Weddings have always been an incredibly important and sacred event for Jews. There are many traditions associated with weddings, each of which is significant and symbolizes a different aspect of the union being formed. One of the most popular ones is the breaking of the glass, which is often the closing ritual at a Jewish wedding ceremony. But what happens once the glass is shattered? What can you do with the broken glass from a Jewish wedding?
Tradition dictates that breaking a glass at a Jewish wedding is symbolic of the fragility of human relationships and serves as a reminder that even in moments of great joy, we should never forget the suffering of others. However, the tradition has taken on a more personal significance in recent times, with many modern couples choosing to keep the broken glass as a memento of their special day.
So, what can you do with the broken glass? We’ve compiled a list of some of the most creative and meaningful options below:
Turn it into a keepsake Judaica object
If you’re looking for a unique way to display the broken glass from your wedding, why not turn it into a beautiful Judaica object? There are many talented artisans and craftsmen who specialize in creating beautiful keepsakes from smashed wedding glass. From mezuzahs to menorahs, to candlesticks, there’s no shortage of unique and personalized options.
One such artist is Talia Abraham, who specializes in turning smashed glass into beautiful and meaningful Judaica objects. Talia’s work is particularly popular with couples who are looking for a way to incorporate their wedding glass into their Sabbath or holiday celebrations.
Display it in a shadow box or jewelry
If you’re looking for a more simple way to display your broken wedding glass, consider creating a shadow box or jewelry. You can purchase a shadow box from most craft stores and fill it with meaningful mementos, such as your bouquet, invitation, and, of course, the piece of broken glass. Similarly, you can create a piece of jewelry to remember your special day, such as a pendant or bracelet. There are many Etsy sellers who specialize in turning broken glass pieces into beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry.
Plant it in a garden
While your first instinct might be to discard the broken glass once the wedding is over, there’s another option to consider: plant it in a garden. It might sound strange, but strewing the glass in a garden is said to symbolize the integration of the couples’ individual life paths and serves as a reminder to nurture their relationship, just as they would care for the plants in their garden. Additionally, the broken glass can be placed with the foundations of a new house, serving as a reminder of the couple’s love and commitment to each other every time they enter their home.
Donate it to an artist or charity
If you’re feeling particularly charitable, you can consider donating your broken glass to an artist or charity. Many artists use broken glass for their work, and donating it could give them the materials they need to create something beautiful. Alternatively, there are many charities that accept broken glass donations for their recycling programs. Recycling the glass instead of discarding it is a great way to give back to the planet and keep the broken glass from ending up in a landfill.
Frame it with a wedding photo
Lastly, another way to use the broken glass in a meaningful way is to frame it with a wedding photo. You can take the shard of glass and place it in a beautiful frame with a picture of you and your partner on your special day. It’s a simple but powerful way to remember the significance of your wedding day for years to come.
In conclusion, there are many ways to repurpose the broken glass from a Jewish wedding. Whether you choose to turn it into a keepsake or plant it in a garden, the shattered glass serves as a reminder of the fragility and beauty of human relationships. With a little creativity and a lot of love, your broken glass can be transformed into something meaningful and beautiful.
FAQ
What is the Jewish tradition of breaking glass?
Breaking the glass is a prominent Jewish wedding tradition that has been passed down through generations. This act typically takes place towards the end of the wedding ceremony, just after the couple exchanges their vows and the rabbi pronounces them husband and wife.
There are different interpretations of the breaking the glass custom, and it is not explicitly mentioned in the Torah. However, one of the most popular legends around it is that it recalls the destruction of the temples. The breaking of the glass represents the shattering of the temple and is meant to remind Jewish couples of the tragedies experienced by the Jewish people and their hope to rebuild the temples someday.
Another interpretation of the tradition is that it serves as the ultimate expression of the couple’s devotion to one another. Just as the broken glass cannot be made whole again, so too, the couple’s bond will never be broken. The act of breaking the glass symbolizes the joyous start of a new life together, and serves as a reminder that even in moments of great celebration, there is still sorrow in the world.
The breaking of the glass can be done in different ways. Some couples prefer to wrap a cloth or bag around the glass to prevent it from breaking into tiny pieces that could cause injury. After covering the glass, the groom will typically step on the cloth or bag, breaking the glass with his foot. In other cases, the couple may choose to break the glass together or have someone else shatter it with a mallet.
The tradition of breaking the glass is a symbolic act that holds great significance in Jewish weddings. It serves as a reminder of the Jewish people’s struggles and their continued hope for the future. At the same time, it represents the joy and commitment that the couple shares as they embark on a new life together.
Do you kiss the bride after breaking the glass?
In Jewish tradition, breaking the glass at the end of the wedding ceremony holds great symbolism. The glass-breaking custom is typically done by stepping on a glass, which is often wrapped in a cloth to prevent injury.
After the exchange of vows, the glass is placed on the ground before the groom. The groom then crushes the glass underfoot, and the guests shout “Mazel Tov!” to offer their congratulations. The breaking of the glass symbolizes the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and serves as a reminder that even in times of great joy, there is still sadness in life.
Once the glass has been broken, the officiant will typically say a few words to explain the significance of this moment. Only then will the couple be invited to seal their marriage vows with a kiss. The kiss represents a moment of joy and celebration that marks the start of the couple’s new life together.
While kissing the bride is not directly linked to the breaking of the glass, it is an essential part of the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. The kiss is an affectionate act that symbolizes the love and commitment the couple has for each other. It is not just a formality but an expression of the deep emotional bond that exists between the bride and groom.
The breaking of the glass is an important custom in Jewish weddings, and it does not negate the need for kissing the bride. Instead, it’s a meaningful and symbolic moment that the couple and their guests will always remember as they begin their journey in marriage.
What is the breaking of the glass in Chabad?
The breaking of the glass is a ritual that is commonly observed in Jewish weddings, including those held in Chabad. This tradition has a deep meaning and symbolism associated with it. The breaking of the glass marks the end of the wedding ceremony and is typically done by the groom. The glass that is used is usually a thin glass wrapped in a napkin to contain the fragments.
The origin of this tradition is not entirely clear, but there are several theories associated with it. One theory suggests that the act of breaking the glass is a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. By breaking the glass, the couple is acknowledging the brokenness of the world and their commitment to work towards repairing and rebuilding.
Another theory suggests that the breaking of the glass is a symbol of the fragility of human relationships. The glass represents the relationship between the bride and groom, and by breaking it, they are acknowledging the potential for their relationship to break, and their commitment to work towards keeping it strong.
In Chabad weddings, the breaking of the glass typically occurs after the seven benedictions or after the rabbi’s address if it follows the benedictions. At this point, the groom breaks the glass by stomping on it with his foot. Immediately after the breaking of the glass, guests at the wedding start to shout “Mazel Tov!” which means “good luck” or “congratulations” in Hebrew.
The breaking of the glass is an important tradition in Chabad weddings. It is a symbolic gesture that represents the fragility of relationships and the commitment of the couple to work towards keeping their relationship strong and enduring. It also serves as a reminder of the brokenness in the world, and the couple’s responsibility to work towards repairing it in their own little way.