Wedding Symbols
What does the chuppah symbolize?
The couple's new home
Who did Isaac marry in the Torah?
Rebecca
What kind of music is often played at Ashkenazi weddings?
Klezmer
What is the henna ceremony, and what does it symbolize?
A pre-wedding celebration to bring good luck and protection to the couple.
What do guests traditionally do to celebrate during the wedding ceremony?
Dance and Sing
What is the purpose of the Kiddush cup at a wedding?
To sanctify the wedding and represent joy
In which Torah story does the bedeken (veiling ceremony) find its inspiration?
Jacob and Rachel/Leah
What is the name of the circle dance often performed at Ashkenazi weddings?
The hora
What type of music is commonly played at Sephardi and Mizrahi weddings?
Middle Eastern drumming and piyyutim.
What is the Hebrew phrase for “congratulations” often used at weddings?
Mazel Tov!
What does the breaking of the glass remind us of?
The destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem
What did Eliezer give Rebecca to confirm she was the right bride for Isaac?
Jewelry, specifically bracelets and a nose ring.
What do Ashkenazi grooms traditionally do during the bedeken?
Place a veil over the bride to ensure it is the right person.
What is a ketubah, and how do Sephardi and Mizrahi communities often make theirs unique?
A marriage contract, often beautifully decorated with intricate designs in Sephardi and Mizrahi traditions
What type of dessert might be served at Jewish weddings, regardless of cultural background?
Rugelach, baklava, honey cake
Why is the wedding ring a perfect circle?
It symbolizes unity and eternity
Which Torah wedding story is associated with kindness and partnership?
Ruth and Boaz
What is shouted by guests after the breaking of the glass?
Mazel Tov
In many Sephardi and Mizrahi communities, what is broken instead of a glass?
A ceramic plate
What is the role of the community in a Jewish wedding?
To celebrate with the couple and support them in building their new life
What kind of spices are often used in Sephardi and Mizrahi weddings?
Cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom
What lesson do we learn from Rebecca’s willingness to leave her family and marry Isaac?
The importance of mutual consent in marriage
Which traditional Ashkenazi dish is commonly served at wedding celebrations?
Kugel
What spices might be burned or presented as part of the blessings in Sephardi and Mizrahi weddings?
Myrrh or frankincense
Why do Jewish weddings traditionally take place under the open sky?
To symbolize the couple’s connection to God and the blessings of heaven.