Re: Jewish Brides
Chuppas can usually be rented from florists.
I'ved Cut and paste my program which explains a fairly traditional jewish ceremony. You can change a lot. For example a lot of people leave out the circling, or circle each other.
Good luck.
Ketubah - The wedding contract
The ketubah is written in Aramaic and has been used for more than two thousand years. It is a legal document, which specifies the mutual obligations and responsibilities of the couple. It recognizes not only love, but also the legal commitments necessary in a Jewish marriage. Although it is a legal document, the ketubah is often beautifully illustrated. Our ketubah has two quotes from Song of Songs. The quote at the top means “I have found the one in whom my soul delights”. The quote at the bottom means “I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine”. As is customary, our ketubah was signed by two Jewish witnesses who were unrelated by blood or marriage to the bride or groom. Our witnesses were Joseph XXX and Richard XXX. The ketubah will be read aloud after the rings are exchanged.
Bedeken - The veiling of the Bride
The bedeken is an ancient custom rooted in the Torah (the first five books of the old testament). Jacob wished to marry Rachel. However, their father substituted Leah, Rachel’s sister. Since Leah’s face was veiled, Jacob could not distinguish her identity. David will avoid such trickery by veiling Adina himself. As a modern addition Adina will be placing the kippah on David’s head making her an active participant in the ritual.
Chuppah – The Wedding Canopy
The wedding ceremony takes place under a chuppah, or wedding canopy. The temporary structure is made from a Jewish prayer shawl and is supported by four polls, held by four groomsmen. This represents the home to be built and shared by the bride and groom. It is open on all side, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent open on all side to welcome friends the relatives.
Circling
The custom of the bride circling the groom has many interpretations. Some believe the circling would offer protection from evil sprits seeking to disrupt this joyous occasion. Another interpretation is that circling is a way of marking possession. The reason the bride often circles seven times is that just as the world was created in seven days, the bride is figuratively building the wall of the couples new home. Seven also recalls Joshua’s circling the walls of Jericho. After the bride walks around the groom seven times, the walls between them will fall and their souls will be united.
Kiddushin - Sanctification, or Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony consists of two parts, the Erusin and the Nissuin. Historically these parts were done separately.
Erusin - Betrothal
The first part of the ceremony begins with two blessings; the first blessing is over the wine, the traditional symbol of joy and plenty. It is followed by a recitation of the betrothal blessing. After the blessings the bride and groom drink from the first cup of wine.
Rings and vows are then exchanged. Rings are placed on the index fingers during the ceremony, as this finger is believed to have a vein that flows directly to the heart. Jewish custom dictates that the rings be simple and unset with stones. Many people believe that the unbroken bands made of pure metal represent the wholeness achieved through marriage and hope for an unbroken union. The grooms’ traditional wedding vow is: “By this ring you are consecrated to me as my wife in accordance with the Law of Moses and the people of Israel.” The bride will recite a verse from Hosea “I betroth you to me forever. I betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in love and in tenderness. I betroth you to me in faithfulness.”
Nissuin - Nuptials
The second part of the ceremony is the nuptials, or actual marriage consisting of the Sheva Brachot, the seven blessings. The first blessing is over the wine. The second through sixth blessings praise God for creating the world and humanity. The seventh blessing celebrates ‘joy and happiness, the bride and the groom, gladness, jubilation, cheer, delight, love, harmony, and friendship. The bride and groom then drink from the second cup of wine sanctifying their marriage.
Shibbur Hakos - Breaking of the Glass
Even in times of rejoicing, it is customary for Jews to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The broken glass also represents the permanence of marriage. Once done, it cannot be undone (just like the glass that cannot be put back together.) This act marks the conclusion of the ceremony and the beginning of the celebration with shouts of “Mazel Tov!”
Yichud - Privacy
Immediately following the ceremony the bride and groom are escorted to a private room to spend time alone together.
Se’udat Mitzvah - The Festive Celebration
According to Jewish law, rejoicing with the bride and groom is an explicit commandment. We look forward to singing, dancing, eating, and drinking with all of you.
