Marriage

Jewish weddings can be celebrated in any place. However, in some communities the synagogue is preferred. The ceremony is presided over by a Rabbi or other officiate with the couple standing under a wedding canopy known as a chuppah. This canopy symbolises the home that will be created by the new couple. The officiating rabbi says a blessing and the couple shares a glass of wine followed by the reading of the ketubah (the marriage contract). The groom then gives a ring to the bride and in many communities the bride also gives a ring to her new husband, followed by the participants in the ceremony reciting seven blessings for the couple. Finally, the groom will smash a glass with his foot to remind those assembled of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, because according to tradition, despite the joy of the wedding, there is still sorrow in the world. The religious wedding is usually followed by a reception or meal. In some communities, during the week following the wedding, the couple will be invited for meals at the home of family or friends and during these meals, these people share their blessings.