Jewish marriage

Question 1

What is Badeken?

Answer 1

Veiling

The veiling ceremony occurs when the groom covers the bride’s face with a veil.

Question 2

What does Birkat Erusin refer to?

Answer 2

Betrothal blessing

This blessing is part of the marriage ceremony, signifying the couple’s commitment.

Question 3

Define Birkat Hamazon.

Answer 3

Grace after meals

A blessing recited after meals, acknowledging God’s provision.

Question 4

What is the Chassan or Chatan?

Answer 4

Groom

The male partner in a Jewish marriage.

Question 5

What is the purpose of the Chuppah?

Answer 5

Canopy

Symbolizes the new home being created by the couple.

Question 6

What does Kallah mean?

Answer 6

Bride

The female partner in a Jewish marriage.

Question 7

What is a Ketubah?

Answer 7

Wedding contract, document + confirmation with covenant and obligations

This document outlines the husband’s responsibilities and is signed before the ceremony.

Question 8

Define Kiddushin.

Answer 8

Sanctification, betrothal

The first part of the Jewish marriage ceremony that signifies the couple’s commitment.

Question 9

What constitutes a Minyan?

Answer 9

Group of 10 observant Jewish men

Required for certain Jewish prayers and ceremonies.

Question 10

What is a Mitzvah?

Answer 10

A precept or commandment, good deed done from religious duty

Represents the obligations of Jewish life.

Question 11

What does Niddah refer to?

Answer 11

Purity

Refers to the laws of family purity in Jewish tradition.

Question 12

Define Nissuin.

Answer 12

Marriage

The second part of the marriage ceremony, following Kiddushin.

Question 13

What is a Seudah?

Answer 13

Festive meal

Often held after the wedding ceremony to celebrate.

Question 14

What does Yichud signify?

Answer 14

Small private room

The couple spends time alone after the ceremony, signifying their new status.

Question 15

True or False: Jewish marriage is merely a secular legal partnership.

Answer 15

False

It is a union sanctified by God, with spiritual implications.

Question 16

What is the significance of marital obligations in Jewish tradition?

Answer 16

They have implications for universal harmony

Marital fidelity is seen as critical to maintaining the integrity of creation.

Question 17

According to Jewish beliefs, what is the ideal human state?

Answer 17

Marriage

Seen as a religious obligation and a rite of passage within the community.

Question 18

What are the primary purposes of marriage in Jewish tradition?

Answer 18

• Companionship and love
• Procreation
• Establishing a family
• Emotional and spiritual fulfillment

These purposes are rooted in biblical teachings.

Question 19

What is the role of the Ketubah in a wedding?

Answer 19

Specifies responsibilities and obligations

It is a legal document outlining what the husband must provide to the wife.

Question 20

What does the act of Kiddushin involve?

Answer 20

The bridegroom gives something of value to the bride with witnesses

This act signifies the formal commitment of the couple.

Question 21

What does the act of circling the Chatan symbolize?

Answer 21

Completeness and the creation of a new home

The number seven represents completeness in Jewish thought.

Question 22

What is the significance of the breaking of the glass?

Answer 22

Reminds of the destruction of the Temple and the fragility of life

It serves as a reminder of both joy and sorrow in marriage.

Question 23

What are the Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot)?

Answer 23

• Praises of God who created nature and mankind
• Blessings for the couple
• Community and Israel

These blessings are recited during the marriage ceremony and celebrations afterward.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: A person who does not marry is considered an _______.

Answer 24

Incomplete person

This reflects the belief that marriage is essential for wholeness.

Question 25

What is Shalom Bayit?

Answer 25

Peace in the house, marital harmony ## Footnote An important aspect of Jewish marriage that promotes a harmonious home.

Question 26

What is the purpose of the wedding day fast?

Answer 26

To atone for sins and enter marriage in a state of ritual purity ## Footnote This practice is often followed in Orthodox weddings.

Question 27

What does the ring symbolize in the marriage ceremony?

Answer 27

Simple beauty and mutual commitment ## Footnote The ring is a plain gold band, emphasizing that love transcends material wealth.

