Marriage is a significant part of Judaism bringing together a woman

and man under God’s reign. It is the mitzvah (122) “To marry a wife
by means of ketubah and keddushin” (Deut 22:13), all Jewish
adherents see marriage as a necessity in order to obey God and to
experience the fullness of life. In Genesis God says: “It is not good
for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” It is
a link between individuals and the wider community as it recognises
two individuals coming together, celebrated by the wider
community. Also the marriage ceremony itself contains symbolic
significance to Judaism, conveying Jewish beliefs through symbols,
actions and words.

The mitzvah of marriage is especially important as it involves what

Jews believe to be the purpose of human life: unity to procreate. This
belief is modelled by the creation story in Genesis where Adam is
made a partner (Eve) through one of his ribs “For this reason man
will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife”
(Genesis). The idea of a “bashert” or ideal partner makes marriage
especially important as it creates a bond between two souls, just like
Adam and Eve, fulfilling God’s will.

Once unity between woman and man is achieved, a married couple

are able to carry out the next mitzvah (125): “To have children with
one’s wife” to fulfil God’s wish to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen
1:28). Due to this law Jewish people see marriage as the only way of
being able to have children, so in marriage, a Jew is able to adhere to
two mitzvoth. To be Jewish one has to be born of a Jewish marriage;
therefore, Jewish marriages are significant ensuring Judaism remains
through generations due to procreation and the adherence of
individuals marrying.
Marriage is a covenant between a man and woman expressing their
love and fidelity toward each other and is important as it is a symbol
for God’s covenant with the Israelites reminding the Jewish people
of their link with God. This is because, as a woman and man promise
to be faithful and committed to each other, and as Hosea was
faithful to his adulterous wife, God promises the same thing to the
Israelites “though they turn to other gods.” Men wear white “kittel”
and women also wear white to signify the bond as it symbolises not
only their purity but the fact that the connection being established
“runs deeper than colour on canvas.” Thus marriage is seen as a
strong bond and permanent arrangement just like God’s covenant.

During the preparations of the marriage a “ketubah” (pre-nuptial

agreement) is presented from the groom to the bride (as the mitzvah
of marriage states should happen). It is written in Aramaic, the
original language used in the earlier generations showing the
significance of tradition for Jews (mainly orthodox and conservative).
This document outlines the responsibilities of the husband during
the marriage and if the marriage terminates. It is important because
it is the way the community can ensure the individuals are protected
should something go wrong and there is support of the woman in
case of death or divorce.

Other preparations of marriage include the bride immersing in a

mikvah (ritual bath) to cleanse herself for her new life with her
husband. Also both bride and groom fast on the day of their
wedding. Both these practices highlight the significance of marriage
as they are both practices used to mark an important holy event in
Judaism, for example, Jewish people fast on “Yom Kippur” the most
holy day of the Jewish year. Preparing in this way allows the man and
woman to mentally prepare them for the day and reminds them of
the participation God has in their marriage.
The blessings used in the erusin (betrothal) signify the marriage as a
mitzvah, as it is Jewish belief that a blessing is required before a
mitzvah. Also within the erusin are many symbols expressing the
beliefs and practices of Judaism signifying the ceremony. The bride
and groom are escorted to the “Chuppah,” the ecorts carry candles
which allude to the joyous occasion supported by the community
present. The flames are also reminiscent of the fire at Mt Sinai (the
giving of the Torah) ans so allude once more to the covenant
between God and Israel. The Chuppah (used at the wedding of Adam
and Eve) represents the joining of the couple, as the two are under
the one canopy. This canopy is under open skies to represent that
this future family should be governed by the heavenly values of God.
Therefore this part of the marriage is significant as it reminds the
couple and the community of the foundations of their faith and how
God is always there.

Under the Chuppah there are two blessings and a cup of wine is
given so they can both drink, this is extremely momentous as it
involves many beliefs in one. The sharing of the cup symbolises the
sharing of their lives together. Wine is also a symbol of joy and the
revealing of one’s true self. This is to say that when one drink the
often become merry and their true character is shown, therefore,
marriage is a joyous occasion but a marriage will reveal a person’s
true self. Going deeper; a Kabbalistic meaning behind wine
acknowledges that wine is something to be enjoyed, yet to make it,
grapes were crushed. This is the same with marriage; there may be
crushing moments but these will make the marriage stronger and
something to be enjoyed.

The niussin is the actual marriage ceremony and involves seven

blessings reflecting on the themes of creation, joy and partnership of
the bride and groom and are based on beliefs of Judaism. The first of
these blessings is “Blessed are you, lord god, King of the universe,
creator of the fruit of the vine.” This expressed the importance of
God in the lives of the individuals being married and the greater
community, reminding them that all everything is done for God in
remembrance of the covenant, the grounding of Jewish faith. At the
end of the ritual, a glass is shattered. Orthodox weddings have done
this by the groom, but some Reform Jews allow both bride and
groom to step on it to symbolise their equality. This is reminder that
in the middle of all the joy, one must remember the sorrow of the
destruction of the temple. It is a broken world, and together they
must follow God’s word to make it a better place. It also is a message
for the bride and groom, the shattering of the glass is final, as is their
marriage. They are now a couple recognised by the community.

Through the actions, words and symbols in the ritual of marriage, the
expression of Jewish beliefs and their importance to Judaism as a
whole it is clear that marriage holds a great significance to Judaism.
This practice is a mitzvah and allows the fulfilment of other mitzvoth
and thus is a way in which individuals can achieve a full and holy life
in adherence to their faith and the community witnesses and
supports this.