Judaism Depth Study: Marriage

Question 1

Quote 1

Answer 1

“It is not good for man to be alone, I will make a fitting helper for him.”

Question 2

Quote 2 - Talmud

Answer 2

“He who has no wife is not a proper man, he lives without joy, blessing, goodness.”

Question 3

Quote 3

Answer 3

“A man will leave his father & mother, and be united with his wife.”

Question 4

Quote 4 - Rabbinic literature

Answer 4

“He who marries a good woman is as if he has fulfilled the Torah from beginning to end.”

Question 5

Outline the practice of Marriage in Judaism.

Answer 5

1. The couple have made an announcement of their intention. - Aliyah, Mikvah, Kettubah, Bedekin.
2. Bride & groom are escorted separately to the Chuppah. Bride circles groom. Blessings over wine. Ring given. Recitations & declarations in Hebrew.
3. Brakhot - 7 marriage blessings. Smashing of glass.
4. Bride & groom retire to break their fast (yichud)

Question 6

Define ‘Aliyah’

Answer 6

The groom is called forward to read Torah in the synagogue, the Shabbat before the wedding.
Bride only called in Reform.

Question 7

Define ‘Mikvah’

Answer 7

Ritual bathing of the bride before the ceremony.

Question 8

Define ‘Kettubah’

Answer 8

The marriage contract, needed before the wedding.
Specifies groom’s responsibility in the case of a divorce.
Groom takes hold of a hankie held by the rabbi to show his acceptance.

Question 9

Define ‘Bedekin’

Answer 9

The bridal veil. The groom lifts it to check it’s really her, before the ceremony.

Question 10

Define ‘Chuppah’

Answer 10

A canopy under which the ceremony takes place. Symbolises the little house the couple intend to build.