Jewish Marriage Ceremonies (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note
Exam code: 0490
What is kiddushin?
According to Torah law, marriage is a two-step process
The first step is called kiddushin
The second step is known as nisu'in
Betrothal, or kiddushin, is usually an engagement period before a wedding
Kiddushin means “holy” or “sanctified”, indicating the importance of this period before the marriage
Kiddushin marks a time when a couple becomes legally bound under Halakhah (Jewish law)
Traditionally, a ceremony would be held a year before the wedding to mark the betrothal
Today, kiddushin and nisu'in (the second stage) are often performed together in one wedding ceremony
What happens in a kiddushin ceremony?
There are certain rituals and practices that take place during a kiddushin ceremony
The groom gives the bride a ring and says:
“Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the law of Moses and Israel”
This is the moment of kiddushin when the couple is formally betrothed
A ketubah (marriage contract) is signed, which is a legal document outlining the husband's responsibilities, such as:
Providing for his wife
Faithfulness
Support in times of need
There are also seven blessings (sheva brachot) that are recited over wine, praising G-d and celebrating marriage
A glass is broken at the end of the ceremony to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem
A reminder that even though there is joy, it is important to remember historical events
What happens during the Jewish marriage ceremony?
A Jewish wedding can happen on any day other than Shabbat or one of the Jewish festivals
In all forms of Judaism, it is allowed for weddings to be commemorated either in a synagogue or in a non-religious venue, such as a hotel
There are several stages to the wedding ceremony:
The seven blessings that take place praise G-d for creating the human race & bringing happiness to the couple:
“We bless you, G-d, who brings bride & groom together to rejoice in each other”
During the ceremony, the groom will make a vow:
“Behold, you are sanctified to me with this ring according to the law of Moses & Israel”
The groom places a ring on the bride’s index finger as a symbol of eternity and declares:
“Behold, you are consecrated to me by means of this ring according to the rituals of Moses and Israel”
The second part of the service is called nisu'in
Seven further blessings are said to finalise the marriage
This is done in a separate room with the couple alone together
Guests will greet the married couple with the phrase “mazel tov”, which is a Hebrew phrase for “good luck” or “congratulations”
At the reception, the couple will take part in a wedding dance called the Hora
What is the significance of Jewish marriage?
Marriage is seen as a spiritual bonding between two people and as the fulfilment of G-d's commandment
In Judaism, marriage shows holiness in everyday life and fulfils the commandment to be “fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:22)
Many Jews believe that sexual relationships should be enjoyed only within marriage
“Hence a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, so that they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24)
Maimonides stated that whereas the mating of animals is a purely physical and temporary act, through the sanctification of marriage, husband and wife become the closest of relatives
The Rabbis in Sifrei Bemidar interpreted Ruth 3:13 as instructing Jews not to engage in any possible intimacy before marriage
Both the Torah and the Talmud view a man without a wife, or a woman without a husband, as incomplete
This is demonstrated in several passages:
“A man who does not marry is not a complete person” (Leviticus 34a)
“Any man who has no wife lives without the joy, without blessing, and without goodness” (Yevamot 62b)
Many Jews believe that each marriage ceremony is a re-enactment of the marriage between G-d and the Jewish people that took place at Mount Sinai
The wedding day is a personal Yom Kippur, or the holiest and most auspicious day of someone's life
Marriage is also a legal transaction in which the bride and groom enter a mutually binding commitment
The wedding ceremony contains several symbolic acts that are of great significance to Jews
The Chuppah is a cloth canopy supported by four poles where the bride and groom stand underneath and get married
It symbolises the new home and is open at all sides to welcome guests
On reaching the Chuppah, the bride walks around the groom seven times, or sometimes three times
It corresponds with the seven wedding blessings and demonstrates that the groom is the centre of the brides’ life and the seven days it took G-d to create the world
The ring that is given by the groom to the bride in Orthodox services
The complete circle of the ring symbolises the endless bond between husband and wife
Worked Example
Outline what happens during a Jewish wedding ceremony
[4 marks]
Answer:
There are seven blessings that take place to praise G-d for creating the human race & bringing happiness to the couple.
A further seven blessings are said to finalise the marriage in a separate room with the couple alone together.
In Orthodox services, the ring that the groom gives to the bride symbolises the endless bond between husband and wife.
At the reception, the couple will take part in a wedding dance called the Hora.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember to understand some of the different reasons why marriage is important in Judaism:
It is a mitzvah — commanded by G-d
Helps fulfil the commandment to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28)
Creates a faithful partnership to build a Jewish home
Reinforces community values, family life and tradition
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