Jewish Marriage Flashcards
Jewish Marriage
- Adherents have a duty to marry as marriage is the ideal state in life
- Fulfilment of a religious duty (Mitzvah) and therefore is considered to be a sacred covenant - involving holy obligations and duties.
- Couples are required to build their home together as a “small sanctuary” dedicated to God
Purpose of Marriage
World to be population in accordance with God’s proclamation. Seen in Torah.
“Be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:28)
Affirmation of the companionship of husband and wife and the happiness that comes from Genesis.
“It is not good for Man to be alone, I will make a fitting helper for him.” (Genesis 2:18)
3. It establishes new families and forms the basis for family life and the contribution/continuation of Jewish traditions.
Chuppah
- Communal
- Individual (b/w spouses)
- Religious
- Core Belief
- Orthodox
- Expression of covenant with one true God
- Spouses strengthen their relationship with God
Canopy open on all sides for the bride and groom’s ceremony symbolising Abraham and Sarah’s tent or the Jerusalem Temple. - The chuppah being open on all sides reminds the community that the newly married couples’ home is open to guests.
Ring
- ring represents the everlasting and unbroken union of their marriage.
- Reminds of the neverending Covenant between the Jewish people and God
“Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring, according to the laws of Moses and Israel.”
Mikvah
Bride takes a ritual bath to achieve purity before marriage and and be reflective
Ketubah
The document a groom signs where he makes a number of special promises to his wife to be.
It includes the groom’s obligations to honour his wife by providing her food, clothing, a home and emotional needs.
It is signed and witnessed by others. This is read during the ceremony.
Badeken
The veiling ceremony, follows when the groom places the veil over the bride’s face.
This symbolises Rebekah’s veiling over her face before her marriage to Isaac.
So the groom can confirm the bride is the bride
Circling
- Description
- Belief
- Significance
- Foreshadows their continuation of
God’s kingdom on Earth through procreation - The bride circles the groom seven times, symbolic of the seven days of creation (belief)
- More common in orthodox, some reform don’t do it
Sheva Brachot (readings)
Beginning of Nessiun (marriage ceremony)
- Sheva Brachot or seven blessing is read. This is symbolic of the story of creation, the history of Israel and future hopes that the couple will contribute to the tradition.
- Community: participate in Traditional Jewish practice
Wine
Wine is shared to symbolise the life they will share together.
Breaking of the glass
Description
Belief
Significance
- The groom breaks a glass under his foot in memory of the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple.
- It also is a reminder that in the midst of joy, there is also sadness and sorrow.
- reminder of hardships to come in marriage
- belief in Jewish history
Yichud
The private room where the couple may break their fast, although it was historically a time for marriage consummation.
Sanctification
- Sanctification is described in Judaism as kiddushin, which is also the blessing of marriage.
o Because kiddushin is sanctification, it signifies that the couple is raised to a new level of holiness as God is part of the home.
Rings (variant)
Reform: both spouses receive a ring
Orthodox: only one
Chuppah (variance)
Reform: Significant people to the couple hold up the chuppah
Orthodox: Has poles
Mikvah (variant)
Reform: Not compulsory
Orthodox: Compulsory
