Marriage is one of the most important values in Judaism, and as such the marriage process is filled with meaningful rituals and processes, reflecting the magnitude of the moment. Often many people aren’t aware of the meaning behind much of what’s being done, so in this episode, we go through the entire wedding process from the time one enters the wedding hall until they leave. In addition to explaining the legal process, we add in the psychological and spiritual meanings behind many of these actions as well.
This episode is dedicated in honor of the upcoming marriage of Scott Friedman and Michelle Golan. May the Torah learning that results from this podcast be a merit for them to build a beautiful Jewish home!
Happy Listening!
Rabbi Moshe
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Sources:
Pirkei DiRebbi Eliezer, Ch. 16, Groom is like a king – https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.16.16?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Genesis 24:65, Rebecca covers her face when she sees Isaac – https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.24.65?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Midrash Tehilim, 110, Abraham’s tent was open on all four sides – https://www.sefaria.org/Midrash_Tehillim.110.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Zohar, vol. 2 169a, the wedding canopy is compared to the Tabernacle – https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.2.169a.8?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Zohar, vol. 3 219b, the divine presence brings the souls of departed parents to the chuppah – https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar.3.219b.9?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Sefer Haminhagim, pg. 75, the divine presence brings the souls of the past three generations (Hebrew only) – https://beta.hebrewbooks.org/reader/reader.aspx?sfid=30479#p=83&fitMode=fitwidth&hlts=&ocr=
Genesis 2:21-23, Man was made initially as one being and then separated into male and female – https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.2.21?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=he
Text of Marriage-themed Sheva Brachos – https://www.sefaria.org/Birkat_Hamazon%2C_ShevaBrachot.1?lang=bi
Babylonian Talmud, Brachos 6b, greatness of celebtrating with the bride and groom – https://www.sefaria.org/Berakhot.6b.30?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
Babylonian Talmud, Kesubos 16b, more about dancing with new couple – https://www.sefaria.org/Ketubot.16b.12?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en
