Jewish Wedding Ceremony Script: Traditional Guide
Introduction
This comprehensive Jewish wedding ceremony script includes all traditional elements, from the Ketubah signing to the final celebration. Each section contains both Hebrew and English text, along with detailed instructions.
Pre-Ceremony
Ketubah Signing
The couple signs the ketubah (marriage contract) before the ceremony, witnessed by family and friends.
Rabbi's Introduction: "We gather to witness the signing of the Ketubah, a sacred document that outlines the couple's commitments to each other."
Bedeken (Veiling Ceremony)
The groom approaches the bride and lowers her veil, reminiscent of Rebecca veiling herself before meeting Isaac.
Main Ceremony
Processional to the Chuppah
The couple processes to the chuppah, which symbolizes their new home together.
Opening Words
"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning marriage."
"ברוך אתה ה' אלוהינו מלך העולם, אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על העריות"
Kiddushin (Betrothal)
Blessing Over Wine
"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine."
"ברוך אתה ה' אלוהינו מלך העולם בורא פרי הגפן"
Exchange of Rings
[Partner 1]: "With this ring, you are consecrated to me according to the laws of Moses and Israel."
"הרי את/ה מקודשת/מקודש לי בטבעת זו כדת משה וישראל"
Ketubah Reading
The Rabbi reads the ketubah aloud in Aramaic and English to affirm the couple's commitments.
Nissuin (Nuptials)
Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot)
- "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine."
- "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has created everything for His glory."
- "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of man."
- "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has created man in His image."
- "May the barren one rejoice and be happy at the ingathering of her children to her midst in joy."
- "Grant perfect joy to these loving companions, as You gladdened Your creation in the Garden of Eden."
- "Blessed are You, Lord our God, who creates joy and gladness, bride and groom, mirth and song, pleasure and delight, love and harmony, peace and companionship."
[Hebrew text for each blessing included]
Breaking of the Glass
Rabbi's explanation: "This breaking of the glass reminds us of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and that even in times of great joy, we remember our history and responsibilities."
[The groom breaks the glass]
Congregation: "Mazel Tov!"
Pronouncement
"By the authority of the Torah and the State, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Additional Elements
Yichud (Seclusion)
After the ceremony, the couple retreats for a private moment together, a tradition dating back to ancient times.
Circle Ceremony (Optional)
The bride circles the groom seven times, representing the seven days of creation and the building of their new world together.
Music Suggestions
- Processional: "Dodi Li" or "Erev Shel Shoshanim"
- Recessional: "Siman Tov U'Mazel Tov"
- During Ketubah Signing: Traditional Klezmer music