Shattered Glass: Jewish Wedding Tradition

Breaking a glass is a well-known tradition at Jewish weddings. The act is steeped in history and has a multitude of symbolic interpretations. The glass is usually wrapped in a cloth or napkin and placed on the floor for the groom to break, though sometimes the couple will break one or two glasses together. This moment is considered the official start of the couple's married life and is followed by a communal Mazel tov! (good fortune or congratulations in Yiddish).

The destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem

The breaking of the glass at a Jewish wedding is a well-known tradition. It is done to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which was a pivotal symbol of Jewish identity and central to Second Temple Judaism. The Temple was destroyed in 70 CE during the First Jewish-Roman War. The Roman army, led by future emperor Titus, besieged Jerusalem, the centre of Jewish rebel resistance in the Roman province of Judaea. The Romans destroyed the city and the Second Jewish Temple, which stood on the site of what is now the Dome of the Rock.

The destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple marked a significant turning point in Jewish history. The loss of the Second Temple led to the development of Rabbinic Judaism, which is now the mainstream form of Jewish religious practices globally. The fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the city and its temple were commemorated by the building of two triumphal arches in Rome: the Arch of Titus and a second, lesser-known arch constructed at the southeast entrance to the Circus Maximus.

The Second Temple was constructed in the aftermath of the Persian conquest of Babylon. The Second Temple's predecessor, known as Solomon's Temple, had been destroyed alongside the Kingdom of Judah by the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem around 587 BCE. After the Neo-Babylonian Empire was annexed by the Achaemenid Empire, the Persian king Cyrus the Great issued an edict authorising and encouraging the return to Zion. This edict is described in the Hebrew Bible as the Edict of Cyrus. The completion of the Second Temple signified a period of renewed Jewish hope and religious revival.

The Second Temple was a grand and imposing structure with a large courtyard. It stood on the Temple Mount, which doubled in size during the reign of Herod the Great to become the ancient world's largest religious sanctuary. The Temple Mount complex initially measured 7 hectares (17 acres), but Herod expanded it to 14.4 hectares (36 acres). The Temple itself was 60 cubits in both width and height and was constructed with stone and lumber.

The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE brought about a cataclysmic and transformative change in Jewish history. The Temple was the chief place of worship, ritual sacrifice, and communal gathering for Jews. It attracted Jewish pilgrims from distant lands during the Three Pilgrimage Festivals: Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. The loss of the Second Temple and the subsequent reshaping of Jewish culture led to the decline of Judaism's Temple-based sects, including the priesthood and the Sadducees.

The fragility of life and love

The tradition of breaking a glass at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony is a symbolic act with a rich history and significance. The custom, which dates back to the writing of the Talmud, is said to have several interpretations and meanings.

The fragility of the glass is thought to symbolise the frailty of human life and relationships. The glass is broken as if to say, "As this glass shatters, so may our marriage never break". The couple is reminded that their marriage is fragile and should be treated with care and that their love, like glass, is fragile and must be protected.

The breaking of the glass also symbolises the end of the couple's carefree days as single individuals and the beginning of their new life as a married couple. Their lives will be forever changed, and they will be faced with new challenges and responsibilities. The glass can never be put back together, just as life is unpredictable and can never be undone. This act reminds the couple of the importance of cherishing their time together and preserving the unity of their family.

The sound of the breaking glass is also said to frighten away evil spirits that might spoil the joyous occasion with their mischief. It is a time-honoured method for appeasing demons that are attracted to happy and fortunate people.

The end of carefree days

The breaking of the glass at a Jewish wedding is steeped in symbolism and tradition. It is a memorable moment, rich with history and significance. But what does it mean?

One interpretation of this tradition is that it marks the end of the couple's carefree days as single individuals. From that moment on, their lives will change forever as they embark on their new life as a married couple. They will face new challenges and responsibilities, and their relationship will be tested in ways it hasn't been before. The breaking of the glass is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment together. It is also a reminder that their marriage is not just about happiness and joy but also about overcoming adversity and dealing with life's difficulties.

The fragility of the glass suggests the frailty of human relationships. The act of breaking it serves as an incantation: "As this glass shatters, so may our marriage never break." By breaking the glass, the couple is symbolically transferring any potential cracks in their relationship onto the glass, ensuring that their own bond remains seamless and strong.

The breaking of the glass also has a practical purpose. It serves as a signal to the guests that the ceremony has ended and the celebration can begin. In large weddings, it can be difficult to hear the rabbi's announcement, so the sound of breaking glass alerts guests that the formal part of the wedding is over.

The reality of life's difficulties

The tradition is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, and it serves as a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a significant event in Jewish history. This event marked the beginning of the Jewish people's exile to Babylonia and was seen as a major tragedy for the community. By breaking the glass, the couple is reminded of life's fragility and the importance of cherishing every moment together, as their lives will be forever changed.

The sound of breaking glass is also thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the newlyweds. It symbolises the release of the sexual union, which is now permitted and expected of the married couple. The loud noise marks the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the celebration.

The breaking of the glass is a memorable and meaningful moment, rich in symbolism and history. It serves as a reminder of the reality of life's difficulties and the importance of treasuring the moments of joy.

The fall of Jerusalem

On Tisha B'Av, 70 CE (August 30), Roman forces overwhelmed the defenders, set fire to the Second Temple, and eventually took control of the upper and lower parts of the city. The city was burned to the ground, resulting in significant loss of life, with many people killed, enslaved, or displaced. The Romans spared only the three towers of the Herodian citadel, which stood as a testament to the city's former might.

The destruction of Jerusalem was commemorated and celebrated by the Romans through various means, including a triumphal parade in Rome, the construction of triumphal arches, and the display of looted treasures from the Temple.

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