Yarmulkes are head coverings. At most Jewish weddings, all men will wear yarmulkes (also known as kippot or skullcaps). They will be provided at the wedding.

The Ketubah is the marriage contract. historically it was a legal document that protected the bride’s rights. Today, the text is more contemporary and egalitarian, often expressing the couple’s commitment to care for one another and to create a Jewish home together. The ketubah is often a beautiful piece of art, often on display at the ceremony.

Chuppah is a Hebrew word whose English translation means "canopy". Is an element of a Jewish wedding that dates back to the tent-dwelling Jewish nomadic days in the desert. The chuppah creates an intimate, sanctified space. It is intended to be symbolic of the couple's new home, open on all sides to welcome family and friends and to offer hospitality to those in need.

Circling When first entering the chuppah one partner circles the other three times, then the other circles the first for three times, then both joining hands to walk about each other for the seventh rotation. This reminds us of the seven days of the creation story, as we witness the creation of a new family in the world, where one is the center of the other's life from now on.

Sheva Brachot means Seven blessings which include love for fellow man, for peace in Jerusalem for the joy of marriage, and the couple’s happiness. The parents wrap the couple in a tallit (prayer shawl), literally binding them together.

Breaking of the Glass Nothing says "Jewish wedding" more than the sound of breaking glass. The breaking of the wineglass is a symbol of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a representation of the fragility of human relationships and a reminder that marriage changes the lives of individuals forever. It's also the official signal to shout, "Mazel Tov!" and start partying.

Mazel Tov Now it's time to shout, "Mazel Tov!" and start partying. Mazel Tov is used like "congratulations," but literally means "good fortune," which is a lovely wish for a new couple at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony.

Yihud In a day filled with chaos, the yihud — or "seclusion" — is a standout ritual that lets you focus on the days true purpose: your new partnership. Immediately after the ceremony, the newlyweds retreat privately for 15 minutes of personal time. Its customary for newlyweds to seize the yihud moment and feed each other a bite or two of their first meal together as there aren't many opportunities to eat or spend quality time together on a busy wedding day.

Schedule

ORDER OF THE DAY