So You're Attending a Jewish Wedding...

 

THE CEREMONY…

Like most weddings, the dress code for a Jewish wedding can be influenced by location and time of day. At  Jewish weddings, men wear kippot (yarmulke), and they will most likely be provided at the wedding. In some circles, you may see women wearing kippot too. 

As you enter the room for the ceremony, look out for a program that explains what’s going on. Not all weddings have these, but they are becoming increasingly popular.

A rabbi or cantor usually conducts the ceremony, standing under the chuppah (marriage canopy) with the bride, groom, and sometimes their families and friends. In the middle of the ceremony, the ketubah may be read by a rabbi or friend. The ketubah is often a beautiful piece of art, and after the ceremony you may be able to admire it if it is on display.

Near the end of the ceremony, the sheva berakhot — seven blessings — are recited over a cup of wine. These may be recited by one person, often the rabbi, or by several people. the bride and groom wish to honor. The guests in the crowd may sing along during the sheva berakhot. Feel free to hum along even if you do not know the words.

The wedding ceremony ends with the breaking of the glass, which symbolizes that even in times of great joy, we remember that there is still pain  in the world (which Jewish tradition relates to the destruction of the Jewish Temple). In most weddings, after the glass is broken it is time to jump up and yell, “Mazel Tov!”

 
 
12 videos about Jewish wedding traditions: https://www.bimbam.com/judaism-101/jewish-weddings/ Heading to a Jewish wedding? Don't be in the dark! There's a lot of variation that you can expect at an orthodox jewish wedding vs a non-orthodox wedding, but there are a few basics you'll see all over the place.
 
 

THE CELEBRATION…

Get ready for some raucous dancing. Lively circle dancing — popularly known as the hora —takes place. As part of the hora, the couple will be seated on chairs and lifted in the air — if you’re strong, you can lend a hand. While they’re hoisted up, the bride and groom might hold onto a kerchief or napkin. You might recognize this part from the movies.

12 videos about Jewish wedding traditions: https://www.bimbam.com/judaism-101/jewish-weddings/ The Jewish wedding dance is super famous, and it's called the Hora! When Hava Nagila starts playing, you don't want to be the only one in the room who doesn't know the hora!
 
 

Additional Videos

12 videos about Jewish wedding traditions: https://www.bimbam.com/judaism-101/jewish-weddings/ Marriage is about making a strong partnership. The Jewish marriage contract, or ketubah, formalizes some of these agreements, and there are many different ways to make it personal to your ceremony and relationship.
12 videos about Jewish wedding traditions: https://www.bimbam.com/judaism-101/jewish-weddings/ Whether you're planning a wedding or attending one, this animated short will briefly explain what a Chuppah is and some historical Jewish wedding traditions.While certain traditions appear in most Jewish weddings, there is always room for reinterpretation and reinvention.
12 videos about Jewish wedding traditions: https://www.bimbam.com/judaism-101/jewish-weddings/ Why do we break a glass at Jewish weddings? There are many different interpretations of this tradition, so we've collected three. -- Subscribe to us on YouTube: http://bit.ly/2dFrxnn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heybimbam Twitter: https://twitter.com/heybimbam -- BimBam (formerly G-dcast) is a new media studio making Jewish videos, apps and animated series that are joyful, empowering introductions to Jewish ideas and life for kids & adults.