Cliff Notes: Jewish Weddings 101!
Terminology (in Hebrew):
Kallah – bride
Chattan – groom
Tisch – Before a Jewish ceremony, there is a special time called a Tisch when guests can greet the bride and groom. It's a festive time, with food, drink and music, marking the beginning of the celebration. Traditionally, there are separate rooms for the bride and groom so they don't see each other, but we will do it all together, outdoors on a big lawn. During this time, the bride and the groom will be in two separate areas of the lawn, preparing themselves for the ceremony while being surrounded by loved ones. Jon will be seated on one side surrounded by family and other loved ones and he will impart his words of wisdom as he prepares to cross the threshold to married life. During this "talk" the goal of his friends and family will be to interrupt and distract him the entire time. At this time Erin will be seated in a separate area with her family, greeting guests as they arrive and preparing herself for the ceremony.
Ketubah – The marriage contract. This document traditionally describes the husband’s responsibility to take care of his wife. Our Ketubah is a little more modern and egalitarian. The text describes the mutual commitment that we enter into through marriage. Before the wedding ceremony, two witnesses sign the ketubah to testify that we agree to the conditions. The ketubah was made by a very talented artist, Seth Lambert, who went to grad school with Erin. It will be framed and hung in our new home after the wedding.
Chattan – groom
Tisch – Before a Jewish ceremony, there is a special time called a Tisch when guests can greet the bride and groom. It's a festive time, with food, drink and music, marking the beginning of the celebration. Traditionally, there are separate rooms for the bride and groom so they don't see each other, but we will do it all together, outdoors on a big lawn. During this time, the bride and the groom will be in two separate areas of the lawn, preparing themselves for the ceremony while being surrounded by loved ones. Jon will be seated on one side surrounded by family and other loved ones and he will impart his words of wisdom as he prepares to cross the threshold to married life. During this "talk" the goal of his friends and family will be to interrupt and distract him the entire time. At this time Erin will be seated in a separate area with her family, greeting guests as they arrive and preparing herself for the ceremony.
Ketubah – The marriage contract. This document traditionally describes the husband’s responsibility to take care of his wife. Our Ketubah is a little more modern and egalitarian. The text describes the mutual commitment that we enter into through marriage. Before the wedding ceremony, two witnesses sign the ketubah to testify that we agree to the conditions. The ketubah was made by a very talented artist, Seth Lambert, who went to grad school with Erin. It will be framed and hung in our new home after the wedding.
Chupah – The wedding canopy. This structure represents the bride and groom’s future home together. Close family joins them by the Chupah to show their love and support for the couple during this transition. The structure of the Chupah was built by Erin's father Mike, and the fabric on the top was painted by Erin's oldest friend Gabe.
Kiddush – The couple blesses and drinks wine to mark the joy and sacredness of the occasion.
Sheva B’rachot – Seven blessings are traditionally offered at Jewish wedding ceremonies. These blessings praise God for Creation and for the gift of the joy of marriage and express hope for peace in the future. We will have different friends and family members share these words both in Hebrew and English.
Breaking the glass – The groom will stomp on a glass to conclude the wedding ceremony. This reminds us that even during the happiest times, we must also commemorate the tragedies of the past. People exclaim “Mazel Tov!” to congratulate the couple and their families and friends.
Yichud - After the ceremony, the bride and groom retreat to a private room for a short period of time. This is part of what makes the marriage official, and gives the couple a chance to be alone together to take in this special moment in their lives.
