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?Kiddushin? as it is called in Jewish wedding means holiness. In the
Jewish wedding , Tuesday is the most pious day for the wedding. On the
day of the wedding, fast is observed by the bride and groom. ?Yorn
kippur viddui? confessional prayers are recited privately by the
couple. It is done to forget the past and start a new life ahead.
After this Badeken tradition is held, in which girl and boy find an
opportunity to have a glimpse of each other. On this occasion friends, relatives
and family members accompany them. It takes place before the commencement of
marriage. Jewish wedding provides a unique opportunity to witness a blend of
various rituals that have been practiced since ages.
?Rabbi? is a person who has to perform the marriage ceremonies. He checks the
?huppah?, it is a canopy under which marriage ceremony is to be performed. He
makes sure that there are two Kiddush cups and wine present. The bridesmaids,
ushers, man of honor and close relatives stand under the canopy.
The man and woman enter the venue from different passages. They are usually
accompanied by their families. The groom and his relatives are first to enter
whereas the bride with her parents are last one to enter the place. Boy and girl
stand facing each other face to face. The ?huppah? represents new home for the
couple. The Rabbi recites his blessing on the cup of wine and asks the couple to
take a sip. Boy and girl take a sip from the wine. After this rings are
exchanged between them.
It is followed by reading of Kitubah. It is a marriage contract which is
written beforehand. It is signed by two witnesses who are party to the marriage.
This document is a proof of the validity of marriage. It has a clear mention of
the dowry. The amount of alimony is also written in it which is to be given in
case of divorce. The Kitubah is handed over to the bridegroom whom he further
gives to the bride for keeping.
This completes the marriage. After this, ?Sheva Berakhot? ceremony is held.
Seven blessings are read over a cup of wine. All the relatives and friends come
together and give blessing to the newly wed couples. It is customary to keep an
empty glass under the feet of bridegroom. He has to break this glass as a
reminder of the destruction of a temple in Jeruselum.
After this, groom kisses his wife. They are showered with love and affection
from the whole gathering.
Reception party which is held after the wedding is another big attraction of
the Jewish wedding . A feast is organized where the guests take their meals
together. Various mouth watering Jewish dishes are served. Meat is the very
important part of main course. Various grilled and baked items are served as
snacks.
The wine constitutes a special place in Jewish wedding . Dance and music
reflects the joyous mood of the people who are the part of the wedding. In the
reception, the couple is made to sit in center and boys and girls form a circle
around them and dance. The crowd also ushers and gives their participation in
the joyous moments.
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