The Ketubah is a contract between between the bride and groom. A traditional Ketubah deals with the groom’s financial obligation to the bride as well as the obligation to provide for her needs. The modern Ketubah is written both in Hebrew and English and is signed by the bride and groom as well as two witnesses that are not relatives. The Ketubah ceremony involves a brief explanation of the customs of the Ketubah and the signing of the Ketubah. It is performed in front of the immediate…

The Jewish ceremony itself is held under the Chuppah, a Hebrew word for “canopy”, which can be either stationary and supported by a semi permanent structure or a more traditional canopy held by four people.

The traditional Chuppah is usually made of a tallit supported by four hand held poles. The word “Chuppah” is synonymous with the Jewish wedding itself. A traditional Jewish blessing of children is: “May you grow to stand under the Chuppah.” Since this kind of…

A main part of the wedding is the ring ceremony. According to Jewish law the bride’s ring must be acquired by the groom. The bride’s acceptance of the ring which the groom places on her left index finger, is the act of legally binding the agreement of the marriage.

The placing of the ring on the index finger of the left hand, the closest hand to the heart, symbolizes that the bride agrees to the marriage with all her heart. The bride then places a ring on the left index finger of the…

At the end of the wedding (as under the Chuppah) Sheva Brakhot (7 blessings) are chanted. These blessings are part of the Birkat HaMazon (Grace after Meals) said after the meal over a glass of wine.

The glass of wine is passed around through the guests to 7 people the couple want to honor and each one says one of the Brakhot (blessings).

For the next 7 days (including the wedding night), Sheva Brakhot continue, usually at the homes of friends, who throw these parties for the new couple. In order…

To conclude the wedding ceremony, it is a Jewish custom to break a glass, this is to remind us even in moments of great joy we should not be forgetful of the moments of destruction and sadness.

A loving relationship involves not only sharing the good and happy times, but also s haring the difficult and painful times. May your love for each other never fail…but grow deeper and stronger through all of life’s varied experiences.

Anyone planning to be wed in Massachusetts requires a current marriage license issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts whether or not you live within the state.

This license does not have to be from the town that you are getting married in or the town in which you currently reside. It is necessary to apply together in person “to file your intentions” with any city or town clerk. Massachusetts requires the couple be over the age of 18. Same-sex marriage is legal, however only for…