Rhiannon Hendricks
At Jewish weddings, the groom (or sometimes the couple) traditionally breaks a glass wrapped in a cloth napkin or towel at the end of the ceremony. This ritual is said to symbolise the fragility of human relationships, with the implied prayer being: As this glass shatters, so may your marriage never break. The glass is usually wrapped in a thick cloth to prevent injury and to ensure that no shards are spread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Pillowcase or a pocket that is wrapped in fabric and tied closed |
| Fabric | Thick fabric is better for capturing shards, but satin is also used |
| Size | Slightly bigger than the glass |
| Glass | Cheap glass, fancy glass, lightbulb, or Christmas ball |
| Interpretations | A reminder of the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a reminder of the permanence of marriage, a symbol of the fragility of life and human relationships, a symbol of the notion that "sweetness can only exist alongside bitterness", a symbol of hope for a future free from violence |
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What You'll Learn
Bag design
The bag for the glass at a Jewish wedding should be made of thick fabric to capture the shards when the glass is broken. The bag should be slightly bigger than the glass to allow for easy removal and stomping. The bag can be in the shape of a basic "pillowcase" or a pocket that is wrapped in another layer of fabric and tied closed. The bag is usually covered in a cloth or napkin to avoid injury.
The bag can be decorated, but it is not necessary as only the bride and groom will see it up close. The colour of the bag can be chosen to match the wedding colours or the couple's favourite colours. The bag can also be personalised with the couple's names, the wedding date, or a meaningful quote such as "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" from the Song of Solomon in Hebrew: "Ani l'dodi v'dodi li."
The bag can also be made from environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton or linen. It can be embroidered with the couple's initials or a Jewish symbol such as the Star of David. The bag can be tied with a ribbon or cord that matches the colour of the fabric.
Some couples may prefer to have a more elaborate bag with embellishments such as beads, sequins, or lace. The bag can also be made from a luxurious fabric such as silk or velvet. It can be lined with a soft fabric such as satin or cotton to protect the glass. The bag can be decorated with Jewish symbols such as the menorah or the Tree of Life.
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Glass type
The type of glass used in Jewish wedding ceremonies is entirely up to the couple. It can be old, new, borrowed, or blue. The glass is usually wrapped in a cloth or napkin to prevent injury. A heavy cloth napkin is standard, but you can also use a satin or velvet pouch or bag. Some couples also use a lightbulb wrapped in a linen napkin for a louder pop.
After the glass is smashed, some couples choose to have something made from the shards, such as a mosaic or a decorative piece to display in their home. Others may put the glass shards into shabbos candlesticks or a mezuzah case.
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Wrapping the glass
There are a few different options for the type of bag or wrapping that can be used. One option is to use a basic "pillowcase" shape, where the glass is placed inside and the fabric is tied closed. Another option is to put the glass into a pocket, and then wrap and tie a layer of fabric around it. A thicker fabric is generally recommended to better capture the shards of glass.
The bag or wrapping can be made slightly bigger to accommodate the glass, and it can be decorated if desired. However, it is worth noting that the groom will step on the bag forcefully, so decorations may not be worthwhile. The colour and material of the bag or wrapping can also be chosen to match the wedding theme or the couple's preferences.
Some couples may prefer to use a light bulb instead of a glass, as it is easier to break and can be more convenient, especially if the wedding is outdoors. In this case, the light bulb can be placed in a plastic bag and then wrapped in a napkin.
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Breaking the glass
The breaking of the glass is a well-known tradition in Jewish weddings. It is said to be a symbol of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, reminding us of sadness even during the happiest of occasions. The act of breaking the glass also commemorates the fall of one's own soul, as it is believed that before birth, one soul was split into two parts, male and female. Thus, the rejoining of these souls is a joyous occasion, giving the connection between two people depth and meaning.
The glass is usually wrapped in a thick napkin, towel, or cloth, or silver foil and placed in a paper bag to prevent shards from spreading. Some sources suggest using a bag with a pillowcase shape, or one that has a pocket to put the glass in, which can then be wrapped in fabric and tied closed. The bag is slightly bigger than the glass and is made of thick fabric to capture the shards. The bag is a present to be saved and not something that is usually decorated.
After the wedding, some couples choose to have something made from the broken glass, such as a mosaic or a piece of art to be displayed in their home. Some couples put the glass shards into shabbos candlesticks as decoration.
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What to do with the shards
Smashing a glass is one of the best-known features of Jewish weddings. The tradition dates back to the writing of the Talmud, where it symbolised the idea that even at the height of personal joy, we recall the pain and losses suffered by the Jewish people. The glass is usually wrapped in a thick napkin or towel before being broken.
So, what do you do with the shards of glass? Many couples choose to have something made from them, such as a mosaic in a frame, a picture frame, or a mezuzah case. Some couples opt to put the shards in shabbos candlesticks as decoration. You can also put the shards in a pouch as a souvenir, or get them made into a piece of wall art. There are many artists who will work with you to turn the shards into a memento.
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Frequently asked questions
The bag can be made of cloth, satin or a thick fabric. The most common shapes are a basic "pillowcase" or a pocket that is wrapped in fabric and tied closed.
There are multiple interpretations of the glass-breaking ritual. One interpretation is that it is a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Another interpretation is that it symbolises the fragility of human relationships and life.
You can use a regular glass, a lightbulb, or a Christmas ball. Some couples prefer to buy special glasses from Judaica stores, which come in pretty pouches.
After the glass is broken, the guests typically shout "Mazel Tov!", which means "Congratulations" or "Good Luck" in Hebrew. This is followed by the singing of "Siman Tov u'Mazel Tov".
There is no set tradition for what to do with the broken glass shards. Some people choose to dispose of them, while others may incorporate them into artwork or jewellery, such as mezuzah cases or candlesticks.
