The marriage ceremony
Jews see marriage as a fulfilment of the instruction in The first book of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) describing the origins of humanity and humans鈥 relationship with God. 1:28, 鈥淏e fruitful and multiply.鈥 Marriage is seen as a blessing which helps one overcome spiritual and emotional loneliness.
The order of events in the ceremony is as follows:
1. The veiled bride approaches and circles her husband-to-be.
2. Two blessings are recited over wine.
3. The man places the ring on the woman鈥檚 finger (an unbroken circle to show the eternal nature of marriage).
4. The husband recites from the A collection of ancient Jewish civil and ceremonial law comprised of the Mishnah and Gemara., 鈥淲ith this ring you are wedded to me in accordance with the laws of Moses and Israel.鈥
5. The ring is placed on the forefinger of her right hand, and she then places it onto her ring finger on her left hand.
6. The Marriage contract 鈥 this deals with legal issues such as what happens if the husband dies, or if they divorce. is signed in front of witnesses.
7. The ketubah is then read aloud so that it is witnessed.
8. The bride walks around her groom (as outlined in A major prophet of the Old Testament who foresaw many disasters, the book of Jeremiah contains his prophecies. where a woman protects her husband).
9. The rabbi may say a few words or the An official who sings liturgical music in a synagogue. may sing.
10. The bride and groom share a glass of wine.
11. The groom smashes a glass under his foot. This reminds the people of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. It also reminds the couple that there may be hard times in a marriage, but it is important to work through them.
