Franklin Dean
Throwing rice at weddings is a common tradition in many cultures. However, in Jewish weddings, other objects are typically thrown at the bride and groom. These objects can include nuts, candies, and even salt, each symbolizing different blessings for the newlywed couple. While some Jewish couples may choose to incorporate the throwing of rice into their wedding celebrations, it is not a traditional Jewish custom. Instead, other unique traditions and rituals, such as the breaking of a glass and shouting Mazel Tov!, are often observed in Jewish weddings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Throwing rice | Not a Jewish tradition |
| Throwing candies | To wish the couple a sweet life together |
| Throwing nuts | To wish the couple a long-lasting marriage |
| Throwing salt | To wish the couple an eternal marriage |
| The Aufruf | A pre-wedding religious service |
| The Hora Dance | A Jewish wedding tradition |
| The Sheva Brachot | Seven blessings read in Hebrew and English |
| The Ketubah | A symbolic Jewish marriage contract |
| The Seudat Mitzvah | A celebratory meal |
| The Birkat Hamazon | Grace after meals |
| Something blue | To bring the bride good luck |
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What You'll Learn
- Throwing candies, not rice, at the couple is customary at Jewish weddings
- The candies symbolise a sweet life together
- Salt is thrown at the couple to wish them an eternal marriage
- The couple may fast until their first meal together after the wedding
- The wedding ceremony ends with the groom (or couple) stepping on and breaking a glass
Throwing candies, not rice, at the couple is customary at Jewish weddings
In addition to throwing candies, there are other unique Jewish wedding traditions. For example, the couple may fast on their wedding day, just as they would on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The couple's fast lasts until their first meal together after the wedding ceremony. The wedding ceremony also includes the Sheva Brachot, or seven blessings, that are often read in Hebrew and English by family members or friends. The blessings focus on joy, celebration, and the power of love. At the end of the ceremony, the groom (or sometimes the bride and groom together) steps on a glass inside a cloth bag to shatter it. This symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and represents the commitment to stand by each other even in hard times.
Another important aspect of a Jewish wedding is the ketubah, a symbolic Jewish marriage contract outlining the groom's responsibilities to his bride, the bride's protections and rights, and the framework in case of a divorce. The ketubah is written in Aramaic and signed by two witnesses who uphold Jewish laws and customs.
While throwing candies is a fun and meaningful tradition at Jewish weddings, other unique customs and rituals, such as fasting, blessings, and the breaking of the glass, also play a significant role in creating a meaningful and special event that connects modern couples to the rich history and culture of the Jewish religion.
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The candies symbolise a sweet life together
Throwing rice at weddings is a well-known tradition, but it is not a custom at Jewish weddings. Instead, there are several other rituals and customs at Jewish weddings that connect modern couples to the Jewish religion and culture's vast history. One such custom is throwing candies at the couple to symbolise a sweet life together.
The Aufruf is a pre-wedding religious service, usually held at a synagogue, where the groom or soon-to-be-married couple is called to the Torah to recite an aliyah or blessing. The couple will also receive a blessing from the rabbi and assembled congregants. It is during this time that it is customary for members of the congregation to throw candies at the couple to wish them a sweet life together.
The throwing of candies is not the only sweet-themed tradition at Jewish weddings. For example, sutlach, a sweet rice pudding with coconut milk, honey and almonds, is often served as the first course at the wedding meal to symbolise a sweet and prosperous life ahead.
Other Jewish wedding traditions include the groom (or sometimes the bride and groom) stepping on and breaking a glass inside a cloth bag, which symbolises the commitment to stand by one another even in hard times. The wedding day is also considered a day of forgiveness, and some couples choose to fast until their first meal together after the ceremony.
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Salt is thrown at the couple to wish them an eternal marriage
Jewish wedding customs and rituals are steeped in rich history and symbolism, connecting modern couples to the Jewish religion and culture's vast heritage. One such tradition involves throwing items at the bride and groom, symbolising different blessings and wishes for the newlywed couple.
While throwing rice at weddings is a widely recognised custom, it is not a part of Jewish wedding traditions. However, it is customary to throw other items, such as sweets, candies, and nuts, each carrying its own unique significance.