Question 28

How does marriage relate to the covenant in Jewish belief?

Answer 28

It is a commitment to complete oneself and fulfill the Covenant made with God ## Footnote This parallels God's covenant with Israel.

Question 29

What is the relationship between marriage and God's covenant with Israel?

Answer 29

Marriage is often likened to God's covenant with Israel, highlighting a sacred bond. ## Footnote This is referenced in the prophets, such as Hosea 2:21.

Question 30

What are the seven blessings in a Jewish marriage?

Answer 30

One of the blessings reminds the couple and community that everything is done for God in remembrance of the covenant. ## Footnote The blessings reinforce the significance of the relationship with God.

Question 31

What does breaking the glass during a wedding symbolize?

Answer 31

It symbolizes the sorrow of the destruction of the temple and the need to repair the broken world by following God. ## Footnote This act reminds participants of the fragility of life and the importance of commitment.

Question 32

What is the purpose of the Ketubah?

Answer 32

The Ketubah expresses the obligations and responsibilities in marriage, showing the covenant and contractual relationship between God and His people.

Question 33

How does marriage function as a religious obligation in Judaism?

Answer 33

Marriage is seen as a holy covenant and is a mitzvah that all Jewish men and women are expected to fulfill.

Question 34

What is the significance of companionship in marriage according to Jewish beliefs?

Answer 34

Companionship is essential for individuals to support each other, fulfill their religious duties, and strengthen their relationship with God.

Question 35

What does the Talmudic law state about fulfilling the obligation of marriage?

Answer 35

The obligation is fulfilled when a couple has at least one son and one daughter.

Question 36

What role does the marriage process play in individual transformation?

Answer 36

Marriage transforms individuals by uniting them in love and forming a new family unit.

Question 37

What does the marriage ceremony help couples understand?

Answer 37

It helps couples more clearly understand the central beliefs of Judaism.

Question 38

What does the Chatan wear during the marriage ceremony, and what does it symbolize?

Answer 38

The Chatan wears a long white Kittel, which symbolizes the cycle of life and prompts him to repent.

Question 39

What is the consequence of not having a Ketubah in a marriage?

Answer 39

Without a Ketubah, a man is forbidden to live with his wife.

Question 40

How does the Ketubah protect women in the case of divorce?

Answer 40

The Ketubah provides legal protection and outlines the husband's responsibilities, ensuring women are safeguarded.

Question 41

What does the Sheva Brachot blessing signify?

Answer 41

It reminds both the couple and the congregation of God's blessings for the couple and community.

Question 42

What does the ring symbolize in a Jewish marriage?

Answer 42

The ring symbolizes the contract between God and Abraham and the commitment of the couple.

Question 43

What is the significance of the Chuppah in the marriage ceremony?

Answer 43

The Chuppah represents the importance of the marital home.

Question 44

How does marriage contribute to the Jewish community?

Answer 44

Marriage contributes to the ongoing growth of the community, reaffirms beliefs, and encourages group cohesion.

Question 45

What is the role of the community during a marriage ceremony?

Answer 45

The community actively participates in the ceremony and supports the new family unit.

Question 46

What is the importance of marriage in ensuring the continuation of the Jewish tradition?

Answer 46

Marriage helps maintain and build Jewish membership, securing the future and solidarity of the Jewish community.

Question 47

Fill in the blank: The marriage process is an expression of _______.

Answer 47

[Judaism]

Question 48

True or False: Marriage in Judaism is solely a private matter between two individuals.

Answer 48

False

Question 49

What is the meaning of Shalom Bayit?

Answer 49

Shalom Bayit means peace in the home, fostering a loving atmosphere for the family.

Question 50

What does the act of circling seven times represent in a Jewish marriage?

Answer 50

It symbolizes God creating the world in seven days.

Question 51

What does the lighting of candles during the ceremony remind participants of?

Answer 51

It reminds them of the fire at Mount Sinai where the Torah was given.

Question 52

What is the ideal state of existence in a successful marriage according to Jewish beliefs?

Answer 52

It is the closest approximation of the idealized relationship between God and the Jewish people.