Weddings are an essential aspect of every culture and religion around the world, and orthodox Jewish weddings are no exception. Orthodox Jewish weddings are steeped in tradition and are considered one of the most joyous events in the Jewish culture. In this blog post, we will explore what constitutes an orthodox Jewish wedding from the preparation stages to the actual ceremony.
Preparation
Preparation for an orthodox Jewish wedding can be an extensive process lasting months or even years. Before marriage, the couple embarks on a period known as shidduch. Shidduch is a traditional Jewish practice of matchmaking, usually between families, with the aim of finding a suitable marriage partner. Once the match has been made, the couple begins a period of engagement referred to as tena’im, where they announce their intention to marry, and a ketubah (marriage contract) is signed.
The Wedding Ceremony
Orthodox Jewish weddings are characterized by several rituals and customs. The ceremony takes place under a chuppah, which is a canopy representing the couple’s new home together. The chuppah is often decorated with flowers and other ornaments, and it represents a sacred space.
Before the ceremony, the bride and groom are separated and fast, with the groom having a pre-wedding ceremony called the tisch, and the bride’s ceremony known as the bedeken. During the bedeken, the groom veils the bride, solemnizing their bond of marriage. Both ceremonies take place in the respective rooms of the groom and bride.
The wedding ceremony is led by a rabbi, who blesses the couple and reads from the ketubah, followed by the ritual of the seven blessings recited under the chuppah. The ceremony ends with the groom breaking a glass with his foot, symbolizing the destruction of the Jewish temple.
Post-Ceremony Festivities
After the wedding ceremony, the couple and guests partake in a festive meal known as the seudat mitzvah or mitzvah tantz. The seudat mitzvah is a feast where friends and family come together to celebrate and feast. During the mitzvah tantz, members of the community dance and celebrate with the bride.
Conclusion
In conclusion, orthodox Jewish weddings are rich in tradition and culture, with each custom symbolizing a different aspect of the Jewish faith. The preparation for a wedding can be an assemblage of events leading up to the big day, and the ceremony is steeped in traditional rituals and practices. The post-ceremonial festivities are just as important as the wedding ceremony, with a festive meal and celebratory dance with the bride.
FAQ
What are the rules for Orthodox Jewish marriage?
Jewish marriage, also known as Kiddushin, is considered one of the most important milestones in the life of an Orthodox Jew. It is not only a legal contract but is also a religious ceremony that reflects the significance of the Jewish faith and tradition. Jewish marriage rules are based on Jewish Law, also known as Halakha, which sets out guidelines for how to conduct Jewish weddings.
One of the fundamental requirements for Jewish marriage is that it must be between two Jews. The term “Jew” refers to a person whose mother is Jewish, or who has converted to Judaism in accordance with Jewish Law. According to Halakha, a Jewish marriage is only valid if both the bride and groom are Jewish and the marriage is carried out in compliance with Mosaic Law.
The Jewish rabbis have also established additional procedures that must be followed during a Jewish wedding. One such requirement is that the wedding must take place in the presence of a minyan, which consists of ten adult Jewish men. This quorum ensures that the wedding ceremony has the appropriate witnesses, as required by Jewish Law.
During the wedding ceremony, the couple enters into a Ketubah (marriage contract), which outlines the duties and obligations of both the husband and wife. The Ketubah is signed by the groom and two witnesses, and the bride gives her consent by accepting the Ketubah. The bride receives a ring from the groom, and he recites a certain statement in Hebrew, symbolizing his commitment to her. The couple is then pronounced married by the rabbi.
Additionally, Jewish Law has certain restrictions regarding marriage partners. For example, a man is not allowed to marry his sister, aunt, or niece, and a woman is not permitted to marry her father, brother, uncle, or nephew. However, Orthodox Jews may marry first cousins, despite prohibitions by some secular societies.
There are also certain circumstances under which a Jewish marriage can be terminated. For example, if the husband dies, the couple is considered divorced after the wife completes a period of mourning. Alternatively, the couple can divorce according to Halakha, through a Get, which is a religious divorce document. The Get must be delivered by the husband to the wife in accordance with Jewish Law. However, secular law must also be followed for legal divorce proceedings.
Orthodox Jewish marriage follows strict guidelines based on Jewish Law. Jewish weddings must be between two Jews, must take place in the presence of a minyan, and must follow a set of prescribed procedures. The Ketubah is a marriage contract that outlines the responsibilities of the husband and wife, and the couple is considered married once they exchange rings and recite certain prayers. While there are limitations on marriage partners, and regulations regarding divorce, Jewish marriage is a deeply religious and cherished tradition in the Jewish community.
Do the bride and groom kiss at an Orthodox wedding?
In Orthodox Jewish tradition, the customs surrounding weddings are an important aspect of the celebration. While some Jewish weddings involve a kiss between the bride and groom, the Orthodox tradition does not typically involve a kiss between the couple. Instead, the bride and groom will usually hug each other after the concluding ritual.
The reason why a kiss is generally not part of the Orthodox Jewish wedding ceremony is because Orthodox Jewish tradition aims to keep intimacy, particularly physical intimacy, sacred between the bride and groom. Kissing is considered to be an intimate act that should be reserved for private moments between the couple. Thus, in an Orthodox Jewish wedding, the couple will not kiss in front of the guests.
However, it is worth noting that there are some exceptions to this rule. Some Orthodox Jewish couples may choose to kiss on the wedding day, and some rabbis may allow it as well. Additionally, there are some customs in which the bride and groom will drink from the same cup or feed each other, which may be seen as a sort of substitute for a kiss.
While the Orthodox Jewish tradition does not usually involve a kiss between the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony, there are certainly other ways for the couple to show affection and love for each other in front of their loved ones. The most important aspect of an Orthodox Jewish wedding is the joy and love shared between the bride and groom, and this can be felt and appreciated in many different ways.
Do Orthodox Jews cover their hair after marriage?
Yes, Orthodox Jewish women do cover their hair after they get married. This is considered to be a religious obligation, and is based on the interpretation of Jewish law. Hair is seen as a symbol of a woman’s beauty and sensuality, and so covering it signifies that the married woman is now reserved exclusively for her husband.
Orthodox women use different methods to cover their hair, depending on the community and personal preference. Some wear headscarves or hats, while others choose to wear wigs or hairpieces. The latter is referred to in Yiddish as a “sheitel,” and its use has become increasingly popular in recent decades.
In many Orthodox communities, covering one’s hair is considered to be a sign of modesty and piety. In some cases, it may also be seen as a way to conform to a more traditional lifestyle and distance oneself from secular culture. The exact rules and expectations around hair covering can vary depending on the community, and different rabbis may have different interpretations of the law.
It’s worth noting that hair covering is only required of married women in Orthodox Judaism. Unmarried women, including girls who have not yet reached puberty, are not obligated to cover their hair. Once a woman is married, however, it is generally expected that she will cover her hair in public, especially in the presence of men who are not her close relatives.
Orthodox Jewish women do indeed cover their hair after they get married, as a way of signifying their new status and adhering to religious norms of modesty. While the specifics of hair covering may vary depending on the community and individual preferences, the practice is an important part of Orthodox Jewish tradition and religious observance.