Jewish Wedding Ceremonies

Jewish ceremonies are full of meaning and tradition

Whether it’s in the most traditional form, or the most liberal, all Jewish weddings share elements in common. Here is a basic outline:

The signing of the Ketubah, the Jewish marriage document, in essence, a contract.

Under the Chuppah, the Marriage Canopy:

Introductory blessings, concluding with a sip of wine.

A speech by the licensed Jewish officiant – an ordained rabbi or cantor.

The vows of marriage along with the presentation of the rings. 

The Seven Blessings, known as the Sheva B’rachot, concluding with a sip of wine.

The breaking of the glass.

Depending on your community’s custom (or, if you don’t belong to one, the preferences of your officiant), these can be shorter or longer, with differing wording, and the addition of other customs that have developed over the centuries. 

Cantor Daniel Pincus - Wedding Officiant

I am a Reform cantor and am comfortable with a range of practices. Most importantly, the couple should feel the significance of each element. There is so much out there for learning, so I recommend several excellent books by Anita Diamant, author of “The Red Tent”:

1. “The New Jewish Wedding”
2. “The Jewish Wedding Now” and 
3.  “Living a Jewish Life”