The ceremony will take place under a chuppah, or wedding canopy. The chuppah represents God’s sheltering presence in the lives of the couple, as well as the new home they will build together. The presence of family members under the chuppah, as well as its lack of walls, signify that family and friends will always be welcome in the couple’s home. A tallit (prayer shawl) that has special meaning to the couple can serve as a chuppah, as can a handmade quilt or other covering. Our chuppah includes a tallit that belonged to Jon's grandfather.

Among Ashkenazi Jews (those from eastern and central Europe), it is customary for the bride to circle the groom seven times before entering the chuppah, alluding to the seven days of creation and as a reminder that marriage is itself a process of creation. According to one interpretation, the circles represent the repetitive rhythm of Hosea 2:21-22: “And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness, and in justice, and in loving kindness, and in compassion; and I will betroth you to me in faithfulness.”

The sheva b'rachot, or seven blessings, consist of praise for God, a prayer for peace in Jerusalem and good wishes for the couple. In Sephardic Jewish (Jews of Spanish, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern origin) weddings, before the sheva b'rachot are recited, the parents wrap the couple in a tallit, literally binding them together. Our sheva b'rachot will be sung in Hebrew by Bethann Johnston, Jon's mother, and recited in English by Nancy Davis, Kathleen's mother.

At the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony, it is customary for the groom to break a glass. There are many interpretations of this ritual. Some consider it a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in the first century, for even at the height of personal joy, we must not forget the tragedies the Jewish and world communities have endured (this interpretation, although important, is a bit of a bummer!). Others explain that the fragile glass reminds us of the delicate nature of marriage, which must always be cared for and cherished. At the sound of the breaking of the glass, guests traditionally clap and chant “Siman tov” and “mazel tov,” Hebrew phrases that offer congratulations and good luck to the couple.

The hora, or as you may think of it from movies, the "dancing in circles and lifting people in chairs dance," is the highlight of a Jewish wedding reception! The wedding couple is lifted above the crowd on chairs, while guests sing the traditional Jewish song "Hava Nagila" and circle the couple in a celebratory dance. Worried about not doing it right? We won't leave you hanging! Check out the link below for a quick, easy tutorial. We'll see you on the dance floor!