12 Unique Jewish Wedding Traditions
There’s something magical about weaving tradition into your wedding day, especially when it’s rooted in centuries of love and celebration. If you’re looking to honor your heritage, Jewish wedding traditions offer a beautiful way to infuse meaning and joy into your ceremony.
From the heartfelt walk to the chuppah to the lively hora, these timeless customs bring warmth and depth, creating unforgettable moments. As a wedding photographer with years of experience capturing Jewish weddings, I’ve seen how these traditions make each wedding truly special.
This guide will walk you through 12 unique Jewish wedding traditions that will add joy and meaning to your big day!
Jewish wedding traditions
Aufruf: The Wedding Blessing in Synagogue
The aufruf is a heartfelt pre-wedding celebration that takes place in the synagogue. Traditionally, the groom is called up to the Torah for a special blessing, though many couples now celebrate it together. It’s a joyous occasion where the congregation throws candies at the couple to symbolize wishes for a sweet and happy marriage. This Jewish wedding tradition not only connects the couple with their faith but also brings the community together in support of their upcoming union.
Tip: Be prepared to catch those candies! It’s a sweet moment (literally) and the perfect way to start the wedding festivities.
Fasting: Spiritual Preparation for the Big Day
On the day of the wedding, the bride and groom fast from dawn until the ceremony as a way of purifying their souls and beginning their marriage with a fresh start. Fasting is meant to mimic the solemnity of Yom Kippur, emphasizing repentance and renewal. It’s a deeply personal Jewish wedding tradition that helps the couple focus on the spiritual significance of the day, setting the tone for the ceremony ahead.
Tip: Plan to break your fast immediately after the ceremony—hydrate and enjoy a snack before diving into the Jewish wedding reception traditions!
Ketubah Signing: The Marriage Contract
One of the most important parts of a Jewish wedding is the signing of the ketubah, the marriage contract. It’s more than just a legal document; it outlines the couple’s commitments to one another, serving as a lifelong reminder of their promises. The signing typically takes place before the ceremony with close family and friends present, and the beautifully decorated ketubah often becomes a cherished piece of art for the couple’s home.
Tip: Consider having your ketubah custom-designed to reflect your unique style as a couple. It will serve as a beautiful reminder of your vows and your special day.
Bedeken: The Veiling Ceremony
The bedeken is a touching and emotional part of a Jewish wedding where the groom places a veil over the bride’s face, symbolizing modesty and the couple’s love beyond physical appearance. This custom also dates back to the biblical story of Jacob, who was tricked into marrying the wrong woman. The bedeken ensures the groom is marrying his intended bride, creating a tender and personal moment before the ceremony officially begins.
Tip: This is a perfect moment for your photographer to capture—the emotional exchange between the couple often results in beautiful, candid photos.
The Walk to the Chuppah: A Procession with Purpose
In a Jewish wedding, the couple is typically escorted by both parents to the chuppah, symbolizing the support of family and the union of two households. The chuppah—a canopy representing the new home the couple will build together—remains open on all sides, signifying hospitality and openness to the community. This walk to the chuppah is not just a procession; it’s a deeply symbolic journey that highlights the importance of family, unity, and support.
Tip: Choose music that feels meaningful to your relationship. Whether it’s a traditional tune or a modern favorite, it will set the emotional tone for this important moment.
Vows Under the Chuppah: The Heart of the Ceremony
Exchanging vows under the chuppah is the centerpiece of any Jewish wedding ceremony. The open-sided chuppah symbolizes the couple’s future home, filled with love, trust, and hospitality. Many couples incorporate both traditional blessings and personal vows, blending the old with the new. This sacred space represents the couple’s new life together, and the moments spent under the chuppah will likely be some of the most meaningful of the day.
Tip: Whether you stick to tradition or write personal vows, make sure the words are meaningful to both of you. This is your moment to express your deepest commitment.
Circling: A Symbolic Dance Around the Groom
A unique Jewish wedding tradition involves the bride circling the groom under the chuppah seven times. This act has several interpretations, from representing the creation of the world in seven days to symbolizing the protection and sanctification of the marriage. In some modern ceremonies, couples circle each other to show equality and mutual respect. It’s a beautiful way to start the ceremony with intention and symbolism.
Tip: Enhance this moment by selecting a special piece of music for the circling. It adds emotion and makes the tradition feel even more personal.
Ring Exchange: A Simple, Powerful Gesture
The ring exchange in a Jewish wedding carries profound meaning. Traditionally, the groom places a simple, unadorned gold ring on the bride’s right index finger—a gesture symbolizing eternal love and commitment. Some couples choose to exchange rings, where both partners give and receive rings as a sign of equality in the relationship. The simplicity of the ring emphasizes the spiritual rather than material aspects of marriage, a key element in Jewish wedding traditions.
