Jewish Wedding Ceremonies

The Jewish Wedding Glossary

Askenazic -

Those Jews whose traditions and culture originate from Central and Eastern Europe. Compare to Sepahardim.

Aufruf - (OOF-roof)

calling up of a couple to the Torah on the Shabbat before their wedding.

B'deken - (b'DEKEN)

The ritual veiling of the bride by the groom. This custom developed from the biblical story of Jacob, who married Leah by mistake, instead of Rachel, the woman he loved.

Breaking of the Glass-

The symbolism of the smashing of the glass by the Chatan at the conclusion of the ceremony has a variety of explanations. One is that the shattering ushers in the outbreak of merriment that should immediately follow the pronouncement. Guests usually respond with "Mazel Tov!" ("Congratulations!") Another explanation is that the breaking recalls the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. Even at height of personal joy, sadness is remembered. The breaking also reminds us of the fragility of personal relationships. The glass is shattered with the implication that the marriage should always remain intact. Finally, the breaking of the glass is sometimes explained as symbolic of the breaking of the bride's hymen. In Jewish marriage, sexual union is expected and required. Today, some couples chose to break the glass together.

Chatan - (ha-TAN) The groom. In Yiddish, "Chossen."

Chupah - (hoo-PAH) The wedding canopy.

It is usually a fabric whose with four corners attached to four poles and stretched over the couple. Like many couples, we used a tallis. It is a sign of G-d's prescence and symbolizes the couple's new home.

Groom's Tish - The groom's table.

This is where the Chatan, his groomsmen, and male family members gather for song and dance before the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, the groom attempts to deliver a learned discourse about that week's Torah portion. However, the assembled throng do everything possible to ensure that the groom's discourse is not delivered.

Kallah - (KAH-lah) The bride.

Ketubah - (k'too-BAH) Marriage contract.

Mizinke - (meh-ZINK-a)

A joyous dance towards the end of the simcha (reception), which honors parents who have brought their last daughter or son to the wedding canopy. The parents are seated on the dance floor, and the guests encircle them -- lavishing them with flowers and kisses. Sometimes the parents are crowned with a wreath of flowers, which is called the "Krenzl." The dance is to "Die Mezinke Oysgegeben" ("The Youngest Daughter is Given"). One version is on "Jewish Folksongs" by Theodore Bikel. Tara Publications is one source.

Sephardim -

Those Jews whose traditions and culture originate from the Mediteranean, including Spain and Portugal. Compare to Askenazic.

Shabbat - (shah-BAHT) The Hebrew word for "Sabbath."

Simcha - (seem-CHAH) - The celebration of joy and a joyous occasion.

At a Jewish wedding, it is a post-ceremony party whose purpose is to highten the jubilation of the bride and groom.

Tallis - (tal-lis) - The prayer shawl.

It is worn by married Jewish men in Orthodox synagogues and all adult men (and some women) in Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist synagogues. It is a rectangular garment with four tzitzit (fringes) on each corner.

Torah - (to-RAH)

The first five books of the Hebrew bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) portions of which are read every Shabbat. Traditionally, a reading of the entire Torah is complete in one year.

Yichud - (YEE-hood) -

A short time of seclusion immediately following the marriage when the Chatan & Kallah spend a period alone together. Because of this, receiving lines are not a traditional part of Jewish weddings.

Tzedakah - (tz'dah-KAH)

The obligatory Jewish requirement of righteous giving and just behavior that ensures the basic well-being of fellow human beings.