Rhiannon Hendricks
The length of an ultra-orthodox Jewish wedding can vary depending on community and culture. While the wedding ceremony itself is quite short, lasting around 20 minutes, the entire event, including pre-ceremony festivities, the ceremony, and post-ceremony celebrations, can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours or more. The wedding ceremony includes various rituals and traditions, such as the signing of the ketubah (marriage contract), the exchange of rings, and the breaking of the glass. The duration of the wedding celebration depends on the structure of the event and the preferences of the couple and their families. Some guests may choose to leave after the ceremony or after the meal, while close friends and family often stay for the entire duration.
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The wedding ceremony
Following this, the Chatan and Kalah enter a private locked room for 5 to 10 minutes to symbolise unity and marriage, with two witnesses standing outside to finalise the act of marriage according to Jewish law. The ceremony concludes with the groom stepping on and breaking a glass.
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The reception
The third part of the wedding is the dinner, or Seuda. In ultra-orthodox weddings, the meal is segregated. The final part of the wedding is the dancing, which can last from two to four hours. The dancing is also often segregated, with a curtain or freestanding wall separating the men and women.
The length of an ultra-orthodox Jewish wedding can vary, but a room is often rented for 4-5 hours. The entire wedding, from the reception to the dancing, can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, or even longer.
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The meal
Bread is an important part of the meal. In some communities, slices of bread are handed out to guests, either at the start of the meal or after the first dance. This is done to fulfil a rule of Judaism about pouring water over one's hands before eating bread. Guests may also be served an appetizer course while the bride and groom are in seclusion for a few minutes together after the ceremony.
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Dancing
In the Ashkenazi Jewish community, it is customary to hand out slices of bread at the start of the meal or soon after the first dance. Guests are free to take or decline a slice without causing any offence.
After the wedding, the celebrations continue for seven nights, with friends and family hosting festive meals in honour of the newlyweds.
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The marriage contract
The ketubah is usually read by the Rabbi leading the wedding ceremony or by another prominent family member. It is read after the kiddushin, and before the seven blessings of marriage are recited over a glass of wine. The blessings are recited by family members and guests, and the couple then drinks from the cup of wine.
The ketubah is a physical reminder of the commitment of the couple to each other and to their spiritual growth. It is also a reminder of the commitment of the wider community, who are expected to bring joy and festivities to the couple on their wedding day.
In Orthodox Jewish communities, the ketubah is also an important document in the case of divorce. The husband gives the get document to the wife or her agent, but the wife may sue in a rabbinical court to initiate the divorce. In this case, the husband may be compelled to give the get if he has violated any of his obligations outlined in Jewish law and the couple's ketubah.
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Frequently asked questions
The duration of an ultra-orthodox Jewish wedding varies. The wedding ceremony itself is quite short, lasting around 20 minutes. However, the entire event, including pre-ceremony festivities, the ceremony, and post-ceremony celebrations, can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours or more.
An ultra-orthodox Jewish wedding typically includes pre-ceremony festivities called Kabbalat Panim, where the bride and groom greet guests separately, followed by the wedding ceremony, which includes the signing of the marriage contract (ketubah) and the breaking of the glass. After the ceremony, there is a meal, and then dancing, which can last for several hours.
The rituals in an ultra-orthodox Jewish wedding are steeped in religious and spiritual significance. For example, the ketubah, or marriage contract, is a legally binding agreement that outlines the groom's responsibilities and protects the rights of the bride. The chuppah, or wedding canopy, symbolizes the new home being built by the couple. The breaking of the glass signifies the seriousness of the commitment.
Ultra-orthodox Jewish weddings may include unique traditions such as the separation of men and women during the Kabbalat Panim and the use of a marriage broker or matchmaker. The wedding ceremony itself may be quite different, with specific prayers, blessings, and songs. The dance style is also distinct, with fast and frenetic dancing and no slow dancing.
