Lyla Dejesus
Music is an integral part of any wedding, and Jewish weddings are no exception. There are many songs to choose from, whether you're looking for a sentimental and traditional tune or something more upbeat and modern. From the popular musical Fiddler on the Roof, the song Sunrise, Sunset is often heard at Jewish weddings, even though it's not classified as traditional Jewish music. If you're looking for something more traditional, Siman Tov u'Mazal Tov is a popular recessional song, and Yerushalayim Shel Zahav (Jerusalem of Gold) is a beautiful Israeli folk song. For something more contemporary, My Life by Eden Ben Zaken is a great choice for a couple's first dance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recessional song for Ashkenazi Jewish weddings | Siman Tov |
| Recessional song | Siman Tov u’Mazal Tov |
| Recessional song | Od Yishama |
| Recessional song | Hevenu Shalom Aleichem |
| Processional or prelude song | Sunrise, Sunset |
| Chuppah entrance song | Eshet Chayil |
| Reception song | Hava Nagila |
| First dance song | My Life |
| Reception song | Al Kol Eleh |
| Processional song | Erev Shel Shoshanim |
| Israeli folk song | Yerushalayim Shel Zahav |
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What You'll Learn
'Siman Tov' and other traditional folk songs
Jewish wedding music varies, from traditional folk songs to more upbeat and modern music. The music can be chosen to suit the couple's preferences and the level of orthodoxy of the ceremony. One of the most popular traditional folk songs played at Jewish weddings is Siman Tov, which is often the recessional song for Ashkenazi Jewish weddings. The song's title translates to "good sign", indicating a good sign that the couple has been married, followed by "mazal tov", meaning "good luck".
Another popular folk song is "Jerusalem of Gold", which is often played in its original Hebrew lyrics and is known for its hauntingly beautiful melody. The song describes the Jewish people's longing to return to Jerusalem, making it a meaningful choice for Jewish weddings. "Sunrise, Sunset" from the musical "Fiddler on the Roof" is also commonly played at Jewish weddings, capturing the sentiment of parents witnessing their children's growth and marriage.
Other traditional folk songs include "Hava Nagila", a catchy and upbeat song that is sure to get guests on the dance floor. "My Life" by Eden Ben Zaken is a more modern Israeli folk song that serves as a beautiful love song for the couple's first dance. "Lecha Dodi", which refers to welcoming Shabbat as the bride, is also a fitting choice for the chuppah song.
Jewish wedding music extends beyond the ceremony, with songs like Siman Tov and "Oy atta hachayim sheli" being played during the reception to celebrate the newlyweds and encourage a joyful atmosphere.
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'Sunrise, Sunset' from Fiddler on the Roof
"Sunrise, Sunset" is a memorable song from the musical "Fiddler on the Roof", which won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1964. The musical is known for its emotional storytelling and hypnotic choruses. "Sunrise, Sunset" is often referred to as the "wedding song" and has been arranged by John Leavitt. The sheet music is available from Hal Leonard Corporation and can be purchased from Amazon.co.uk and Sheet Music Direct.
The song reflects on the cycle of life, with the lyrics portraying the passage of time from morning to night. It captures the bittersweet emotion of a parent witnessing their child's wedding day, feeling both joy and a sense of time's fleeting nature. The chorus, "Is this the little girl I carried? Is this the little boy at play?", poignantly expresses the wonder and nostalgia of this moment.
"Sunrise, Sunset" has become a beloved and well-known part of Jewish wedding traditions. Its universal theme of the passage of time and the cycle of life, set to a captivating and memorable melody, has made it a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions. The song's emotional impact resonates with people of all backgrounds, contributing to its enduring popularity.
The musical itself tells the story of a Jewish family in early 20th-century Russia and explores themes of tradition, family, and cultural change. "Fiddler on the Roof" has been acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and memorable music, with "Sunrise, Sunset" being one of its most recognised and cherished songs.
Overall, "Sunrise, Sunset" from "Fiddler on the Roof" has earned its place as a beloved and iconic Jewish wedding song. Its combination of a captivating melody and heartfelt lyrics has ensured its enduring popularity, making it a staple of wedding celebrations and a cherished part of Jewish cultural heritage.
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'Jerusalem of Gold' and other Israeli folk songs
"Jerusalem of Gold" is a popular Israeli folk song played at Jewish weddings. The song, when sung in its original Hebrew, tells of the Jewish people's longing to return to Jerusalem. It is often performed as an instrumental version during the bridal procession or sung by a loved one during the ceremony.
In addition to "Jerusalem of Gold", there are several other Israeli folk songs that are played at Jewish weddings. "Erev Shel Shoshanim" or "An Evening of Roses" is a classic at many Jewish weddings. "Ozi V'Zimrat Yah", a song based on several Biblical texts that profess God as the source of salvation, is another popular choice. It can be played in a variety of ways, including as a prayer or a folksy tune by a guitar trio.
Many Jewish wedding songs are steeped in tradition and are used to honour faith during the celebration. Verses from the "Song of Songs" are often sung at the chuppah, and the last blessing, "Asher Bara", is usually sung by the wedding guests. This song is a prayer for the couple's happiness and for the sound of celebration to be heard in the streets of Jerusalem.
