MARCH 13, 2025
JEWISH TRADITION
The Ultimate Jewish Wedding Glossary
Get to know all the beautiful traditions of a Jewish wedding with our easy-to-follow glossary! From the Chuppah to the Ketubah, we’re breaking down key terms and rituals so you can understand and appreciate every special moment of your big day.
WRITTEN BY SARA FROM LOVE LETTERS
B
Badeken
The veiling ceremony where the groom covers the bride’s face, symbolizing modesty and his commitment beyond appearances.
Bashert
A Yiddish term meaning "destiny," often used to refer to one's divinely foreordained spouse or soulmate.
Breaking of the Glass
At the end of the ceremony, the breaking of the glass is symbolic of commitment, resilience and fragility of life.
C
Chatan / Kallah
Chatan is the Hebrew word for 'groom', while Kallah is the Hebrew word for 'bride'
Chuppah
The wedding canopy under which the bride and groom stand during the ceremony symbolizing the home they will build together.
Cup of Wine
During the ceremony, the couple shares a cup of wine, symbolizing joy, blessings, and their new life together.
E
Eidim
are the two witnesses who sign the Ketubah, making the marriage contract official.
Erusin
is the betrothal ceremony, the first part of a Jewish wedding, binding the couple in commitment.
H
Hora
is a joyful wedding dance where you'll also see guests lift the couple and their family on chairs, celebrating love, unity, and community.
Hakafot
The tradition where the bride circles the groom seven times under the Chuppah, symbolizing their deep bond and new life together.
Hamotzi
is the blessing over bread, often recited at the wedding feast to give thanks and bring blessings to the couple.
K
Kabbalat Panim
translates to “receiving faces” and refers to the pre-wedding reception where the bride and groom greet guests before the ceremony.
The white robe worn by the groom in some ceremonies symbolizing purity and new beginnings.
is the blessing over wine, recited during the wedding ceremony to sanctify the moment.
M
Mazal Tov
A Hebrew phrase meaning "good luck" or "congratulations," commonly expressed to the bride and groom.
Mitzvah
is a commandment or a good deed, with marriage being considered a sacred one in Judaism.
Mezinke
A special dance forming a circle around parents when their last child gets married, honoring them with joy and tradition.
S
Sheva Brachot
The seven blessings recited by different, significant guests during the wedding ceremony and celebratory meals.
Simcha
A Hebrew word that means “joy” and represents the happiness and celebration of a Jewish wedding.
Shidduch
Known as traditional Jewish matchmaking that helps bring single Jewish men and women together for marriage.
T
Tenaim
The engagement agreement that marks the formal commitment between the couple and their families.
Tallit
is a Jewish prayer shawl worn by the groom, sometimes you can see it be used as the fabric for the canopy atop a Chuppah.
Tish
A lively pre-wedding gathering where the groom or bride is celebrated with singing, dancing, and prayer.
Y
Yichud
is the private time the couple spends alone right after the ceremony, symbolizing their new union.
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