I'ved Cut and paste my program which explains a fairly traditional jewish ceremony. You can change a lot. For example a lot of people leave out the circling, or circle each other.
Good luck.
Ketubah - The wedding contract
The ketubah is written in Aramaic and has been used for more than two thousand years. It is a legal document, which specifies the mutual obligations and responsibilities of the couple. It recognizes not only love, but also the legal commitments necessary in a Jewish marriage. Although it is a legal document, the ketubah is often beautifully illustrated. Our ketubah has two quotes from Song of Songs. The quote at the top means “I have found the one in whom my soul delights”. The quote at the bottom means “I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine”. As is customary, our ketubah was signed by two Jewish witnesses who were unrelated by blood or marriage to the bride or groom. Our witnesses were Joseph XXX and Richard XXX. The ketubah will be read aloud after the rings are exchanged.
Bedeken - The veiling of the Bride
The bedeken is an ancient custom rooted in the Torah (the first five books of the old testament). Jacob wished to marry Rachel. However, their father substituted Leah, Rachel’s sister. Since Leah’s face was veiled, Jacob could not distinguish her identity. David will avoid such trickery by veiling Adina himself. As a modern addition Adina will be placing the kippah on David’s head making her an active participant in the ritual.
Chuppah – The Wedding Canopy
The wedding ceremony takes place under a chuppah, or wedding canopy. The temporary structure is made from a Jewish prayer shawl and is supported by four polls, held by four groomsmen. This represents the home to be built and shared by the bride and groom. It is open on all side, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent open on all side to welcome friends the relatives.
Circling
The custom of the bride circling the groom has many interpretations. Some believe the circling would offer protection from evil sprits seeking to disrupt this joyous occasion. Another interpretation is that circling is a way of marking possession. The reason the bride often circles seven times is that just as the world was created in seven days, the bride is figuratively building the wall of the couples new home. Seven also recalls Joshua’s circling the walls of Jericho. After the bride walks around the groom seven times, the walls between them will fall and their souls will be united.
Kiddushin - Sanctification, or Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony consists of two parts, the Erusin and the Nissuin. Historically these parts were done separately.
Erusin - Betrothal
The first part of the ceremony begins with two blessings; the first blessing is over the wine, the traditional symbol of joy and plenty. It is followed by a recitation of the betrothal blessing. After the blessings the bride and groom drink from the first cup of wine.
Rings and vows are then exchanged. Rings are placed on the index fingers during the ceremony, as this finger is believed to have a vein that flows directly to the heart. Jewish custom dictates that the rings be simple and unset with stones. Many people believe that the unbroken bands made of pure metal represent the wholeness achieved through marriage and hope for an unbroken union. The grooms’ traditional wedding vow is: “By this ring you are consecrated to me as my wife in accordance with the Law of Moses and the people of Israel.” The bride will recite a verse from Hosea “I betroth you to me forever. I betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in love and in tenderness. I betroth you to me in faithfulness.”
Nissuin - Nuptials
The second part of the ceremony is the nuptials, or actual marriage consisting of the Sheva Brachot, the seven blessings. The first blessing is over the wine. The second through sixth blessings praise God for creating the world and humanity. The seventh blessing celebrates ‘joy and happiness, the bride and the groom, gladness, jubilation, cheer, delight, love, harmony, and friendship. The bride and groom then drink from the second cup of wine sanctifying their marriage.
Shibbur Hakos - Breaking of the Glass
Even in times of rejoicing, it is customary for Jews to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The broken glass also represents the permanence of marriage. Once done, it cannot be undone (just like the glass that cannot be put back together.) This act marks the conclusion of the ceremony and the beginning of the celebration with shouts of “Mazel Tov!”
Yichud - Privacy
Immediately following the ceremony the bride and groom are escorted to a private room to spend time alone together.
Se’udat Mitzvah - The Festive Celebration
According to Jewish law, rejoicing with the bride and groom is an explicit commandment. We look forward to singing, dancing, eating, and drinking with all of you.
