Jewish Wedding
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
According to Bible, marriage means companionship and procreation. In ancient time Jewish weddings were arranged by parent even the bride’s permission was important. According to Jewish tradition, weddings can occur any day except the Jewish festivals, the “sefirah” period, Shavuot and Passover, the Sabbath and 3 weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av. Almost a bride wears white and a headdress & veil. Some Jews wear elaborate costumes. Groom’s wedding dress is “kitel” with a tallit.
The groom has to undertake an act of “kinyan” in presence of witnesses. Kinyan stands the obligations of the Ketubah. This ritual is done by taking a handkerchief, lifts it and returns it. After this groom as well as witnesses signs the Ketubah (marriage contract). A wedding ring is placed by the groom to bride on her forefinger of the right hand and then recites the marriage formula. Thus Jewish wedding is celebrated with pomp and show.