The Jewish Wedding is considered one of the holiest occasions and ceremonies performed in all of the Jewish traditions. Most of the Jewish wedding customs and traditions are learned from the events that occurred when the Torah (Jewish Bible) was given on Mount Sinai.
The secrets and symbolism on which the Chuppah (Jewish wedding canopy), the Ketubah (marriage contract), the Jewish wedding ring, the Rabbi's blessing, the breaking of the glass cup, the dancing, and Badecken (ceremony before the Chuppah ceremony) are based on are really profound and can be studied for years on end.
In this blog I intend on reviewing many of these customs, and how they relate to the events of Mount Sinai, when the Jewish people received the Torah from G-d, and what we can learn from these customs that will help in our daily marriage life.Quick Overview of the Jewish Wedding
According to th Jewish texts, the Jewish wedding is an extremely holy event and should not be introduced with light-headedness and frivolty. Especially by the Chuppah ceremony, one should conduct himself with utmost composure, for just like the Shekhina (Divine presence) was present by Mount Sinai, so too the Shekhina is present by the Chuppah ceremony. Therefore, many have the custom to pray during the Chuppah, since the Divine presence is there in its very essence.
The Rabbi represents Moses (known as Moshe in Hebrew) , and therefore one should try to find a suitable and holy Rabbi to perform the Chuppah ceremony. The Ketubah, also known as Ketuvah or Ktuvah, represents the Torah itself. Just like the Torah is a a unifying contract between the Jewish people and G-d, so too the Ketubah is a unifying contract between husband and wife. The wedding flowers represent the flowers that grew on Mount Sinai which was a miracle in itself, since it was located in the middle of the Desert where flowers do not normally grow.
The Chuppah represents and enclosure. The Jewish couple is enclosing itself in the Holy bond which is represented by the Torah. It us customary to have four poles holding the Chuppah canopy to represent that the newly-wed jewish couple should not be swayed by the evil inclinations that try to devour a person from all four directions. The Chupah also symbolizes the devotion that one has to have in a Jewish marriage no matter what obstacles come their way. Just like G-d lifted up the mountain of Sinai over the Jewish people and forced them to accept the Torah, so too the Jewish Bride and Groom must understand the importance of their marriage and unification.
These concept will be discussed, with G-d's help, in more detail.
