Part 1 of 7
The Jewish Order of the Wedding Ceremony Guide consists of seven parts, the first of which is the signing of the Ketubah.
The Signing of the Ketubah
The Ketubah is to the Jewish Marriage Laws, the Marriage License. The Marriage License a couple applies and picks up at the Town Clerk’s is State Marriage Laws. Each Ketubah text expresses the voices of the bridal couples.
During the pre-ceremony with the order of the ceremony, the Ketubah is signed by two appointed witnesses. The tradition of the Ketubah signing is a private ceremony between the brides, grooms, and parents along with the witnesses. The Ketubah signing is a significant element of a Jewish Ceremony. Each witness needs to be Jewish and not related to the bride and groom. Always discuss this part with your officiant, so preparations can be planned in advance.
A Ketubah is often a beautiful lithograph that is framed to be displayed in the couple’s home. It will be the first piece of art as a married couple. It is taught to adorn your home with Judaica. The Ketubah Artists draw, paint, and carve designs that are naturally connected with the intertwining of two people uniting in marriage. The nature depictions connect to the phrase ‘the tree of life.’
The bride and groom are married according to Jewish Law and the Rabbi Wedding Officiant authorizes the marriage per Marriage Laws.
The Ketubah Signing with the order of the wedding ceremony ideas:
Another option is to make the Ketubah signing part of the ceremony with their guests. Have your guests gathered in an area where your Ketubah signing ceremony can take place in a half-circle where all can view this beautiful ceremony. A small table and festive pen are all that is needed along with the Ketubah of course.
The bridesmaids escort the bride and lead her to the side of the Rabbi and the Ketubah. The groom will then be escorted by his groomsmen and be presented to his bride. Music will enhance this moment by using a professional musician. A violinist playing a Jewish melody would keep the theme of your day.
Involving guests in this ritual will add a meaningful moment for them all. When the bride first sees her bridegroom, a bride seeing her bride, a groom seeing his groom, can be quite emotional. This is a moment that will not be forgotten by the bride, the groom, and the wedding guests. Providing they did not have their first look with the photographer.
