♪.¸¸.*´¯`*.¸♥ ৡ.†.Dannielle.†.ৡ ♥¸.*´¯`*.¸¸.♪ (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} 000sundancer000) wrote,@ 2008-09-23 13:21:00 |
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Jewish Wedding Traditions
I am having a wedding with traditional Jewish traditions mixed in because even though I'm not Jewish, I am part of the chosen people, and I love the culture and the significant meanings behind the ceremonial practices.
A traditional Jewish wedding is full of meaningful rituals, symbolizing the beauty of the relationship of husband and wife, as well as their obligations to each other and God.
In a Jewish wedding, the bride and groom (kallah and chatan) cease seeing each other for one full week before the "big day" in order to enhance the joy of their wedding. Being separated for a week creates anticipation and then adds excitement and joy to the wedding ceremony. This is called "Kabbalat Panim."
This is one tradition I don't think I'll do because I've already had to part with Mathew for six months. Isn't that enough?!?! :-)
But here are the traditions that I will do:
Ketuba
The Ketuba is a marriage contract. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of a Jewish marriage ceremony. In fact, the earliest known Ketuba was found with the Dead Sea Scrolls in 128 A.D. In Jewish tradition, the Ketuba is a legal contract that lists a husband's obligations to his wife, protecting her from divorce and making provision for her if the marriage should somehow be broken. No Jewish wedding is complete without one. The ketubah is signed by Bride and Groom and their witnesses (the best man and the maid of honor) on the day of the wedding, usually just before the ceremony. Some couples like to sign the Ketuba during the ceremony. It is a visible reminder of the covenant they are entering into before God. It is traditional for the Ketuba to be the first decoration in the new home of a married couple.
The Ketuba is always an elaborate and colorful work of art. I am going to frame mine and hang it on the wall in our new house. I found a GORGEOUS Messianic Jewish Ketuba. It is in both Hebrew and English and quotes from scripture such as "His banner over me is Love," "I am my beloved's and he is mine," "I have found the one my soul loves" and "For this reason a man should leave his father and mother and the two shall become one flesh." (You could also get it in traditional Aramaic.) It has symbols on it such as the chuppa (wedding canopy) two tambourines representing worship, the tablets representing the commandments of God, the challah and the wine, representing the covenant and pomegranate vines - the Israeli symbol of love. Here is a picture of the one I REALLY like! Found at Messianicmarket.com There are a lot of beautiful ones here too, but they aren't Messianic. (Including Jesus in the Godhead.)
Fasting
Fasting is cleansing the body. It is a sign that God has forgiven us of our transgressions. The bride and groom fast for one day (evening and morning) before starting their new life together. This fast day is like Yom Kippur which is the holiest day of the year, the Day of Atonement. After "you may kiss the bride" the couple breaks their fast by sharing in a great celebration feast.
Ashkenazi
The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom stand together and break a plate. The reason is to show the seriousness of the commitment -- just as a plate can never be fully repaired, so too a broken relationship can never be fully repaired.
Badeken
I don't think I'll do this tradition. This is when the chatan veils the bride to symbolize modesty and the fact that the soul and character are paramount to beauty. I think I'll keep with the tradition: "bad luck to see the bride before the wedding." Not seeing Mat that morning might be my own version of Kabbalat Panim, the anticipation tradition.
This is an ancient custom signals the groom's commitment to clothe and protect his wife. It is reminiscent of Rebecca covering her face before marrying Isaac (Genesis 29).
Chuppah
The wedding ceremony takes place under the chuppah (canopy) a symbol of the home to be built and shared by the couple. It is open on all sides, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent open all sides to welcome friends and relatives in unconditional hospitality.
One custom is to have the chuppah ceremony outside under the stars, as a sign of the blessing given by God to the patriarch Abraham, that his children shall be "as the stars of the heavens" (Genesis 15:5).
The couple's parents escort them to the chuppah. The kallah circles the chatan seven times. Just as the world was built in six days (and the Lord rested on the seventh) the kallah is figuratively building the walls of the couple's new world together.
The Chupah is reminiscent of Ruth's saying to Boaz "spread your robe over your handmaid." It also represents the desire that their home be under the protection and guidance of G-d Al-mighty. "His banner over me is love."
The kallah then settles at the chatan's right-hand side.
Blessings of Betrothal (Kiddushin)
Two cups of wine are used in the wedding ceremony. The first cup accompanies the betrothal blessing, and after these are recited, the couple drinks 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.
The full cup of wine also symbolizes the overflowing of Divine blessing, as in the verse in Psalms, "My cup runneth over."
Giving of the Ring
In Jewish law, a marriage becomes official when the chatan gives an object of value to the kallah. This is traditionally done with a ring. The ring should be made of plain gold, without blemishes or ornamentation. I think I want a ring like this though, which has "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" engraved in Hebrew.
