Understanding Jewish Wedding Terms. Our Jewish Wedding Word Glossary / Dictionary.

Mazel tov! Whether you're planning a Jewish wedding or attending a Jewish wedding, it's always exciting to celebrate love. But it's also confusing. If you find yourself wondering what the difference between a Bedeken and a Tisch is, then this post is for you!

Also to note: if you're planning a Jewish wedding (mazel again!), you don't have to include all of these items. You are allowed to pick what is significant to you, or tweak these traditions to fit your wedding. Instead of circling the groom 7 times, what if you circled each other? Or what if you each smashed a glass?

Jewish Wedding Terms

• Aufruf: A service where the couple is honored with an aliyah usually the Shabbat before the wedding.
• Bedeken: The veiling — before the ceremony, the groom places the veil over the bride's face and confirms it's the correct bride.
• Benchers: Prayer books containing the blessings for the meal.
• Chazan: Cantor who sings during the ceremony.
• Chuppah: A four-sided canopy symbolizing the couple's future home together.
• Circling: The bride circles the groom seven times to symbolize the seven days of creation.
• Hora: The fun dance where the bride and groom are lifted up on chairs to Hava Hagila.
• Ketubah: A non-legally binding Jewish marriage contract signed before the ceremony.
• Mazel tov: Hebrew for "Good Luck!" — commonly exclaimed at weddings.
• Mikvah: A Jewish ritual bath usually done by the bride.
• Seven Blessings: Blessings during the ceremony focusing on the joy of the day.
• Smash Glass: The groom breaks a glass with his foot to conclude the ceremony.
• Tallis: A prayer shawl normally worn by men.
• Tisch: Before the wedding, the bride and groom separate with their respective genders for discussions and advice.
• Yarmulke/Kippah: A cap usually worn by men to symbolize respect of the Jewish faith.
• Yichud: After the ceremony, the couple takes a few minutes alone in a private room.