Romance and Ritual: Celebrating the Jewish Wedding

Romance and Ritual explores the Jewish wedding and related themes of courtship and married life through customs and rituals from different times and places. Included are may treasured works, including rare, illuminated ketubbot (wedding contracts) from the 17th to 20th centuries and embroidered Wimpels or Torah binders; newly restored American wedding gowns from the late 19th century to the present accompanied by personal and touching stories; and mementos--postcards, sheet music, invitations--that celebrate the universal aspirations couples have when embarking upon marriage. Additional wedding clothing reflects Jewish communities in Morocco, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Rhodes. Portraits celebrate the virtues of marriage, depicting couples well into their marriages. Essays on wedding dress preservation and recommendations to the modern bride are also included.

Though Jewish law stipulates very few requirements for a wedding, many special customs and rituals have been developed over time and in different countries to embellish this important personal event. The ketubbah documents the marriage. A huppa, or canopy, symbolizes the home the couple will build together. Blessings are recited and the bride and groom share from the same cup of wine. The giving of the ring represents the promise of the ancient wedding vow. Sometimes the groom breaks a glass, the bride circles the groom, family and friends lift the couple on chairs.