The chatan now takes the wedding ring in his hand and declares to his wife, "Behold, you are betrothed unto me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel."
The Jewish don't encourage the bride give a ring to the groom. If she wants to, she waits until they are out from under the chuppah. This is to prevent confusion as to what constitutes the actual marriage, as prescribed by the Torah. The law of Moses states that marriage is a covenant, a solemn and binding agreement that the husband makes to his wife.
Then the marriage contract (Ketubah) is read outloud. The husband must promise to fulfill his responsibilities detailed in the ketubah. His principal obligations are to provide food, shelter, and clothing for his wife, and to be attentive to her emotional needs.
The Ketubah is the property of the kallah and she must have access to it throughout their marriage.
The Ketubah is simply a document stating what the groom has already declared before God and the witnesses. When two people entered into a covenant with one another, a goat or lamb would be slain and its carcass would be cut in half. With the two halves separated and lying on the ground, the two people who had formed the covenant would solemnize their promise by walking between the two halves. It is like saying, "May God do so to me [cut me in half] if I ever break this covenant with you and God!"
The Seven Blessings
The Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot) are now recited over the second cup of wine. The theme of these blessings links the chatan and kallah to our faith in God as Creator of the world, Bestower of joy and love, and the ultimate Redeemer of our people.
These blessings are recited by the rabbi or other people that the families wish to honor.
At the conclusion of the seven blessings, the chatan and kallah again drink some of the wine.
Breaking the Glass
No one knows why the groom does this. I'll ask Mat if he wants to do it. It doesn't matter to me. It seems almost a little "too Jewishy" for me since I'm not Jewish. The point of doing the traditions is the meaning behind it, and I don't know this meaning so I won't do it.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, people shout "Mazel Tov," which means "congratulations."
The bride and groom exit the chuppah together and head toward the Yichud room, their temporary private chamber.
Yichud
The couple are escorted to a private room and left alone for a few minutes. These moments of seclusion signify their new status of living together as husband and wife. I think this is going to be my favorite part, especially since I won't have had my first kiss until that day and after I kiss him I'll probably want to keep kissing him!
After all the public pomp and ceremony, it is time for the bride and groom to share some private moments; the purpose of the entire ceremony! Even while surrounded by a crowd clamoring to shower them with love and attention, they must take a break to be there for each other. This is an important lesson for marriage -- the couple should never allow the hustle and bustle of life to completely engulf them; they must always find private time for each other.
The Festive Meal (Seudah)
It is a mitzvah for guests to bring simchah (joy) to the chatan and the kallah on their wedding day. There is much music and dancing as the guests celebrate with the new couple.
I am having a wedding with traditional Jewish traditions mixed in because even though I'm not Jewish, I am part of the chosen people, and I love the culture and the significant meanings behind the ceremonial practices.
A traditional Jewish wedding is full of meaningful rituals, symbolizing the beauty of the relationship of husband and wife, as well as their obligations to each other and God.
In a Jewish wedding, the bride and groom (kallah and chatan) cease seeing each other for one full week before the "big day" in order to enhance the joy of their wedding. Being separated for a week creates anticipation and then adds excitement and joy to the wedding ceremony. This is called "Kabbalat Panim."
This is one tradition I don't think I'll do because I've already had to part with Mathew for six months. Isn't that enough?!?! :-)
But here are the traditions that I will do:
Ketuba
The Ketuba is a marriage contract. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of a Jewish marriage ceremony. In fact, the earliest known Ketuba was found with the Dead Sea Scrolls in 128 A.D. In Jewish tradition, the Ketuba is a legal contract that lists a husband's obligations to his wife, protecting her from divorce and making provision for her if the marriage should somehow be broken. No Jewish wedding is complete without one. The ketubah is signed by Bride and Groom and their witnesses (the best man and the maid of honor) on the day of the wedding, usually just before the ceremony. Some couples like to sign the Ketuba during the ceremony. It is a visible reminder of the covenant they are entering into before God. It is traditional for the Ketuba to be the first decoration in the new home of a married couple.
The Ketuba is always an elaborate and colorful work of art. I am going to frame mine and hang it on the wall in our new house. I found a GORGEOUS Messianic Jewish Ketuba. It is in both Hebrew and English and quotes from scripture such as "His banner over me is Love," "I am my beloved's and he is mine," "I have found the one my soul loves" and "For this reason a man should leave his father and mother and the two shall become one flesh." (You could also get it in traditional Aramaic.) It has symbols on it such as the chuppa (wedding canopy) two tambourines representing worship, the tablets representing the commandments of God, the challah and the wine, representing the covenant and pomegranate vines - the Israeli symbol of love. Here is a picture of the one I REALLY like! Found at Messianicmarket.com There are a lot of beautiful ones here too, but they aren't Messianic. (Including Jesus in the Godhead.)
