Anyone ever been to a jewish wedding? What are their traditions and customs?
A really good friend of mine is getting married next month and she’s of the jewish faith. I keep asking what to expect but she says to let it be a surprise. Im kinda nervous about that.
And any suggestions on what to wear? The dress must cover the armpits (no sleeveless) and must come to the knee or longer.
Re: Jewish wedding?
No, I have never been to one and neither do I have Jewish friends but here are a few things I found out:
The Jewish Wedding Ceremony Customs and Traditions
Traditionally called kiddushin, the Jewish wedding ceremony is filled with meaningful customs that the bride and groom undergo to express the significance and purpose of marriage:
***Ketubah (ketuvah) ***Written in Aramaic, the marriage contract specifies the bride and groom’s commitment to each other. The ketubah is usually signed in a ceremony before the wedding service.
Chuppah (chupah) The chuppah is a canopy, usually a decorated piece of cloth, that symbolizes the home the bride and groom will build together. The chuppah is open on all sides, also symbolizing that friends and family are always welcome in the newlywed’s home. ***
Sheva B’rachot (sheva brachos) *** The seven blessings is a series of blessings that is chanted by the Cantor or Rabbi. In Judaism, seven is seen as the mystical number of creation and completion. These blessings thank God for the beauty of the moment and the splendor of life. ***
Ring Ceremony ***Typically of flawless gold, the wedding ring represents the unending love and eternal joy a marriage will bring. It is customary to place the ring on the index finger during the exchange. One ancient belief is that the index finger is directly connected by a special artery to the heart and so the couple’s hearts are joined. ***
Wrapping in the Tallit *** During the final benediction the couple is wrapped in two tallitot (prayer shawls) around their shoulders. This wrapping symbolizes the private Jewish life the bride and groom will have together.
Breaking of the Glass The wedding ceremony is usually concluded with the groom breaking a glass under his foot. Traditionally, this custom is a reminder of the destruction of the first Temple and the anguish of the Jewish people throughout history. It is also a reminder that relationships are as fragile as glass and must always be treated with care, love and respect.
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Re: Jewish wedding?
Re: Jewish wedding?
As for the dress, do you want to wear something desi or a western long dress?
Anyone ever been to a jewish wedding? What are their traditions and customs?
A really good friend of mine is getting married next month and she's of the jewish faith. I keep asking what to expect but she says to let it be a surprise. Im kinda nervous about that.
And any suggestions on what to wear? The dress must cover the armpits (no sleeveless) and must come to the knee or longer.
Depends on how orthodox they are: but to be safe cover arms, legs to knees and be aware of your neck line. You don't have to cover your head.
I'm sure you'll be fine :)
I've been to Jewish weddings where everyone is dressed head to toe Victorian style modesty and some weddings where the bride and female guests have been letting it hang all out.
Re: Jewish wedding?
i've been and they're super fun! yes, be covered with the sleeves and knees, but interestingly, the same rules didn't seem to apply to cleavage at the wedding i was at- we weren't in the orthodox crowd though.
they're usually very formal events- the signing of the ketubah is done privately, as far as i know, amongst witnesses and the rabbi only so you'd be there for the ceremony afterwards.
the ketubah's are gorgeous, btw, each one is differently designed and very intricate.
Re: Jewish wedding?
Jewish Wedding ~ New Mexico Wedding From Twin Lens | Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog
Re: Jewish wedding?
1) Wear a rounded neckline, which covers the chest area.
2) Depending on the community, either 3/4 sleeves or full length sleeves are fine- generally, Modern Orthodox you can wear three quarter sleeves, Chassidic or Chareidi wear full length sleeves.
3) If you are wearing a shrug, jacket or cardigan- taking it off generally depends on the type of mechitzah (separating barrier). If the woman are completely separate and not visible, it won't cause too much comment, if the women are visible- best to keep it on. Overall- follow the lead of the other women present if you are uncertain.
4)The traditional greeting--"Mazal Tov" (Good Luck)--can be extended to all guests, both relatives and friends.
Re: Jewish wedding?
^ except for point 4, that sounds like a quite conservative wedding though... as i said, the one i went to, after the ceremony, it was anything-goes! backless, strapless, sleeveless, cleavage, etc... it was like any other gora wedding. at the ceremony, you were just required to have a shawl or a sweater or something to cover your shoulders. i guess it also depends on if its in a synagogue or not- obv. the synagogue will have stricter rules as mosques do.
Did you decide what to wear yet?
I have a friend in New York City who is a Jewish Rabbi and officiates many Jewish weddings. If you still have concerns about dress codes, I am sure she would have some insight. You can ask her directly at Ask the Rabbi
I believe she doesn’t answer email between sunset on Fridays and sunset on Saturdays because she honors the Shabbat, but other than that she is quick to respond.