A GUIDE TO OUR JEWISH WEDIDNG

We’re so excited to share our wedding day with you. Jewish weddings are filled with meaningful traditions, beautiful symbolism, and lots of joy. Whether this is your first Jewish wedding or your fiftieth, we hope this gives a little insight into what you’ll see and how to join in the celebration.

Ketubah

The ketubah is the Jewish marriage contract, outlining the couple’s commitments to one another. It’s both a legal document and a meaningful symbol of responsibility, respect, and partnership. This will be signed and witnessed before we meet under the chuppah.

Chuppah

The chuppah is the canopy under which we’ll be married. It’s open on all sides to symbolize the home we hope to build together — open, welcoming, and surrounded by the people we love most. Our wedding chuppah is the Shafran family's, embroidered with the names of family members who have stood beneath this same canopy on their own wedding days.

7 Circles

During the ceremony, the bride will circle the groom seven times. This tradition represents the creation of a new family circle and the couple’s commitment to protect, support, and nurture one another. By circling seven times, the bride and groom symbolically create a sacred space for their marriage, marking the beginning of their life together.

Ring Exchange

During the ceremony, the couple will exchange rings. In Jewish tradition, the ring is a simple, unbroken circle with no embellishments, symbolizing eternal love and commitment. The ring is placed on the index finger of the right hand, as this represents a direct line to the heart. This ritual marks the couple’s union under Jewish law and serves as a visible symbol of their vows to one another.

The Seven Blessings

The Sheva Brachot, or Seven Blessings, are recited by family and friends of the bride and groom. These blessings praise God, celebrate love, and honor the couple’s new life together. They connect the couple to centuries of tradition, family, and friends who have celebrated Jewish weddings before them, and are a beautiful way for everyone to share in the joy of the day.

Breaking the Glass

At the end of the ceremony, a glass is broken. This tradition reminds us that even in moments of great happiness, life is fragile and the world is not perfect. It also signals the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the celebration. When Sam smashes the glass, that’s your cue to shout “Mazel Tov!”

The Hora

The hora is a joyful, high-energy dance at the reception. Guests dance in a circle and lift the couple on chairs. Things will get slightly out of control, it’s loud, fun, and one of our favourite traditions.

Participation is encouraged by all - simply follow along, celebrate with us, and enjoy the moment. Your presence truly means the world to us.