Fasting
Fasting is cleansing the body. It is a sign that God has forgiven us of our transgressions. The bride and groom fast for one day (evening and morning) before starting their new life together. This fast day is like Yom Kippur which is the holiest day of the year, the Day of Atonement. After "you may kiss the bride" the couple breaks their fast by sharing in a great celebration feast.
Ashkenazi
The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom stand together and break a plate. The reason is to show the seriousness of the commitment -- just as a plate can never be fully repaired, so too a broken relationship can never be fully repaired.
Badeken
I don't think I'll do this tradition. This is when the chatan veils the bride to symbolize modesty and the fact that the soul and character are paramount to beauty. I think I'll keep with the tradition: "bad luck to see the bride before the wedding." Not seeing Mat that morning might be my own version of Kabbalat Panim, the anticipation tradition.
This is an ancient custom signals the groom's commitment to clothe and protect his wife. It is reminiscent of Rebecca covering her face before marrying Isaac (Genesis 29).
Chuppah
The wedding ceremony takes place under the chuppah (canopy) a symbol of the home to be built and shared by the couple. It is open on all sides, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent open all sides to welcome friends and relatives in unconditional hospitality.
One custom is to have the chuppah ceremony outside under the stars, as a sign of the blessing given by God to the patriarch Abraham, that his children shall be "as the stars of the heavens" (Genesis 15:5).
The couple's parents escort them to the chuppah. The kallah circles the chatan seven times. Just as the world was built in six days (and the Lord rested on the seventh) the kallah is figuratively building the walls of the couple's new world together.
The Chupah is reminiscent of Ruth's saying to Boaz "spread your robe over your handmaid." It also represents the desire that their home be under the protection and guidance of G-d Al-mighty. "His banner over me is love."
The kallah then settles at the chatan's right-hand side.
Blessings of Betrothal (Kiddushin)
Two cups of wine are used in the wedding ceremony. The first cup accompanies the betrothal blessing, and after these are recited, the couple drinks 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.
The full cup of wine also symbolizes the overflowing of Divine blessing, as in the verse in Psalms, "My cup runneth over."
Giving of the Ring
In Jewish law, a marriage becomes official when the chatan gives an object of value to the kallah. This is traditionally done with a ring. The ring should be made of plain gold, without blemishes or ornamentation. I think I want a ring like this though, which has "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" engraved in Hebrew.
The chatan now takes the wedding ring in his hand and declares to his wife, "Behold, you are betrothed unto me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel."
The Jewish don't encourage the bride give a ring to the groom. If she wants to, she waits until they are out from under the chuppah. This is to prevent confusion as to what constitutes the actual marriage, as prescribed by the Torah. The law of Moses states that marriage is a covenant, a solemn and binding agreement that the husband makes to his wife.
Then the marriage contract (Ketubah) is read outloud. The husband must promise to fulfill his responsibilities detailed in the ketubah. His principal obligations are to provide food, shelter, and clothing for his wife, and to be attentive to her emotional needs.
The Ketubah is the property of the kallah and she must have access to it throughout their marriage.
The Ketubah is simply a document stating what the groom has already declared before God and the witnesses. When two people entered into a covenant with one another, a goat or lamb would be slain and its carcass would be cut in half. With the two halves separated and lying on the ground, the two people who had formed the covenant would solemnize their promise by walking between the two halves. It is like saying, "May God do so to me [cut me in half] if I ever break this covenant with you and God!"
The Seven Blessings
The Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot) are now recited over the second cup of wine. The theme of these blessings links the chatan and kallah to our faith in God as Creator of the world, Bestower of joy and love, and the ultimate Redeemer of our people.
These blessings are recited by the rabbi or other people that the families wish to honor.
At the conclusion of the seven blessings, the chatan and kallah again drink some of the wine.
Breaking the Glass
No one knows why the groom does this. I'll ask Mat if he wants to do it. It doesn't matter to me. It seems almost a little "too Jewishy" for me since I'm not Jewish. The point of doing the traditions is the meaning behind it, and I don't know this meaning so I won't do it.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, people shout "Mazel Tov," which means "congratulations."
The bride and groom exit the chuppah together and head toward the Yichud room, their temporary private chamber.
Yichud
The couple are escorted to a private room and left alone for a few minutes. These moments of seclusion signify their new status of living together as husband and wife. I think this is going to be my favorite part, especially since I won't have had my first kiss until that day and after I kiss him I'll probably want to keep kissing him!
After all the public pomp and ceremony, it is time for the bride and groom to share some private moments; the purpose of the entire ceremony! Even while surrounded by a crowd clamoring to shower them with love and attention, they must take a break to be there for each other. This is an important lesson for marriage -- the couple should never allow the hustle and bustle of life to completely engulf them; they must always find private time for each other.
The Festive Meal (Seudah)
It is a mitzvah for guests to bring simchah (joy) to the chatan and the kallah on their wedding day. There is much music and dancing as the guests celebrate with the new couple.
