Deborah Chan
A Hasidic Jewish wedding is a ceremony that follows Jewish laws and traditions. The length of a Hasidic wedding varies depending on the community and culture, but they typically last between 3 and 6 hours. The wedding ceremony, or Chupa, usually takes place outdoors and lasts between 20 to 60 minutes. The wedding ceremony is followed by dinner and dancing, which can last for several hours. Before the wedding, there are also pre-ceremony festivities such as Kabbalat Panim (a reception where the bride and groom receive guests separately) and henna parties, which can add to the overall duration of the wedding celebration.
Characteristics and Values of a Hasidic Jewish Wedding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration | Between 3 and 6 hours, and occasionally more |
| Dress code for men | Suit and tie with a kippah to cover the head |
| Dress code for women | Long dress consistent with the traditional Jewish values of tznius (modesty) with long sleeves, a long skirt, and a high neckline |
| Pre-ceremony festivities | Kabbalat Panim (the pre-ceremony reception) and/or henna party |
| Wedding ceremony | Takes place under a chuppah (wedding canopy) and includes the signing of the ketubah (marriage contract), the exchange of rings, and the breaking of a glass |
| Post-ceremony customs | The bride and groom spend time alone in a yihud (seclusion) room, followed by a wedding feast and dancing |
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What You'll Learn
The wedding ceremony
The ceremony takes place under a chuppah, a wedding canopy that symbolises the new home being built by the couple. The chuppah is traditionally placed outdoors under an open sky, with four beams holding up a cloth canopy. The couple stands under the chuppah, sometimes draped in a tallit (prayer shawl) that has been given to the groom by the bride. The groom will also wear the tallit during the ceremony, and afterwards, he will wrap it around himself and his new wife, signifying their union.
Before the ceremony, the groom agrees to the terms of the ketubah, or marriage contract, in the presence of two witnesses, who then sign the document. The ketubah outlines the groom's obligations to the bride, including food, clothing, and marital relations. It is often a beautifully illuminated manuscript that is then framed and displayed in the couple's home. During the ceremony, the ketubah is read aloud, usually in its original Aramaic, under the chuppah.
Another important aspect of the ceremony is the veiling of the bride, which is done by the groom. This tradition is said to remind the Jewish people of how Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah, whose face was covered by a veil. It also emphasises that the groom is interested in the bride's inner beauty, which will never fade. In some communities, the bride will circle the groom seven times, which has been reinterpreted to signify the centrality of one spouse to the other.
During the ceremony, the groom will give the bride a ring, which is known as kiddushin. This act symbolises the marriage and the betrothal of the couple. At this point, the groom will also break a glass with his right leg, symbolising the destruction of the temple.
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The marriage contract
The ketubah is often written as an illuminated manuscript, framed, and displayed in the couple's home. During the wedding ceremony, the signed ketubah is traditionally read aloud in Aramaic, though some couples may opt for a bilingual or shortened version. This reading usually takes place under the chuppah (wedding canopy), which symbolizes the new home being built by the couple.
In addition to the ketubah, there is another document known as the Shtar Tena'im, or the "Document of Conditions," which is read prior to the badekin (veil ceremony). After the reading, the mothers of the future bride and groom break a plate. Some couples choose to sign this document on their wedding day, while others may do so earlier or not at all.
The ketubah is not just a ceremonial document but a legally binding agreement that continues to be relevant even after a divorce. In the event of a divorce, the husband gives the get (divorce document) to the wife or her agent. If the husband has violated any of his obligations outlined in the ketubah, the wife may sue in a rabbinical court and may be entitled to compensation.
The ketubah is a private contract between the couple, and some communities include negotiated amounts of money in case of death or divorce. These details are not public knowledge and are kept confidential.
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The wedding canopy
The chuppah also has a spiritual significance, representing the presence of God over the covenant of marriage and His blessing over the couple. The openness of the chuppah symbolises the couple's need to openly express their feelings to each other and the support of friends and family that a new marriage requires.
