Jewish+Weddings

Hebrews believe that it is not good to be alone, (they believe these are gods words). Also it is believed that Jewish woman and men are not “whole” until they find their mates. Therefore, weddings are a huge thing not only for a couple but for the man and woman becoming whole and finally ending that journey for there other half. . There are three different levels of Judaism (reform, the least serious, conservative, and orthodox) therefore they each look at Marriage, life partners and engagement in slightly different ways from each other. The traditions during the 20th century and now changed a lot over time. The orthodox Hebrew's views on life have changed the least amount (compared to the other levels of Judaism) from the early traditions.

Engagement traditions During the twentieth century Jewish girls barley ever left the house. The appropriate groom was won who studied the Torah, they did not need to be rich, handsome, a certain age, or smart. Marriages where always arranged by the parents sometimes even before birth or their child. Parents higher a match maker, also known as a shadchan. Today orthodox Jews almost always have a highred match-maker and even some conservative family's still follow this tradition. Most other Hebrew's will get engaged just as any other with a engagement ring.

Chupphah Yet all most every single jewish wedding will include a chuppah, or the canopy in wich the ceremony is conducted. The Chuppah is usually outside, (for the stars, just prior to sundown), as a reminder of the blessing given by God to Abraham, that his children will be as numerous "as the stars of the heavens." This is much like the Hindu mandaps.

Ketubah The ketubah (basically the piece of paper that is to be signed for agreements and a promise) is ushally signed during the wedding ceremony. Before the signing the groom is lead to the bride and makes sure that she wants to get married and is the one for him (like saying "I do"). In biblical times it was very common for the father of the groom to pay the brides family for the privilege of there son marrying her. Unfortuanitly this became a problem because many young boys and there family were unable to afford the money to pay for their desired woman. They created a marriage contract that is still used to this day known as the ketubah. This was a promis in wrighting as appose to money. It was a promis on what ever the groom and bride promised incase of devorce or death. The Ketubah is like the saptapadi flame in a hindu wedding or the wedding contract in a Muslim wedding.

Clothing There are no rules on what the couple must wear yet it is custum that the bride wears a white dress to show purity and have a headress and a veil. Also the guests may where yarmulkes (which are circular hats that are worn). In a hinduism wedding they also wear hats, for certain ceremonies. Kittle In orthodox weddings (the most serious form of Judaism) sometimes grooms may where a kittle (a long white robe). Just like in Muslim wedding the couple will wear a kittle, and in a Hindu wedding they wear white or gold robes like a kittle.

Where does the wedding take place? Not all Jewish weddings take place in a temple, just as not all christain weddings take place in a church. A muslim wedding may take place at a mosk just as a hindu wedding may take place at a mandir

Other Wedding Traditions Some communities it is then customary for the bride to circle the groom seven times before the promise of marriage which is thought to ward off evil spirits.

The Glass breaking The ceremony is traditionally ended with a glass being crushed under the foot of the groom and everyone attending the wedding will yell out "Mazzeltov" (which means "Good luck" or "Congratulations"). Some believe that this is to show even on the most wonderful occasion, it needs to be reminded of the destruction of the Temple and understanding that true joy cant be found until the temple is rebuilt once again.

Finally.... To end the wedding there is the seudah or the feast, dancing and singing. Just like in all weddings, including a muslim and hindu wedding.

Bibliography

Becher, Itmik.. Living traditions by Itmik Becher. New York: Mallard Press, 1993.

Comparative religions on file. New York: Facts on File, c2000.

Ciltation: Esposito, John L.. Islam. New York: Oxford University Press 1998

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