Sheva Brachot: Seven marriage blessings recited under the huppah: praising God for creating the fruit of the vine, the Earth and humanity, for creating man and woman in God's image, for the miracle of birth, for bringing the bride and groom together and for the joy of the bride and groom.
Simcha: Celebration of joy.
Tallis: Prayer shawl.
Tenaim: Formal engagement contract.
Tish or Tisch: Yiddish for table, the light-hearted discussion held before the wedding ceremony.
Torah: First five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).
Yarmulke: Head covering.
Yihud or Yichud: Brief seclusion (10-15 minutes) of bride and groom immediately after the wedding ceremony. In Hebrew, yihud means "union." It is a symbolic and emotional consummation of the marriage.
Zivuk: One's preordained mate, the perfect match.
Want more information on Jewish wedding ceremonies?
- Find out how one couple planned their interfaith wedding beautifully.
- Read an interfaith ceremony wedding program here.
