Traditions and Customs For Your Kauai Jewish Wedding

The Ketubah Signing

The Jewish marriage contract or Ketubah proscribes the marriage responsibilities (traditionally of the grom to the bride). Ketubahs are part of traditional Jewish civil law rather than actually being religious documents. The Ketubah will be signed by the couple and two witnesses prior to the wedding ceremony. It can also be read to the guests during the ceremony itself.

Bride’s Bedeken

At the Ketubah signing, the groom traditionally approaches and then veils the bride’s face as a way to indicate that 1) the love is about inner beautify and 2) that the two remain as distinct individuals even following their marriage. Even when there is no veil, Bedecken takes place because it is that time when parents offer blessings.

The Procession to the Chuppah

In Jewish wedding ceremonies, there is a unique processional and recessional. Traditionally the groom’s parents will accompany the groom to the Chuppah, followed by the bride and her parents. All parents may be invited to remain under the Chuppah for the wedding. In Jewish tradition, the groom and parents are on the left side, while the bridge and family are on the right side.

The Chuppah symbolizes the new home which the bride and groom will make together, as indicated by the four corners. The posts may be stationary or they can be held by friends or family members throughout the ceremony. That indicates the support for the couple. A sentimental Tallit may be part of the Chuppah.

In Hawaii, beach weddings cannot have a Chuppah in the ground, so of necessity, it will be held.

Circling

Circling has multiple traditions. Traditionally the bride circles the groom seven times. In reform tradition, circling is shared between the wedding couple. That is to create a protective sphere around each other and creates the sense of a new family circle.

The Ring Exchange

There are options here. The ring can be placed directly on each other’s left ring finger. Alternatively, the rings can initially be placed on the right forefinger because that finger’s vein goes right to one’s heart. Each person then moves their wedding to its final position as part of the ceremony.

Sheva B'rachot: The Seven Blessings

The seven blessings emanate from ancient Jewish teachings. They are traditionally read both in English and in Hebrew. These blessings are focused on the power of love, and on celebration and joy.

The Sheva B’rachot begins with the blessing over wine, then includes other blessings, progressively building to the couple rejoicing together.

Breaking The Glass

At the conclusion of the Kauai Jewish wedding ceremony, the wedding couple is invited to step on a glass inside a velvet pouch to break it. The glass-breaking may represent the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the sorrow and joy which the marriage holds, and as a symbol of commitment to stand together through good and bad.

The bag with the shards of glass can then be incorporated as a remembrance of the wedding day, such as into a glass Mezuzah.

Mazel Tov!

After the glass is shattered, the shout of "Mazel tov!" is heard.