The Jewish wedding consists of 7 parts, the first of which is signing the Ketubah.  The term Ketubah, which is the Hebrew word for “to write” refers to the traditional marriage document.  The traditional Ketubah is written in Aramaic – and stipulates that a husband must provide for the basic economic resources (food, shelter and clothing) for his wife.  The Ketubah also spells out what a husband must provide in the case of divorce – depending upon her status before they got married (virgin, divorced, etc).

While the Ketubah was created for the protection of women (the husband to provide for his wife’s well being), as you can imagine, during the 60’s (when the social and economic status of women began to change) it came under attack for being unfair to women.

And so, there was born the modern Ketubah.

Couple’s today are using Ketubot (plural of Ketubah) to creatively formalize their ideas on their relationship and new marriage -together.  They are using poems and unique text to demonstrate how they will love and support one another, build a family and weather a storm together.  Modern Ketubot are written in Hebrew, and are often translated into English under the Hebrew text.

Traditionally the Ketubah was signed before the Chuppah ceremony, and was signed by the Bride and Groom and 2 non-blood related males as witnesses.

Today, in a more liberal setting – almost anything goes.  Couples have given their guests an opportunity to participate in this beautiful tradition by signing the Ketubah during the wedding ceremony.  Couples have invited women and family members to witness the signing.  Modern couples have made it a very special rite of passage – in so many creative and inclusive ways.

Happy planning!

Thanks to The Ketubah Maven and My Jewish Learning for the information.

Jewish Ceremony Traditions

I had a beautiful and meaningful Jewish wedding this weekend.  In their program, they included a wonderful explanation of all the lovely Jewish traditions that I wanted to share with you.

Circling

After the processional the Bride circles the Groom.  The circling symbolizes the new relationship of the Bride and Groom, each one becoming the center of attention for the other.  It is claimed that the circling enables each of them to enter the sphere of the others soul while providing protection and inspiration for their journey through life.

Chuppah

The wedding ceremony takes place under the Chuppah (or marriage canopy), which symbolizes one’s home that the new couple will build together.  It is open on all sides to welcome people with unconditional hospitality.  The Groom and the Bride are escorted to the Chuppah by their parents.  The Chuppah is often handmade by friends and family members.  In this particular wedding the Chuppah was made by the Bride’s father and his family.  The base was dark wood and the Chuppah was unbelievably beautiful.

The Chuppah can be passed through the generations – each adding their special touch.

Giving of the Rings

A tradition that many cultures have adopted, in Jewish law, a marriage becomes official when the Groom gives an object of value to his Bride.  This is traditionally done with a ring.  The ring should be made of plain gold without blemishes or ornamentation – just as it is hoped that the marriage will be one of simple beauty.

Ketubah

The word Katubah means it is written.  It is a marriage contract detailing the couple’s promise to support and sustain one another.  It  serves as a declaration of their love, intentions, and obligations to one another.  It is displayed as a piece of art in their home.

When the couple signs the Ketubah, a spiritual covenant will be made joining their hearts together in a bond of eternal love and companionship.

The Breaking of the Glass

The breaking of the glass at the end of a Jewish ceremony is a well-known tradition.  It reminds of th destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem, and its fragility symbolizes that the couple’s love must be cared for.  It is also a metaphor for the vulnerability of human relationsips.  It is a reminder of sorry and an expression of hope for a future free of violence.  It symbolizes the separation of single and married live.  With shouts of Mazel Tov, the Bride and Groom leave the Chuppah together.

Thanks to Amy and Eric for the wonderful explanation of these traditions.

I wish you, and everybody who reads this blog – the best with your new life partner!

Happy planning.