Order of Service

The Chuppah

The Chuppah is the canopy under which the marriage takes place. It originated as the chamber in which the marriage was consummated. The literal meaning is “pavilion”.

Welcoming of the Bride and Groom

Blessings for the Bride and Groom

Blessings for the first cup of wine

The Wedding Vows

The Giving of the Ring

The witnesses are required to witness the giving of the betrothal gift, which, since the 7^th or 8^th century has taken the form of a ring. The bridegroom is required to make a declaration of betrothal when giving the ring to the bride. Since the 12^th century it has been customary to use a piece written in the 3^rd century CE in the Tosefta, which translates to “Behold, you are betrothed to me by this ring according to the law of Moses and Israel”.

The Reading of the Ketubah

This is the marriage contract, literally translated to “written document”. This is read aloud during the ceremony. The Ketubah was originally written in Aramaic although today it is in Hebrew and English. The exact wording has varied throughout the ages and between different communities, but in all essentials it has remained uniform. The bridegroom and two witnesses signed the Ketubah at the time of betrothal or thereafter; it had to be transacted before the wedding. In modern times the bride and the officiating rabbi also sign the document.

The Rabbi’s Remarks

The Seven Blessings (Shiva B’rachot)

The second path of the wedding begins with the Seven Blessings. Originally there were only six, then it became customary to precede them with a benediction over a cup of wine, making the number seven.

Blessing for the second cup of wine

After the last of the Seven Blessings has been sung, a glass of wine is handed in turn to the bridegroom and the bride for each of them to take a sip. The Progressive movement interprets this ritual as a symbol that henceforth they will share all things.

The Breaking of the Glass

The bridegroom breaks a glass, which is put on the floor in front of him by stepping on it. The origin is thought to be from ancient times as a counter-measure against evil spirits although various theories are held. Some feel that is may be a folklore tradition of throwing a glass against the north wall (regarded as the abode of demons). One explanation related it to a story from the Talmud about a Rabbi who, at his son’s wedding, when guests were becoming frivolous, smashed a glass to sober them down! According to others, the purpose of the custom is to recall the destruction of Jerusalem. The Progressive movement interprets it more generally as a reminder to the bride and bridegroom that “in the cup of life, joys and sorrows are commingled” and “even as your love will enhance the sweetness of joys, so will it lighten life’s burdens”.

A Ditty

My true-love hath my heart, and I have his,
By just exchange, one for another given:
I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss,
There never was a better bargain driven:
My true-love hath my heart, and I have his.

His heart in me keeps him and me in one,
My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides:
He loves my heart, for once it was his own,
I cherish his because in me it bides:
My true-love hath my heart, and I have his.