Comments on: Jewish Wedding Traditions ~ Avi & Eleana From Twin Lens Images, II

By: Naomi Raiselle

Naomi Raiselle — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:21:54 +0000

The Jewish wedding vows pronounced by the couple have 2 variants: In traditional ritual, the groom states: “With this ring, you are consecrated (or made holy) to me in the tradition of Moses and the people of Israel”. The bride then would respond “Let me be a seal upon your heart and a sign upon your hand”. In modern rituals, the bride responds with the same words that the grooms says.

By: Naomi Raiselle

Naomi Raiselle — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:17:55 +0000

The circling of the bride and groom at the start of the ceremony symbolizes the circle of protection and nurturance that each partner will surround the other with. I think of the circling gesture as a creating of sacred space that the bride (according to Jewish Tradition) will weave around her husband. In Jewish tradition, the woman is responsible for creating a spiritual environment for her family. She is charged with the responsibility of creating and maintaining and atmosphere of peace and joy in the home.

The groom traditionally. does not circle the bride, altho in modern Jewish weddings he may also do so. He is charged with the task of weaving a circle of protection around his bride, so that she may focus on her spiritual responsibilities.

There is a major part of the Jewish wedding ceremony that seems to be left out, here.
It’s the Ketubah signing which is actually THE ceremony itself. What happens under the Chuppah is really more of celebration than binding ritual. In the Ketubah ceremony, first the wedding document (a contract between the couple) is presented and read. It is signed by the couple and 2 witnesses. Today, often the parents also sign it. This contract solemnizes the marriage agreement. The actual Ketubah is often a true original work of art, and is displayed prominently in the couple’s home.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:50:18 +0000

Beautiful. I love the way Kitty and Craig carefully captured such important, specific moments of this couple’s stunning event. Fabulous work.

By: Molly

Molly — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:07:24 +0000

Very beautiful – both the pictures and the explanation. You forgot one though. In the top picture, the bride is circling the groom. While this is not a tradition celebrated by all Jewish communities, it is becoming more common to see in ceremonies. It also takes a number of forms – the bride circles the groom, both of them circle each other. There are many interpretations of the ritual, but I like to see it as another interpretation of the ring exchange. We will be including this tradition in our nuptials, including all the others you have showcased here.

By: Patty

Patty — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:39:49 +0000

I love the way these photograpers were able to show the dignity and solemnity of the rituals and traditions this couple included in their wedding while still capturing the intimacy and joy so obviously experienced by the bride and groom.

With all of the different types of ceremonies now being held, this traditional Jewish wedding is one of the most visually impressive. One really gets a sense of a strong commitment being made.

By: KSW

KSW — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:17:10 +0000

This wedding is great. We just finalized our interfaith wedding with a lot of these Jewish traditions.