One of the most distinctive traditions unique to Jewish weddings is throwing salt at the couple. This ritual stems from the words of Rabbi Eleazar of Worms (c.1176–1238), a renowned Talmudist and Kabbalist. In his work, Sefer HaRokeach, he explains the significance of salt in a verse from the Torah portion Parshas Korach (Numbers 18:19). In this verse, God describes His covenant with the Kohanim (priests) as a "salt-like covenant," signifying an eternal and unbreakable bond, much like salt, which is a preservative that neither spoils nor decays.
By throwing salt at the bride and groom, guests are symbolically bestowing upon them a blessing of longevity and indestructibility in their marriage. This act represents the wish for the couple to enjoy a long-lasting and enduring union, just as salt preserves and endures.
The throwing of salt at Jewish weddings is a powerful and meaningful tradition that reflects the community's hopes and blessings for the newlywed couple. It is a tangible expression of their support and well-wishes, setting the couple on a path towards a blessed and eternal marriage.
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The couple may fast until their first meal together after the wedding
Throwing rice at weddings is not a Jewish custom. In fact, Jewish wedding traditions include throwing nuts, salt, or candies at the bride and groom to symbolise a sweet life together.
Fasting on the Wedding Day
In Jewish culture, the wedding day is considered a symbolic "Day of Atonement" for the bride and groom, as they end their separate lives and start a new one together. As such, it is customary for the couple to fast on their wedding day, just as they would on Yom Kippur, only breaking their fast at their first meal together after the wedding ceremony. This first meal is a celebratory feast with lots of food, singing, dancing, and celebrating, called the se'udat mitzvah. It is customary to have chicken and fish at the se'udat mitzvah, as they are both symbols of fertility. The meal also often includes challah, the traditional braided Shabbat bread, which symbolises love.
The groom traditionally breaks his fast with his first drink at the ceremony, which he shares with his guests. The afternoon prayer, or Mincha, is recited after this, and the groom can then eat and drink. The host of the tisch, or groom's table, will then say some words of Torah and Judaism to accompany the meal.
Other Wedding Traditions
Other Jewish wedding traditions include the Aufruf, a pre-wedding religious service where the couple is called to the Torah to recite an aliyah or blessing, and the ketubah, a symbolic Jewish marriage contract outlining the groom's responsibilities to his bride, the bride's protections and rights, and the conditions he will provide in the marriage. During the wedding ceremony, the groom (or sometimes the bride and groom) steps on a glass inside a cloth bag to shatter it, symbolising the commitment to stand by one another even in hard times. After the ceremony, guests shout "Mazel tov!" to wish the couple good luck and congratulations.
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The wedding ceremony ends with the groom (or couple) stepping on and breaking a glass
Firstly, it serves as a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, reflecting that even in moments of great joy, there should be a remembrance of sad times in history. This interpretation also extends to the idea that a marriage is not just about joy but also includes sorrow, and by breaking the glass, the couple demonstrates their commitment to stand by each other even during difficult times.
Secondly, the breaking of the glass has sexual connotations, signifying the release of sexual union that is permitted and required of married couples. In ancient times, this act was believed to symbolize the breaking of the hymen.
Additionally, some interpret this tradition as a way to commemorate the destruction and suffering faced by Jewish people throughout history, ensuring that these dark times are not forgotten even during the brightest moments.
The broken glass is carefully collected and often incorporated into mementos, such as decorative pieces displayed in the marital home, preserving the memory of this significant day.
After the glass is broken, the guests shout "Mazel tov!", offering their congratulations and well wishes to the newly married couple.
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Frequently asked questions
At Jewish weddings, it is customary to throw candies at the couple to wish them a sweet life together. In the past, it was also common to throw nuts, symbolising the idea that before two people can know each other intimately, they must gradually break the shells and barriers that come between them.
Throwing candies at the couple is a way to wish them a sweet life together.
The throwing of candies usually takes place during the Aufruf, a pre-wedding religious service, where the couple is called to the Torah to recite an aliyah, or blessing.
Apart from rice, people throw a variety of things at weddings, such as candies, nuts, and even salt. In some cultures, people throw flowers, coins, or other small objects to wish the couple prosperity and happiness.
