Marriage

Marriage rituals include fasting, Shabbat Kallah, Chuppa, the veiling of the bride, the breaking of the glass and Yichud. Some jews believe fasting on the day of their wedding is a sign of forgiveness as the couple prepares for starting their life together. Secondly, Shabbat Kallah is a celebration for the bride surrounded by the bride's friends, family and typically any female that wants to join the party. Thirdly, the Chuppa is an open canopy that represents the tent Abraham and Saraj shared in the bible. It is always open and welcoming to anyone. Once the groom is in the Chuppa, the bride proceeds to circle her groom 7 timess to symbolize their new life together. During the ceremony, the groom places the veil over the bride's dace to represent that no matter how beautiful a person may be, the person's character is what is important.

The groom is also committing to protect and clothe his wife. The breaking of the glass takes place once the ring is placed on the bride’s finger. The groom steps on glass that is wrapped in a napkin. This symbolizes the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and reminds everyone at the ceremony of Psalms 137:6 "set Jerusalem above my highest joy". Lastly, the Yichud, meaning "alone together" occurs. The newlyweds are taken to a room for a few moments of undisturbed private time. The couple is allowed to break their fast and rest.

Meaning

A marriage ceremony is a reenactment of the marriage between God and the Jewish people that took place at Mount Sinai but it is also where a bride a groom enter a mutually binding commitment. The wedding day is a personal Yom-Kippur. Yom-Kippur is the holiest and most important day of one’s life and Jews will fast, refrain from work and attend synagogue services

Beliefs

The jewish believe that a successful marriage consists of three ingredients:
- Destination: They have to know where they’re going in order to commit to go together.
- Commitment: Two people won’t arrive at their destination if one can back out at a second’s notice. It is believed that each time two people fall in love and marry, the world comes closer to perfection.
- Affinity: If they can’t stand each other, it’s going to be an intolerable ride.