Traditions
A Jewish wedding is full of meaningful traditions, which express the significance and purpose of marriage. These wedding traditions are the symbol of the beauty of the relationship between husband and wife. The following summarizes the traditional Jewish wedding traditions and its beauty and joy:
- The wedding day is a day of fasting up to the ceremony for the chatan (groom) and kallah (bride).
- First are the Kabbalat Panim which are separate receptions for the chatan and kallah which are held prior to the wedding ceremony. These have specific rites.
- The key steps therein are the Kiddushin, which is a blessing, the Giving of the ring, the signing of the Ketubah, which is the marriage contract, then the Seven blessings and finally the Breaking of the glass, which marks the conclusion of the wedding ceremony.
- Next is the Yichud where the couple is escorted to a private room and left alone for the first time. The fast is broken at this point.
- Following this is the Seudah which is the festive meal of the wedding and all the fun, entertainment and joy that follows.
