“A husband and wife are one soul, separated only through their descent to this world. When they are married, they are reunited again.” – Zohar (I 91a)
The Jewish marriage ceremony is infused with a myriad of customs, traditions, and spiritual components that heighten this already glorious experience. These numerous traditions and customs date back centuries and evoke the deep-rooted connection we have with our G-d and the people of Israel.
Jewish Weddings in Montreal
Our approach is simple; create a memorable and meaningful experience for the bride and groom and their respective families. A Jewish wedding is steeped in centuries of tradition, but they are all unique, from the choice of music and songs that mold the procession to the inspiring and rousing words that stir the emotions. We will bring our deep knowledge and expertise under the Chuppah (wedding canopy) and tailor it to your unique journey and ensure your spiritual milestone not only becomes lifelong memories but also reflects your values and desires.
Getting to Know You
It is our hope that through our meetings we will develop meaningful bonds which will enable us to tailor our services and ensure a memorable journey. We provide continual follow up with the Bride and Groom throughout the weeks leading up to the wedding to discuss personal interests and background, what attracted you to each other as a couple, your hopes and aspirations for the future and respond to any challenges we may have.
These meetings may include the publication of a notice of marriage or civil union through the registrar’s office to enable us to have all the civil documentation ready to sign on the day of the wedding.
Traditional Jewish Weddings
Although each ceremony is distinct and personalized, there are magical moments which remain rooted in tradition.
Kabbalat Panim (Reception)
In the Ashkenazi (Jews from central or eastern Europe) tradition Kabbalat Panim (pre-nuptial receptions enhanced with songs and heartfelt wishes) are hosted before the chupah ceremony separately by the bride and by the groom.
These receptions are followed by the ratification of the civil documents, and then ensue with the signing of the Ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract considered an integral part of a traditional Jewish marriage outlining the rights and responsibilities of the groom, in relation to the bride.
Today more than ever the Ketubah is decorated ornately to add beauty and meaning to what otherwise would be a rather dry legal document. We would be more than happy to offer our services as each Ketubah is a unique masterpiece, meticulously created and tailor-made to reflect your individuality and commitment. A timeless symbol of beauty and devotion.
Chuppah Ceremony (The Processional)
The ceremony begins as I walk down the aisle singing an emotional and powerful song chosen by the couple and myself during one of our meetings which officially opens the ceremony. With an array of professional and affordable musicians from within our city to choose from we can cater to all your musical needs.
The musical procession continues with a wide array of beautiful, handpicked songs ushering in the bridal party, the parents, the groom, and the bride.
Under the Chuppah accompanied by a melodic song, if the couple’s tradition dictates, the bride circles the groom 7 times, symbolically creating an emotional and spiritual fortress of integrity and love around their future home together. After which another song of welcome is presented to the couple. I often encourage the couple to light one candle each to recall the memory of all those who are no longer with us in the land of the living.
Kiddushin (Betrothal)
We then proceed to the betrothal (Kiddushin) blessings in which the first cup of wine is used to bless the bridegroom and bride to create a Jewish home dedicated to G-d and to the wellbeing of humanity. The betrothal blessings express the couple’s resolve to make a sacred commitment to one another. After the blessings are recited and with assistance from loved ones, the couple drink from the cup.
Bedeken (Veiling of the Bride)
Leading up to the Chuppah ceremony another beautiful tradition is implemented, the ‘Bedeken’ (Veiling of the Bride).
The ‘Bedeken’ signals the pact that both souls are entering before the actual Chuppah ceremony. The entourage gather around the yet unveiled bride as parents on both sides, bless their children and give them indispensable advice after which the priestly blessing is bestowed upon the bride.
The groom then places the veil over the bride’s face while reciting the blessing given to Rebecca, our matriarch, by her mother. The sources and interpretation of the veiling are biblical and numerous, but they are synonymous with traits of dignity, sanctity and modesty, the veil also conveys a deeper psychological significance.
The big moment has finally arrived, as we all make our way to the Chuppah ceremony. The Chuppah represents a sacred place and is wittingly open on all four sides to create an inclusive environment to welcome all present to join in this joyous occasion and to symbolize the couple’s hospitality and openness to guests and family into their future home.
Ring Exchange
We proceed with the exchanging of the rings, a powerful symbol of the couple’s love and commitment to each other. The wedding band is an iconic part of a Jewish wedding. The groom places the ring on the right index finger of the bride while reciting a heartfelt declaration. Although there is no obligation for the bridegroom to receive a ring from his bride, as an officiant I strongly encourage her to do so after the chanting of the Ketubah accompanied with a heartfelt prayer.
Following the ring ceremony, we proceed with the chanting of the ketubah which is sung with a haunting melody dating back to the golden age of Spain. It is considered an integral part of a traditional Jewish marriage and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom. The ketubah is then offered to the bride for safekeeping.
Sheva Berachot (Seven Blessings)
The Sheva Berachot (the seven blessings) are the heart of the Jewish wedding ceremony symbolizing the deep and spiritual journey and their future together. In some traditions, the groom wraps his bride in a tallit (prayer shawl) before the recitation of the blessings, to recognize the intimacy and significance of the moment.
Some may invite seven friends or family members to each recite one of the blessings or have the traditional blessings sung in Hebrew while friends or family members offer seven translations of the blessings in English.
The bride and groom drink from the second cup of wine after which I take a moment to deliver heartfelt words of wisdom and insight and intertwine them with sentiments expressed by both the bride and groom have shared with me prior to their wedding.
Breaking of the Glass
The Jewish wedding ceremony concludes with a famous bang. Stomping on a glass is one of the best-known features of Jewish weddings representing both joy and remembrance. The fragility of glass suggests the frailty of human relationships and thus, a reminder to always include God in our relationship.
“As this glass shatters, so may our marriage never break.”
It is also a stark reminder that amid our joy one must recall the destruction of our temples and with it the promise of ushering in the final redemption. It is also the last time the bridegroom will put his foot down!