The Jewish Wedding and Breaking the Glass

Groom,Brakes,The,Glass,At,Jewish,Wedding

The breaking of the glass is highly associated with the Jewish Wedding Ceremony. However, many people often ask the question – why does the Bridegroom stamp on the glass?

The breaking of the Jewish Wedding glass is at the end of the Jewish Wedding ceremony when the groom stomps on a glass to crush it and the guests shout, “Mazeltov!”

There are various interpretations of why we do this and where the breaking glass Jewish Wedding tradition came from.

One interpretation is that the marriage will last as long as the glass is broken—forever. Other more superstitious say a loud noise is thought to drive away evil spirits. Another reason given was that this is a reminder that although the couple came together as a single union, the world as a whole is broken and needs mending. Some have said that it is a reminder that even in times of great joy that there is sadness. That life will bring sadness as well as joy.

Most however do seem to agree that the Jewish Wedding and the breaking of the glass is a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This act serves as an expression of sadness at the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. A Jew, even at the moment of greatest rejoicing, should be mindful of the Psalmist’s injunction to set Jerusalem above their highest joy.

A final and plausible alternative explanation is that this is the last time the groom gets to “put his foot down”!!!

Any glass may be used for the Jewish Wedding glass, although most couples choose a special glass to be broken and kept. It is commonly wrapped in a cloth napkin (to avoid dangerous glass shards) or enclosed in a pre-made cloth pouch.

Breaking of the Jewish Wedding glass marks the conclusion of the ceremony. Shouts of “Mazeltov!” (which means good luck) fill the Synagogue the moment the glass is broken, and the bride and groom are then given an enthusiastic reception from the guests as they leave the chuppah together and head toward the Yichud room, their temporary private chamber. (In Israel, the glass is broken earlier, prior to the reading of the Ketubah.)

Did you know that you can keep the broken glass as a unique memento?
For a perfect wedding gift and timeless momento, InfiniCube will take the broken glass and skilfully embed the shards into the finest quality crystal clear acrylic block to keep as a beautiful ornament in modern or traditional homes. Visit the InfiniCube website here to find out more.

Further relevant suppliers can be found here

Jewish Wedding Photographers
Jewish Wedding Venues
Jewish Wedding Bands
Jewish Wedding Invitations

Further articles that may be of interest:
The Jewish Wedding Fair
Jewish Wedding Music

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