In Ashkenazi Jewish custom, the chuppah is placed outdoors under an open sky. The cloth canopy is held up by four beams, and this structure represents the new home of the married couple. In some Sephardic weddings, the cloth canopy and four poles are also used, but in others, the groom's tallit is used as the chuppah. After the ceremony, the groom wraps the tallit around himself and his new wife, signifying their union.
The chuppah ceremony is connected to the seven blessings, or Sheva Berakhot, which are recited over a cup of wine after the ceremony. The betrothal and chuppah ceremonies are separated by the reading of the ketubah, the marriage contract. Under the chuppah, it is traditional to read the signed ketubah aloud, usually in the original Aramaic, but sometimes in translation.
In some communities, the huppah was unknown before the 16th century, and it was during the Middle Ages that the "chupa ... in use today" became customary. However, there are regional variations, and in medieval times, the huppah was sometimes a veil worn by the bride or a cloth spread over the couple's shoulders.
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The wedding meal
A Hasidic Jewish wedding is a joyous and sacred occasion, filled with traditional rituals and customs that hold significant meaning for the couple and their community. While the length of the wedding can vary, it often spans over several days, with each part carefully planned and executed. One of the most important aspects of a Hasidic wedding is the wedding meal, which is a time for celebration, unity, and the coming together of two families.
In the Hasidic tradition, the wedding meal is more than just a celebration; it is a sacred event imbued with religious significance. The meal begins with the blessing of the bread, known as "Hamotzi," where the bride and groom, along with their parents, participate in a special blessing over two loaves of bread. This symbolizes the unity and blessing of the two families coming together. Following this, the meal is served, often consisting of multiple courses, with an abundance of food to signify prosperity and blessing.
The menu for a Hasidic wedding meal typically includes traditional Jewish dishes, with an emphasis on kosher cuisine. This means that all the food served adheres to Jewish dietary laws, ensuring that it is prepared and sourced according to strict religious guidelines. Some common dishes served at Hasidic wedding meals include challah (braided egg bread), gefilte fish (poached fish patties), kugel (a sweet or savory casserole), and brisket. The meal is often accompanied by kosher wine or other non-alcoholic beverages.
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The dancing
Dancing is a favourite pastime in Jewish communities and plays a role in religious observances. It is also an integral part of weddings.
The mitzvah tantz is a Hasidic custom where male guests dance before the bride on the wedding night, after the wedding feast. The bride usually stands still at one end of the room, holding one end of a long sash, while the person dancing in front of her holds the other end. The dancer prays silently for the couple's success in life. The groom and the bride's father are the only ones who dance with the bride herself.
In some communities, a handkerchief is held between dancers of the opposite sex, acting as a substitute for holding hands. In other communities, male and female dancers hold gloves, tablecloths, wedding dress trains, or belts.
The Tza'ad Temani, a form of dancing based on hopping in place, is also frequently incorporated into public dancing at Jewish weddings.
The Talmud declares that whoever gladdens the bridal couple is considered as if they had brought a sacrificial offering at the Temple in Jerusalem, or as if they had rebuilt one of the ruins of Jerusalem. According to Midrash, God and his angels served as exalted exponents of this mitzvah when they participated in the wedding celebration of Adam and Eve and caused the couple to rejoice.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of a Hasidic Jewish wedding can vary depending on the community and other factors. However, on average, a Hasidic Jewish wedding can last between 3 and 6 hours, and occasionally longer.
A Hasidic Jewish wedding typically consists of four main parts: Kabbalas Panim (a pre-ceremony reception), Chupa (the wedding ceremony), dinner, and dancing.
The Chupa is the actual wedding ceremony, which usually takes place outside under a chuppah (wedding canopy). It is a solemn event until the glass is broken, after which there is a joyous celebration. The Chupa usually lasts between 20 to 60 minutes.
