Lyla Dejesus
The breaking of the glass is a well-known tradition at Jewish weddings. The act symbolises the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the fragility of human relationships. It is also said to frighten away evil spirits. But what happens to the broken glass after the wedding? Many couples choose to turn the shards into a memento, such as a mezuzah, a picture frame, or a bowl. Others simply keep the shards in a pouch or bag as a souvenir.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for breaking the glass | To commemorate the destruction faced by Jewish people over the past two thousand years, to seal the marriage, to symbolise the breaking down of barriers between people of different cultures and faiths, to frighten away evil spirits, to remind that love is fragile and must be protected |
| What to do with the broken glass | Put it in a mezuzah case, turn it into a mosaic, a bowl, a picture frame, a sculpture, a kiddush cup, candlesticks, a paperweight, a decorative piece, a functional Judaica item, a memento |
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What You'll Learn
Make a mezuzah
The tradition of breaking glass at a Jewish wedding is a time-honored one, symbolizing the reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The broken glass is often cherished and put on display as a memento of the special day. One way to do this is by making a mezuzah, a traditional Jewish ornament, with the broken shards of glass.
A mezuzah is a decorative case that is usually affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes. It holds a parchment that reads the Shema, a prayer from the Torah. The mezuzah is a symbol of God's presence and is believed to protect the home and its inhabitants.
To make a mezuzah with your broken wedding glass, you can either purchase a kit or DIY the process. If you choose to purchase a kit, Talia C. offers Jewish wedding glass-breaking kits that include a glass in the color of your choice and a pouch to smash it in. After the wedding, you send the shards back to be transformed into a mezuzah. You can also opt to have your names and wedding date added to the mezuzah.
If you prefer to DIY, you will need to source the individual components separately. These include a case mold, resin, and a gold or brass Shin to affix to the front. You can also find kosher scrolls online to place inside the mezuzah. This option may be more cost-effective, but it requires more time and effort to source all the necessary materials.
Whether you choose to purchase a kit or DIY, a mezuzah made with your broken wedding glass will be a beautiful and meaningful reminder of your special day.
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Create a mosaic
Creating a mosaic from the shards of a broken glass from a Jewish wedding is a beautiful way to commemorate the special day. The tradition of breaking the glass at a Jewish wedding dates back to the Middle Ages and carries symbolic significance, reminding us of the fragility of human relationships and the need to recall pain and loss amidst joy. Here are some steps and ideas to create a mosaic from these meaningful shards:
Planning Your Mosaic Design:
- Choose a Base: Decide on a base for your mosaic. This could be a glass surface, drywall, plywood, or a wood board. Consider whether you want to hang your mosaic on a wall or place it on a table or mantel.
- Design Inspiration: Think about the design you want to create. It can be abstract or representational, such as a picture or pattern. You can find inspiration online or collaborate with an artist who can bring your vision to life.
- Gather Materials: Collect the broken glass shards from your wedding and any additional materials you may need, such as other types of glass, shells, stones, beads, or even cut-up credit cards for added colour and texture.
Creating Your Mosaic:
- Prepare the Shards: Sort through the glass shards and decide which ones you want to use. You can further break down larger pieces with a hammer or use pliers to cut or nip smaller pieces. Be sure to wear rubber gloves for safety.
- Smooth Sharp Edges: If some pieces have sharp edges, use emery cloth or a diamond file to smooth them, especially if your mosaic will be handled or touched frequently.
- Adhere the Shards: Arrange the shards on your base and adhere them with a suitable adhesive. Silicone or clear-drying glues like Ge Silicone 2 work well and can be applied with a plastic bag like a piping bag for more precision.
- Grouting: After the adhesive has dried, apply grout to fill in the spaces between the shards. This will give your mosaic a cohesive and polished look.
- Finishing Touches: Once the grout has dried, use fine steel wool to buff away any excess grout or residue from the surface of the glass. Sign and date your mosaic if desired.
Displaying Your Mosaic:
- Framing: Consider framing your mosaic, especially if it will be hung on a wall. This can enhance the overall presentation and protect the piece.
- Lighting: If your mosaic incorporates clear or coloured glass, display it in a well-lit area or near a window to allow light to shine through and create a sparkling effect.
- Placement: Place your mosaic in a prominent location in your home, such as above the fireplace, in the hallway, or on a mantel, where you and your guests can admire it daily.
Creating a mosaic from your broken wedding glass is a unique and meaningful way to preserve a cherished memory. Whether you decide to DIY or collaborate with an artist, the process of transforming shards into a work of art reflects the beauty of turning brokenness into something whole and new.
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Put in candlesticks
The tradition of breaking glass at a Jewish wedding has been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The broken glass shards are often saved and put into a piece of Judaica as a memento of the wedding ceremony. One option for this is to put the shards into candlesticks.