Tip: A plain, unbroken ring is preferred in Jewish wedding traditions, symbolizing a bond that has no beginning or end—just like your love.
Sheva B’rachot: The Seven Blessings
During the ceremony, the Sheva B’rachot, or Seven Blessings, are recited over a cup of wine. These blessings celebrate the joy of marriage, the beauty of creation, and the couple’s future together. While the officiant typically recites the blessings, many couples invite family members or close friends to participate by reading a blessing, making it a communal experience that strengthens the bond between the couple and their loved ones.
Tip: Involving friends or family in the recitation of the blessings can make this moment even more meaningful and memorable.
Breaking of the Glass: A Shattering Moment of Joy
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the groom (or sometimes both partners) breaks a glass underfoot, signaling the end of the formalities and the beginning of the celebration. This tradition carries many interpretations, from the fragility of relationships to the remembrance of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Either way, it’s one of the most iconic and eagerly anticipated moments in any Jewish wedding.
Tip: Have your photographer and videographer ready—this is a perfect photo opportunity, and the shouts of “Mazel Tov!” will fill the air with energy and joy.
Mazel Tov!: Let the Celebration Begin!
Once the glass is broken, the guests shout “Mazel Tov!”—which means “Good luck!” or “Congratulations!” This marks the official start of the wedding celebration, where hugs, well-wishes, and dancing begin. It’s a moment of collective joy as the couple steps into their new life together, surrounded by the love of their friends and family.
Tip: Prepare for an outpouring of hugs, high-fives, and well-wishes from your guests. The celebration is just beginning!
Yichud: The Couple’s First Moment Alone
After the ceremony, the couple retreats to a private room for yichud, which translates to “seclusion.” This intimate Jewish wedding tradition allows the newlyweds a few moments alone together to reflect on their ceremony and enjoy a quiet meal before rejoining their guests for the reception. It’s a meaningful pause in the day that lets the couple connect before the whirlwind of celebration continues.
Tip: Use this time to relax, share a quiet moment, and savor the reality that you’re now married before diving into the reception.
Hora and Mezinke: Dancing the Night Away
The reception kicks off with one of the most famous Jewish wedding dance traditions—the hora. In this lively circle dance, the bride and groom are lifted into the air on chairs while their guests dance around them in celebration. The mezinke dance follows, honoring the parents who have married off their last child. These energetic dances are not just fun but also a communal way to celebrate the couple’s new beginning.
Tip: Ensure the chairs are sturdy and secure for this tradition—the more stable the chair, the more fun and relaxed you’ll feel during this joyful lift!
By weaving these meaningful Jewish wedding traditions into your celebration, you’ll not only honor your heritage but also create moments that will be cherished forever by you, your partner, and your guests.
Sources:
- Chabad.org on Jewish wedding traditions
- MyJewishLearning.com: Jewish Wedding Guide
- TheKnot.com: Jewish Wedding Ceremony Traditions
FAQs about Jewish wedding traditions
What are the three parts of a Jewish wedding?
A Jewish wedding typically has three main parts: the ketubah signing, the chuppah ceremony, and the reception. The ketubah is the marriage contract, the chuppah is the symbolic canopy under which vows are exchanged, and the reception often includes traditional Jewish dances like the hora.
What is the 7 days Jewish wedding tradition?
The Sheva B’rachot, or Seven Blessings, are recited during the wedding ceremony and for seven days following the wedding at celebratory meals. This is a way of extending the joy and blessings of the wedding week, a central part of Jewish wedding traditions.
How much money do you give at a Jewish wedding?
The typical amount to give as a gift at a Jewish wedding is a multiple of 18, known as “chai,” which symbolizes life in Jewish culture. For example, guests might give $180 or $360 as a symbol of well-wishes for a long, prosperous life for the couple.
What are the rules of a Jewish wedding?
Key Jewish wedding rules include signing a ketubah, exchanging rings under the chuppah, and adhering to modesty traditions. Some weddings also incorporate fasting before the ceremony, the breaking of the glass, and other unique Jewish wedding traditions.
Why is a glass broken at a Jewish wedding?
The breaking of the glass at a Jewish wedding symbolizes both the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the fragility of relationships. It is one of the most well-known Jewish wedding traditions, marking the end of the ceremony and the start of the celebrations.
Why do the mothers break a plate at a Jewish wedding?
At some Jewish weddings, the mothers of the bride and groom break a plate during the engagement or ketubah signing to symbolize the finality of the marriage agreement, similar to how a broken plate cannot be repaired.
Why do Jewish brides walk around the groom seven times?
In a Jewish wedding tradition, the bride circles the groom seven times under the chuppah. This symbolizes the creation of a new world together and represents the protection and sanctity of their marriage.
