Welcome to Our Wedding!

We feel blessed that you are with us to celebrate our wedding. Throughout the ceremony, we will continue centuries-old traditions with rituals that connect us deeply with our Jewish heritage and the values we cherish in each other.

For many of our friends and family this will be their first jewish wedding! Below, with the help of our officiant, Rabbi Mira Rivera, we’ve put together a primer on what to expect.

The Ketubah Signing

The Ketubah is a marriage contract, signed before the wedding service. This contract illustrates our dedication to our marriage and devotion to each other. The Ketubah will be signed by both of us, as well as by two witnesses who themselves are Jewish adults, but not blood relatives. Our Rabbi, who will lead the marriage ceremony, will also sign and date the ketubah to make it official. Our ketubah will hang in our home as a celebration of this day and our commitment to each other.

The Chuppah

The Chuppah is a canopy that symbolizes the home we will build together. The chuppah is open on all sides, symbolizing that our family and friends are always welcome in our home, and is secured to four poles, which symbolizes the four corners of the earth. The ceremony and the blessings of the married couple will be held under the chuppah for all to attend and celebrate.

Hakafot – “The Seven Circles”

While it is traditional for the bride to circle the groom seven times, we will circle each other three times, and then share the seventh circle, demonstrating that our relationship is one of equal partnership, balance, and mutual respect. The circles represent the seven wedding blessings and seven days of creation, as well as the beginning of a new family circle. This is part of the ceremony taking place under the chuppah.

Wrapping the Tallit 

Under the chuppah, we will wrap a tallit (prayer shawl) around our shoulders. This gathering symbolizes our joint Jewish life, as well as a divine protection of our union.

Vows and Exchange of Rings

Sheva Brachot - “the seven nuptial blessings”

This is the second part of the wedding ceremony. The sheva brachot, or seven nuptial blessings, are the heart of the Jewish wedding ceremony, the liturgical moment when themes of joy and celebration and the ongoing power of love are expressed. These seven blessings, which bring to mind the seven days of creation. They begin with the Kiddush (blessing) over wine and increase in intensity in their imagery and metaphors. Poetic echoes of creation and paradise abound in the blessings.

The blessings are as follows:

Blessed are You, Adonai (god), creator of the fruit of the vine.

Blessed are You, Adonai, creator of all for the glory of being.

Blessed are You, Adonai, creator of humanity.

Blessed are You, Adonai, who has fashioned humanity in the image of perfection.

Blessed are You, Adonai, who makes the world more glorious through our children.

Grant the perfect joy of the Garden of Eden to the beloved couple. Blessed are You, Adonai, who brings joy to the groom and bride.

Blessed are You, Adonai, who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, song, delight and rejoicing, love and harmony, peace, and companionship. Adonai, let there soon be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, voices of bride and groom, the jubilant voices of those joined in marriage under the chuppah, the voices of celebrants feasting and singing. Blessed are You, who causes the groom to rejoice with his bride.

Breaking of the Glass

Our ceremony concludes with the couple breaking a glass. Although there are many interpretations of this custom, it serves to remind us that a relationship must always be treated with care, love and respect. It is traditional at this point for the congregation to celebrate the couple with cheers of mazal tov (congratulations).

Yichud

Upon breaking the glass we will leave the chuppah to exchange private vows for a few moments. This will allow us to reflect on the ceremony and share our first moments as husband and wife.

After a few moments in private we will rejoin the celebration for food and dance!

Were so grateful to have you celebrate this moment with us!

Love-

Ruthie and Jack