Other notable Israeli folk songs played at Jewish weddings include "Hava Nagila", a catchy and upbeat song that is perfect for getting guests up and dancing, and "Nigun Atik", which is known for its accompanying Israeli folk dance, originally choreographed by Rivka Sturman in 1956. This dance includes clapping and dancing in a circle, a traditional element at Jewish weddings where guests dance around the newlyweds during the reception.
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'Hava Nagila' and other upbeat songs
Music is an integral part of any wedding, and Jewish weddings are no exception. One of the most popular Jewish wedding songs is "Hava Nagila", a catchy and upbeat song that is sure to get your guests up and dancing. The song, released in 2013, has earned its place as a favourite among Jewish wedding reception songs. The original version features clapping and dancing in a circle, but you can also play the remix with American Hasidic rapper Nissim Black.
Another beloved song is "Siman Tov u'Mazal Tov" ("Good Luck and Congratulations"), a quintessential recessional song for Ashkenazi Jewish weddings. The word "siman" means "sign", and "tov" means "good", so the song wishes the newlyweds a "good sign" for their marriage. The next line in the song is "mazal tov", meaning "good luck". "Khassen Kaleh" ("Mazal Tov") is a very close second in popularity, a fun klezmer tune with the same meaning but different lyrics: "Good luck to the happy couple".
If you're looking for something more modern, "My Life" by Eden Ben Zaken is a beautiful love song released in 2019. The lyrics talk about the happiness that comes with true love and the desire for it to last forever. For something more traditional, "Jerusalem of Gold", an Israeli folk song, is a hauntingly beautiful melody, especially when sung in its original Hebrew lyrics. It describes the Jewish people's longing to return to Jerusalem and is often played during the ceremony.
Lastly, "Sunrise, Sunset" from the musical "Fiddler on the Roof" is often heard at Jewish celebrations, even though it's not classified as traditional Jewish music. It's sung from the perspective of parents who reflect on their children's growth as they get married.
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![Hava Nagila [DVD] [2012] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kg6UJeSiL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
'My Life' by Eden Ben Zaken and other modern love songs
Music is an integral part of Jewish weddings, with songs ranging from traditional folk songs to modern love songs. "My Life" by Eden Ben Zaken is one such modern love song that has become a popular choice for Jewish weddings. The song, released in 2018, is about the happiness that comes with true love and the desire for it to last forever. With lyrics like "Oy you are my life/ I'm so happy I got you/ I'm lucky to have you by my side," it's a perfect choice for the couple's first dance or the end of the reception. The song's popularity is evident from its performance on music charts, spending 281 weeks and reaching the top spot on several occasions.
Ben Zaken, the singer of "My Life," rose to fame after her participation in X Factor Israel, where she finished as the runner-up. Her subsequent musical releases further solidified her success in the Israeli music industry. With her songs frequently appearing on popular charts and accumulating millions of views on YouTube, Ben Zaken has established herself as a prominent figure in Israeli music.
In addition to "My Life," there are several other modern love songs that have become popular choices for Jewish weddings. For instance, couples often opt for modern twists on traditional Israeli folk songs, such as setting the lyrics of "Jerusalem of Gold" to the tune of "All of Me" by John Legend or "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran. These contemporary adaptations add a unique touch to the wedding celebrations while still honoring the cultural significance of the original folk songs.
Another popular choice for Jewish weddings is "Sunrise, Sunset" from the musical "Fiddler on the Roof." Although not traditionally classified as Jewish music, the song is often heard at Jewish celebrations. It captures the sentiment of parents witnessing their children's growth and marriage, making it a heartfelt addition to the wedding ceremony or processional.
Lastly, "Hava Nagila" is an upbeat and catchy song that is sure to get guests on the dance floor. Released in 2013, it has earned a place among the favorite Jewish wedding reception songs. Couples can choose to play the original version or the remix featuring American Hasidic rapper Nissim Black, adding a modern twist to their special day. These examples showcase the diverse range of modern love songs that are now woven into the fabric of Jewish wedding traditions.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many popular Jewish songs played at weddings, including "Siman Tov u'Mazal Tov" ("Good Luck and Congratulations"), "Od Yishama" ("It Will Be Heard"), "Hevenu Shalom Aleichem" ("We Brought You Peace"), "Erev Shel Shoshanim" ("Evening of Roses"), "Yerushalayim Shel Zahav" ("Jerusalem of Gold"), "Sunrise, Sunset" from the musical "Fiddler on the Roof", and "Hava Nagila".
"Siman Tov u'Mazal Tov" is a popular choice for the recessional at Jewish weddings, as it signifies "good luck and congratulations". Another option is "Siman Tov", a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish folk song that celebrates a "good sign" of marriage and wishes "good luck".
Yes, it is generally recommended to avoid Richard Wagner's "Wedding March" ("Here Comes the Bride"), due to the composer's known anti-Semitic views.
It is important to select music that best reflects the couple and their shared love. If the wedding is held in a synagogue, certain songs may not be appropriate. Some couples may also choose to include traditional instrumental songs or sung Jewish hymns during the ceremony.
