When Adam first looked upon Eve he said “This one at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” The Torah then teaches us that “a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, so that they become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:23,24) From these two verses we learn that marriage is a sacred institution. Though we are all complete human beings, marriage brings about a second completion. Two people are united as one.

Though the Torah prescribes marriage as an institution, it does not describe a marriage ceremony. Over the last 2,000 years a traditional Jewish marriage ceremony has developed. However, there is a lot of room for adaptations based on custom and preference.

The traditional wedding ceremony consists of two parts. Today both ceremonies take place under the chupah (wedding canopy). The first part is called kiddushin (sanctification) or erusin (betrothal). In this ceremony, each spouse is sanctified or set aside for the other. This sanctification is achieved through an exchange of rings. In between the two parts, the ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) is read. In ancient times, the ketubah protected woman from some of the hazards of a patriarchal society. Today, the ketubah symbolizes many things including a pledge from both bride and groom to take of their mutual material needs.

After the ketubah is read, we perform the second part called nisuin (raising up). This part of the ceremony involves the reciting of the sheva berachot, seven blessings thanking God for creating humans so that they may experience the joy of marriage. The ceremony is traditionally concluded with the breaking of a glass. The traditional explanation for this custom is that we continue to remember the destruction of the Temple even in our moment of greatest joy. A festive meal after a wedding is actually a commandment.