Jewish Wedding Traditions

Jewish wedding traditions are age old, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t time honored. The fact is a typical Jewish wedding, even today, generally includes many of the same Jewish wedding traditions that have been observed in Jewish weddings for hundreds of years.

Holding true to the traditions is something many Jewish men and women put in high priority for their own wedding ceremonies. With Jewish wedding traditions being rather numerous, however, it’s not necessarily the case that all will be observed at every wedding.

One of the most common and lasting Jewish wedding rituals involves the signing of the Ketubah. This is an agreement between the bride and groom that spells out their duties to each other during marriage. This document is considered a mainstay of many Jewish wedding customs, and one that many brides and grooms cherish following a Jewish wedding ceremony. The document is typically framed for placement in the couple’s house to remind them years later of the promises they made to each other, in front of God, friends and family.

Another quite common Jewish wedding tradition involves the set up for the ceremony itself. Most Jewish wedding ceremonies take place under a hoopa. The Jewish wedding ceremony hoopa is a covering that is meant to symbolize the presence of God at the ceremony. It is under this that Jewish wedding vows are taken and received. This is just one of the many symbols common in Jewish wedding ceremonies.

Jewish wedding symbolism is extensive and extends beyond the hoopa. For example, Jewish wedding tradition dictates that rings be plain, so as not to have a set beginning or end. Jewish wedding blessings are also a large part of the ceremony. A Jewish wedding, traditional in style, will include seven distinct Jewish wedding blessings.

While the ceremony itself is rather steeped in solemn custom, the reception is a time to kick up the heels and celebrate. Jewish wedding songs are often played as Jewish wedding dance numbers are performed. In addition, there is generally much food, drink and plenty of Jewish wedding gifts for the newlywed couple.

A Jewish wedding, even today, is generally very true to ancient custom. From Jewish wedding gifts down to the saying of the Jewish wedding blessings, the traditions of old are held dear today. It is not uncommon for brides and grooms to insist that each custom be carried out down to the letter.