There are types of Shabbos candlesticks that can hold the broken glass shards as decoration. For example, ModernTribe sells round wedding shard candle holders by Joy Stember. However, there are cheaper versions available. One person who purchased these candlesticks commented that they loved them dearly, although they noted that if you have multicoloured stomping glass, the colour array is lost a bit in this design.
Gary Rosenthal also has a large selection of candlesticks that can carry wedding glass shards. These can be purchased on JewishGiftPlace.com.
If you are looking for a DIY option, you could make your own candlesticks. You could also put the glass shards into a mezuzah case, either buying one or making your own.
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Turn into a bowl
Turning the shards of broken glass from a Jewish wedding into a bowl is a wonderful way to preserve a memento of the special day. The tradition of breaking the glass at a Jewish wedding is steeped in symbolism, commemorating the destruction faced by Jewish people and serving as a reminder that even in moments of great joy, there is sorrow in the world. By transforming the broken glass into a bowl, the couple can incorporate this meaningful reminder into their daily lives.
To turn the broken glass into a bowl, one can either engage the services of a professional artisan or attempt a DIY project. If opting for the former, there are artists who showcase their work online and offer to create decorative pieces from the shards of wedding glass. Couples can collaborate with these artists to design a unique bowl that reflects their style and preferences. This option ensures a professional finish and a durable piece of art.
For those who enjoy crafting and are inclined towards a DIY approach, there are kits available on sites like Etsy that provide the necessary materials to create a glass bowl. These kits typically include a case mold, resin, and decorative elements to affix to the front, such as a gold or brass accent. With careful handling and attention to safety, couples can attempt to make their own bowls, adding a personal touch to the creation.
When working with broken glass, it is crucial to prioritize safety. The sharp shards can pose a risk of injury, so it is recommended to wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection. Additionally, it is important to handle the glass pieces with care to avoid further breakage or injury. The final bowl, crafted with the couple's chosen method, can then be displayed in their home, serving as a conversation piece and a reminder of their wedding day.
Transforming the broken glass into a bowl is a creative way to commemorate the special day and the rich traditions of Jewish culture. Whether crafted by a professional artist or made by the couple themselves, the bowl becomes a functional piece of art, blending beauty and symbolism seamlessly into the couple's new life together.
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Make a picture frame
Smashing a glass at a Jewish wedding is a long-standing tradition. The broken glass from a Jewish wedding holds a lot of significance and is often cherished by the couple. Many couples choose to have something made from their glass, such as a mosaic in a frame or a decorative piece of art.
If you are looking to make a picture frame using the broken glass from a Jewish wedding, here are some steps and tips to guide you through the process:
Firstly, ensure that you are careful when handling the broken glass. Collect all the shards and place them in a cardboard box or a similar safe container. You can then begin to plan the design of your picture frame. Decide whether you want to create a simple frame or a more intricate design, such as a mosaic. If you opt for a mosaic, you can spray paint one side of the glass shards to create a unique effect.
Next, you will need to source a suitable frame. You can either purchase a new frame or upcycle an old one. If you choose to buy a new frame, select one that is slightly larger than your desired picture size to accommodate the glass shards. Alternatively, you can give a new lease of life to an old frame by refinishing or painting it.
When you are ready to assemble the frame, carefully measure the opening where the glass will sit. This step is crucial, as an inaccurate measurement can result in the glass not fitting properly. If your frame has a cardboard insert, measure the insert directly. If the frame is irregularly shaped, create a paper template to ensure an accurate fit.
Once you have your measurements, cut a piece of cardboard or thick paper to fit the back of the frame. This will serve as the backing for your glass shards. Carefully arrange the shards on the backing, playing with different compositions until you find one that you like. You can attach the shards to the backing using a strong adhesive or resin, being mindful of the sharp edges.
Finally, once the adhesive has dried, place the completed mosaic into the frame and secure it in place. Your picture frame is now ready to be displayed or gifted!
By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and meaningful picture frame using the broken glass from a Jewish wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
Breaking glass at a Jewish wedding symbolises the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the subsequent suffering of the Jewish people. It is a reminder that even in moments of great joy, there is still pain in the world. The fragility of the glass also represents the frailty of human relationships and the promise that "as this glass shatters, so may your marriage never break".
Many couples choose to turn the shards of glass into a memento or piece of art to display in their home. This could be a mezuzah, a kiddush cup, a picture frame, or a decorative bowl. Some couples also opt to keep the shards in a pouch as a souvenir.
Any type of glass can be used for a Jewish wedding, including old, new, borrowed, or blue glass. It is common to use a cheap wine glass, a lightbulb, or a colourful glass specifically chosen to be made into a memento. The glass should be well-wrapped in a cloth, napkin, or pouch to prevent injury when smashed.
After the glass is broken, everyone traditionally shouts "Mazel Tov" or "Mazal Tov", which means good luck. This is followed by clapping and celebration as the marriage is sealed.
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