A new beginning when two become one:
Jewish Law requires little in the way of official ceremonies, and doesn't even require the presence of a rabbi or other clergyman at a wedding. Rather Jewish Law requires only that two witnesses who meet certain criteria be present.
The wedding ceremony itself often takes places outdoors under a chuppah (bridal canopy), usually a cloth covering held aloft by four poles, which symbolizes the home the couple builds together. The tradition of being married under the open sky says that "our home is subject to nature" and stresses the couple's faith in G-d's protection.
The bride is the last to join the wedding party under the chuppah. As she does, she walks in a circle around the groom seven times (G-d’s perfect number).
The groom is now the center of her world and she is the center of his.
If they choose to have a rabbi there, the rabbi then recites the blessing over the wine and a (prenuptial blessing), after which the bride and groom drink from the wine.
There is no actual exchange of vows in a traditional Jewish ceremony; the covenant is said to be implicit in the ritual. Only the groom speaks his vows, the marriage vow is customarily sealed when the groom places a ring on his bride's finger and says:
"Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the Laws of Moses.
With this ring, you are made holy to me, for I love you as my soul. You are now my wife.” The groom opens his prayer shawl by extending his arm around his wife, letting her know he is her covering, provider, and protector.
She is now set aside for him, and he for her.
Variations may now apply like doing the Salt Covent.
If not the Rabbi, or seven people present, says the seven blessings over them:
The seven wedding blessings
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, creator of the fruit of the grapevine.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created all things for His glory.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created humanity.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created man in His image, in the image set forth by His plan, and who prepared from Himself a helpmeet to last for all time. Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, Creator of humanity.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, who rejoices in His children.
May You grant great joy to these dearly beloved, just as You granted happiness to the work of Your hands long ago in the Garden of Eden. Blessed art thou, L-rd our
G-d, who grants joy to the bridegroom and bride.
Blessed art thou, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created bridegroom and bride, rejoicing in song, love and harmony, peace and fellowship. Soon, O L-rd our
G-d, may there be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, a sound of gladness, a sound of joy, as the sound of the Bridegroom coming for His own bride. Blessed are You, O G-d, who grants joy to this bridegroom with his bride.
Following the reading, the couple drinks a second cup of wine. The groom then smashes a glass, wrapped in a cloth, signifying the convent between them is completed.
They are greeted by a chorus of "Mazel Tovs" (Congratulations’!)
Tradition states that the bride and groom are to be alone for seven days; to become one before the man has to return to his trade.
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