Jewish Marriage

Aufruf

• “Calling up” of the groom to read the Torah
• Occurs during Shabbat 1 week before the wedding
• In progressive Judaism, both the bride and groom read from the Torah

Mikveh

• Orthodox Jewish women visit the Mikveh pool
• Form of ritual purification before marriage
• Occurs one week before the wedding

Badeken

• “Veiling of the bride”
• First time the
  ChatanGroom
  and
  KallahBride
  see each other on the wedding day

Chuppah

• Chatan and Kallah approach the
  ChuppahA canopy supported by 4 poles or attendants
  with their parents after signing the
  KetubahJewish marriage contract
• Remainder of the ceremony occurs under the Chuppah

Circling of the Groom

• Kallah circles the chatan 7 times
• Symbolises the breaking down of walls between the couple

Birkat Erusin

• Initial blessings are said over wine
• Performed by rabbi or family member
• After the blessings, the Chatan and Kallah drink from the wine

Ring

• The chatan places a ring on the finger of the kallah
• Chatan says:

“Behold you are sanctified (betrothed) to me with this ring, according to the Law of Moses and Israel.”

Reading of the Ketubah

• The
  KetubahJewish marriage contract
  is read aloud to those gathered

Sheva Berakhot

• “Seven Blessings”
• Formalises
  NisuinElevation to full marriage
• After the blessings are read, the chatan and kallah drink from the same cup

Breaking Of The Glass

• The glass from the Sheva Berakhot is wrapped in a cloth and broken under the foot of the chatan
• Serves as a reminder that even in great times, the couple will encounter strife