Jewish Marriage

Badeken

the veiling of the bride

Chatan

groom

Badeken

the veiling of the bride

Chatan

groom

Chuppah

The wedding canopy, symbolic of the groom's house, under which the wedding ceremony is performed

Kabbalat Panim

greeting of groom and bride in separate reception rooms

Kallah

bride

Ketubah

jewish marriage contract

Kiddushin

hebrew word for holiness/sanctification. Name given to the first half of the marriage ceremony as well as the term for The Betrothal Benediction

Mazel Tov

good luck

Mikveh

a jewish ritual bath. the mikveh must contain a prescribed amount of 'living water', usually rain or spring water

Minyan

a quorom necessary to recite certain prayers, consisting of ten adults jewish men (Orthodox) or ten adults (progressive)

Nisuin

Second half of the marriage ceremony. fully-fledged marriage; literally means elevation.

Sheva Berachot

the seven marriage blessings

Talmud

collection of oral tradition in written form interpreting the Torah

Vort

engagement reception to announce the wedding

Yichud

'the room of privacy'

Rite of Passage

ceremony and marks the transition from one phase of life to another

Pre-liminal Stage

pre-ritual status of the individual, who is in their old role, and preparing for their new role, phase of life and social status

Liminal Stage

during the wedding celebration

Post-liminal Stage

characterised by absorption into the faith community who has achieved a new social status.

Betrothal Benediction

the marriage ceremony that is said over a cup of wine, the traditional symbol of sanctification, joy and abundance. This also includes the placing of the ring on the Kallah's finger.