how marriage expresses beliefs

Question 1

Chuppah

Answer 1

‘canopy’ - decorated piece of cloth under which the couple stand during the ceremony.
• Symbolises God’s presence e.g., orthodox
• “they would be the ancestors of descendants that would number as many as the stars in the sky” Genesis 15:5
 Core Belief: Covenant  expression of their covenant with the one true God
 Significant for Individual/Community: Individual  the husband and wife individually strengthen their relationship with God

Question 2

Circling of the Groom 

Answer 2

 this ritual varies across different variants
• (dominant in Orthodox, missing in most Reform)
 Core Belief: One God  Creation: circle 7 times as this is symbolic of the 7 days of creation  belief in divine creation
 Significant for Individual/Community: Individual  foreshadows role in continuing of God’s kingdom through procreation

Question 3

Ring

Answer 3

complete circle symbolises hope for eternal marriage
 Core Belief: One God  eternal God: expresses monotheistic belief in the eternal God
 Significant for Individual/Community: Individual  provides couple with a way to experience holiness, as it is seen as a sacred union

Question 4

Breaking of Glass

Answer 4

“mazel tov” reminder of destruction of the Temple
• marriage will have good, and bad times
 Core Belief: Moral Law  History: expresses importance of belief in Jewish biblical history
 Significant for Individual/Community: Community  for the guests, marriage is also a sign of their commitment to support them and give assistance