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Marriage is considered a sacred covenant that establishes a faithful partnership and a Jewish home grounded in holiness and responsibility. Jewish teaching understands marriage as part of God’s plan for humanity, rooted in the creation narrative where
“It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18).
The model of husband and wife becoming “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24) provides the Torah foundation for Jewish marriage.
Betrothal (Kiddushin)
Historically, betrothal marked the beginning of the marriage process and typically lasted about twelve months before the wedding ceremony. Kiddushin establishes a legal bond between the couple and reflects the Torah instruction that marriage involves a formal act of acquisition and commitment.
In some Orthodox communities, the couple avoid seeing one another during the week before the wedding to heighten the sense of sanctity and reflect on the seriousness of the commitment they are about to make - a value rooted in the principle of preparing oneself for a holy act.
Wedding Setting and Timing
Jewish weddings may take place in a synagogue or in any appropriate venue, such as a hotel or community hall. They cannot occur on Shabbat or major Jewish festivals, since marriage involves legal and celebratory acts that are not performed on days set aside for rest.
This flexibility allows couples from all branches of Judaism to plan a wedding that suits their community while remaining rooted in tradition.
Key Elements of the Wedding Ceremony
Fasting and Preparation
The bride and groom often fast on the day of the wedding to cleanse themselves spiritually. This reflects the idea that the wedding day is like a personal Yom Kippur, drawing on themes of repentance found in Leviticus 16 and the call to purity before sacred moments.
The Chuppah
The ceremony occurs under a chuppah, symbolising the shared home the couple will create. Its open sides reflect the hospitality shown by Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18:1–8), who welcomed strangers with generosity—a model of the Jewish home.
Exchange of Rings
In Orthodox Judaism, the groom gives the bride a ring to seal the marriage. This follows the principle of kinyan (formal acquisition). In Reform communities, both partners exchange rings to express mutuality and equality, while still honouring the symbolism of commitment.
The Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot)
The Seven Blessings, recited over wine, praise God for creation, joy, companionship, and the holiness of marriage. Several of the themes draw on creation passages such as Genesis 1–2, emphasising that human partnership is part of God’s design.
Signing the Ketubah
The couple sign a ketubah, a marriage contract outlining responsibilities and obligations. While the ketubah itself arises from rabbinic law, its roots lie in Torah teachings protecting women’s rights within marriage - for example:
“If a man who has married a slave wife takes another wife for himself, he must not neglect the rights of the first wife to food, clothing, and sexual intimacy. If he fails in any of these three obligations, she may leave as a free woman without making any payment. (Exodus 21)
Breaking the Glass
After sharing wine, the groom - sometimes joined by the bride - breaks a glass. This act recalls the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (Psalm 137) and serves as a reminder that even at moments of greatest joy, Jews remember national sorrow and the fragility of life.
Yichud and Celebration
Following the ceremony, the couple spend a brief time alone in a private room (yichud), symbolising the beginning of their shared life as a married unit. This echoes the Torah model in Genesis, where leaving one’s family and becoming “one flesh” marks the creation of the new household.
... a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. (Genesis 2)
A celebratory reception follows, and in many Orthodox communities, celebrations before the ceremony are held separately for men and women.