Modern Jewish Life
Why Do We Break a Glass at Jewish Weddings?
Mazel tov!
You may be familiar with the Jewish wedding tradition of the groom (or wife, or both!) breaking the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony under the chuppah. After the groom crushes it with his right foot, and the guests shout "Mazel tov!" ("Congratulations!") It's one of the most common Jewish wedding traditions including dancing the hora and signing a ketubah.
But why do we smash a glass at a Jewish wedding?
- Some view it as a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Even during this joyous occasion, we still mourn.
- Others say the fragility of the glass reminds us of the fragility of relationships. May your relationship not crack like the glass.
- The loud glass smashing noise is said to scare away evil.
- The breaking of the glass is symbolic of the couple's breaking with their past lives so that they can create a new family together.
How do we smash the glass?
These days, it isn't just the groom breaking the glass. Often the brides will break their own, or same-sex couples will each break a glass, and the glass shards come together in a beautiful smash glass gift. Or you can break one together — but be careful not to step on each other's feet! Make your own tradition.
It is important to also wrap the glass well before smashing so all the glass stays inside its pouch.
What kind of glass do we smash?
Smash glasses meant for smashing have a thin line in the glass which helps them break easily. You certainly don't want an embarrassed groom or bride with a glass that didn't break!
What do you do with the smash glass after you break it?
Make sure someone at the wedding is in charge of putting the glass in a secure place. After the wedding, many couples choose to use the glass shards to make a beautiful smash glass gift such as a mezuzah or candlesticks.
However you choose to break a glass on your wedding day, may it be the start to a long and happy marriage!
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