bride.


After the reciting of the Sheva Brachot, XXX and XXX will drink from the second cup of wine.

Breaking of the Glass

The Jewish tradition of the groom breaking the glass has been interpreted in many ways. The shattering of the glass is an irrevocable action, just as marriage itself leaves us forever changed. It also reminds us that as strong as love is, it is also fragile as the glass and must be treated with care and never taken for granted. Lastly, it is seen as a reminder of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Once broken, the ceremony is over and the celebration begins. It is customary to shout “Mazel Tov” once the glass is broken.

Yichud

Following the ceremony, XXX and XXX will spend their first moments alone as husband and wife. This time alone symbolizes their new relationship and allows them to share their first meal together before joining the reception.

Before the Ceremony

XXX and XXX along with their witnesses will sign the marriage contract. The ketbubah is a mutual affirmation of their love and responsibilities, and an acknowledgement of their commitment to each other. Their particular Ketubah depicts intertwined rings symbolizing Jewish marriage and encircled by a panorama of Jerusalem.

The Wedding Ceremony

The Chuppah
The Chuppah is the wedding canopy under which XXX and XXX stand during their marriage ceremony. The Chuppah symbolizes the new home that they will create and share as husband and wife. It is traditionally open on all four sides so that friends and family can partake in the ceremony and become part of their new life together.

Circling the Groom
When the couple first enters the Chuppah, XXX along with her parents circle XXX seven times, and by doing so create an invisible wall to protect him from evil spirits and demonstrating that XXX is the center of her world.

Birkot Erusion/ Kiddushin
The Erosion, the prenuptial blessing, is recited over a cup of wine. The blessing is one of thanks, praising Hashem for giving us the holiness of marriage. XXX and XXX will sip from the same cup to affirm their devotion to each other throughout their lives as they promise to experience both joy and sorrow always together.

Exchanging of the Rings
The rings are simple and unadorned because a circle is continuous and symbolic of their undying love, devotion, and partnership. The rings are placed on the right index finger, which is believed to be directly connected to the heart.

Nissuin
The Nissuin, or marriage ceremony begins with the seven marriage blessings which are recited over a second cup of wine. The blessings will be read by:

Breaking of the Glass
The ceremony concludes with XXX breaking a glass by stepping on it. Traditionally, this reminds us of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem an event to be remembered even at times of immense happiness. The shattered glass also reminds us how fragile life and love can be. From the moment the glass is broken, XXX and XXX’s separate lives end and they begin their life as one. Once the glass is broken, it is traditional for all congregants to shout Mazel Tov”!

The Yichud
Immediately following the ceremony XXX and XXX will leave the Chuppah and spend their first moments as husband and wife alone. It is a time of bonding before the festivities.

After the Wedding Ceremony

Simcha (Celebration)
The Jewish wedding is unique in that there is an explicit Mitzvah (positive commandment) to help the bride and groom rejoice in their union. We start the celebration by dancing around the bride and groom and their families (The Hora.)

Motzi
The motzi is the traditional prayers of thanks before the meal. The motzi over the wine will be recited by YYY and the motzi over the challah will be recited by YYY

Re: jewish wedding program

Thanks that was very complete.