Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

Page 40

'Bedeken'- Placing the Veil
The bride arrives at the synagogue and enters the bridal room. Her veil is raised over her head. The groom, led by his father and father-in-law and accompanied by an entourage, some holding candles, is brought into the room. He approaches his bride and covers her face with the veil.
This custom originated because Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah, instead of his beloved Rachel (Genesis 29:18-25). The subterfuge was possible because Jacob had not checked her identity prior to the wedding.
Chuppah - The canopy
Prior to the commencement, two men are appointed to act as witnesses to the ceremony.
The groom is led under the chuppah (canopy) carried on four poles by his father and father-inlaw. There, together with the rabbi and cantor, they await the bride. She is led by her mother and mother-in-law (sometimes bearing candles), and takes her place by her groom. In some communities the bride walks round the groom seven times.
The cantor, sometimes accompanied by a choir, chants a song of welcome. The rabbi takes a silver wine-cup filled to the brim and begins the 'birchat eirusin', the blessing of betrothal. As he concludes the blessings the wine cup is passed to the groom and bride, who sip it in turn.
The groom now places a ring on his bride's right forefinger and says (in Hebrew) 'You are sanctified to me with this ring according to the law of Moses and Israel'. The bride makes no verbal response, but simply accepts the ring.
The 'ketuba', marriage document is then read. This is a formal contract which (a) sets out the duties of the husband to feed, clothe and provide a home for his wife, and (b) states his financial obligations to provide for his wife should be predecease or divorce her.
It is usual at some point for the rabbi to offer a few words of inspiration and advice to the young couple.
The ceremony ends with the 'birchat nisuin', seven blessings praising God for having created humankind, and for having endowed people with the ability to procreate. The blessings also mention the future messianic hope.
Finally, to recall that the Jewish people are still bereft of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem, the groom breaks a glass (suitably wrapped for safety) under his heel. This triggers cries of 'mazel tov' (good luck) from relatives and friends and, amidst tears of joy, kisses and handshakes, the ceremony is over.
40