Newlyweds laughing and holding on as guests lift them in chairs during a lively jewish wedding reception tradition in philadelphia

6 Most Popular Jewish Wedding Traditions in Philadelphia

As wedding photographers, we have the honor of working with couples from Philadelphia by creating beautiful, memorable, and unique wedding experiences. With such diverse clientele, we have seen and worked with hundreds of couples from various backgrounds, cultures, traditions, and religious affiliations. Among the different cultures, Jewish wedding traditions in Philadelphia are often favorites, which are cherished by both vendors and guests.

The deep symbolism, beauty, and ancient traditions inherent in Jewish weddings promise goosebumps every time. Here, we explore the six most popular Jewish wedding traditions in Philadelphia celebrated by our couples.

1. The Chuppah

The chuppah, or wedding canopy, is a staple in almost all Jewish wedding ceremonies. The chuppah which symbolizes the home, serves as a central focal point of the ceremony.

The beauty of this lies not only in its cultural appeal but also in its symbolism of a new beginning and the spirit of openness and hospitality. Some couples invite their parents to stand under the chuppah alongside them, while others choose to stand alone with their rabbi or officiate. Regardless of the variation, the chuppah is a profound tradition that adds depth and meaning to the ceremony.

the first kiss of the newlyweds under a chuppa

the elegant chuppah installed at water works

2. The Ketubah

The Ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract. It is often signed before the ceremony in the presence of the couple’s closest family and friends. This beautiful custom work of art can be incorporated into the wedding ceremony, either by reading it in part or in full under the chuppah.

Many couples choose to frame the Ketubah and hang it prominently in their home. This makes it a lasting reminder of their vows and commitments. The Ketubah’s blend of legal and artistic elements makes it a cherished tradition in Jewish weddings.

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the vows printed on a cloth

3. The Kiddush Cup

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Two silver Kiddush cups, traditionally used for blessings during the Jewish wedding ceremony, rest on a decorative cloth.

The Kiddush cup is a ceremonial wine glass used in Jewish weddings. It can range from simple crystal to ornate silver and is often considered an heirloom item passed down through generations.

During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom each drink from the Kiddush cup filled with wine after a blessing has been made by a relative, friend, or officiate. This tradition is performed once or twice during the ceremony, adding a touch of sacredness and continuity, linking the couple to their heritage and family traditions.

4. The Breaking of the Glass

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At the end of the ceremony, the breaking of the glass is a powerful tradition that symbolizes the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and the finality of marriage. Traditionally, the groom is the one to break the glass, but some couples modernize this tradition by having both the bride and groom stomp on the glass together.

This act is often accompanied by cheers of "Mazel Tov!" from the guests and marks the joyous conclusion of the ceremony. The breaking of the glass serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the commitment to support each other through all of life’s challenges.

5. The Seven Blessings (The Sheva Brachot)

The Sheva Brachot, or Seven Blessings, is a favorite tradition in Jewish weddings. These blessings are sung or read by the Rabbi, officiate, or all the guests in unison under the chuppah. The melodic blessing is often performed in Hebrew, praising the Almighty and his presence in the relationship between God and man.

Some couples choose to have the blessings read in both Hebrew and English, making them accessible to all guests. The Sheva Brachot’s spiritual and emotional significance adds a profound layer of meaning to the wedding ceremony.

bride and groom in prayer during their W Hotel Philly ceremony

6. The Hora Dance

After the solemnity of the wedding ceremony, the Hora dance livens up the celebration, bringing loved ones together on the dance floor for a rollicking good time. The Hora dance, also known as the chair dance, is a traditional highlight at Jewish wedding receptions. This energetic dance can last for hours, requiring stamina but offering plenty of fun and often standing out as a memorable moment of the celebration.

Modern-day hora symbolizes joy and celebration, hence its presence at special Jewish occasions, such as weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies in both Israel and the United States
bride and groom are seated on chairs and lifted into the air in a celebratory dance at the reception called the hora

Newlyweds laughing and holding on as guests lift them in chairs during a lively jewish wedding reception tradition in philadelphia

Jewish wedding ceremonies are rich and full of beautiful traditions that offer deep symbolism and meaning. While the six customs listed above are among the most popular, there are many other traditions that lovers may choose to incorporate into their weddings.

For many partners, having a full, traditional religious ceremony is a significant part of their identity and heritage. However, as more couples come together from different backgrounds, creating a hybrid ceremony that reflects who they are as a couple while honoring their past can result in a truly unique and special wedding experience.

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"Ralph's ability to make his clients feel like they are #1 at all times is phenomenal! His work speaks for itself, but it is what he does in addition to the pictures that makes the difference. Him and his team went far beyond our expectations and were able to capture not only pictures, but a story of our lives. We would recommend Ralph Deal Photography to anyone who wants an exceptional and personalized experience!"

-Rona Diamond

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