Marriage

Question 1

Why is marriage important in Jewish belief?

Answer 1

It creates a spiritual bond between the couple

Jews believe that God desires the couple to marry.

Question 2

What does Genesis 2 say about marriage?

Answer 2

A man should leave his father and mother and cling to his wife so the two become one flesh

This verse highlights the significance of the marital union.

Question 3

What is the First Book of Moses called?

Answer 3

GENESIS

It contains the history of Creation.

Question 4

What did God create in the beginning according to Genesis?

Answer 4

The heavens and the earth

This refers to the creation narrative in the book of Genesis.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: In the beginning, God created the _______.

Answer 5

heavens and the earth

Question 6

True or False: The creation narrative includes the phrase ‘Let there be light’.

Answer 6

True

This phrase is part of the creation story in Genesis.

Question 7

What is the ‘Betrothal’ in Jewish marriage?

Answer 7

‘Betrothal’ is the first stage of Jewish marriage, usually lasting a year, where the couple is promised to each other but does not live together.

Betrothal has legal status in Jewish law, and can only be broken by death or divorce.

Question 8

How long does the betrothal period usually last?

Answer 8

Usually a year.

Question 9

What are the two stages of Jewish marriage?

Answer 9

• Betrothal period
• Wedding

Question 10

True or False: During the betrothal period, the couple lives together.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

What can break a betrothal in Jewish law?

Answer 11

• Death
• Divorce

Question 12

Where do most Jewish weddings take place?

Answer 12

Most take place in a synagogue

They can also take place in venues like hotels.

Question 13

On which days do Jewish weddings typically not occur?

Answer 13

On any day except Shabbat or a festival.

Question 14

What are the three main parts of a Jewish marriage ceremony?

Answer 14

Betrothal ceremony, signing of the Marriage Contract, Wedding itself

Question 15

What does the chuppah symbolize in the Betrothal ceremony?

Answer 15

The home that the couple are making together

The chuppah is a canopy under which the bride and groom stand during the ceremony, facing Jerusalem.

Question 16

How many times does the bride circle the groom during the Betrothal ceremony?

Answer 16

Seven times

This act is part of the traditional ceremony and has various interpretations in Jewish culture.

Question 17

What do the couple recite over wine during the Betrothal ceremony?

Answer 17

Two blessings

The blessings signify the sanctity of the marriage and the joy of the occasion.

Question 18

What is the tradition for the ring placement in Orthodox Jewish weddings?

Answer 18

The groom places a plain ring on the bride’s finger

This is a traditional practice signifying the groom’s commitment.

Question 19

In Reform traditions, how do the couple exchange rings?

Answer 19

The couple exchange rings

This symbolizes mutual commitment and equality in the relationship.

Question 20

What is the first step in the marriage process according to the text?

Answer 20

The marriage contract is signed in front of witnesses

Question 21

What happens to the marriage contract after it is signed?

Answer 21

It is read out and given to the bride

Question 22

What does the marriage contract include for Orthodox couples?

Answer 22

Legal rights such as the bride’s inheritance and provisions for divorce

Question 23

What does the marriage contract include for Reform couples?

Answer 23

It sets out their mutual hopes for the marriage

Question 24

True or False: The marriage contract for Orthodox couples does not address legal rights.

Answer 24

False

Question 25

Fill in the blank: For Orthodox couples, the marriage contract includes the bride's _______ upon the death of her husband.

Answer 25

inheritance

Question 26

Fill in the blank: For Reform couples, the marriage contract sets out their mutual _______ for the marriage.

Answer 26

hopes

Question 27

What is recited by a family member during the marriage ceremony?

Answer 27

Seven wedding blessings ## Footnote These blessings are an integral part of the Jewish wedding ceremony.

Question 28

Who makes a short speech and blesses the couple during the marriage ceremony?

Answer 28

The rabbi ## Footnote The rabbi's role is to officiate the ceremony and provide spiritual guidance.

Question 29

What does the groom do to symbolize regret for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem?

Answer 29

Breaks a glass wrapped in cloth under his heel ## Footnote This act is significant in Jewish tradition, representing both sorrow and the duality of life.

Question 30

What does breaking the glass symbolize in addition to the destruction of the Temple?

Answer 30

That there is hardship in life as well as joy ## Footnote This symbolism reflects the complexities of human experience.

Question 31

What is the significance of the private room for the couple after the wedding?

Answer 31

It symbolizes their new status as a married couple. ## Footnote This moment allows the couple to share an intimate experience before joining their guests.

Question 32

What are the main components of a wedding reception?

Answer 32

A special meal, music, and dancing. ## Footnote The reception is a celebration of the marriage and often includes various traditions and entertainment.