What is the difference between Kiddushin and Nisu'in?

Kiddushin is the first stage of 'sanctification' or betrothal where the couple is legally set apart for each other. Nisu'in is the second stage that finalizes the marriage, traditionally involving the seven blessings and the couple living together.

How do Orthodox and Reform views on wedding witnesses differ?

In Orthodox Judaism, witnesses must be two adult males who are not related to the couple. In Reform and Liberal Judaism, witnesses can be either male or female, reflecting a more egalitarian approach to religious law.

How does the exchange of rings differ between Orthodox and Reform ceremonies?

In Orthodox ceremonies, the groom traditionally gives a ring to the bride to fulfill the legal requirement of acquisition/sanctification. In Reform ceremonies, there is often a mutual exchange where both partners give each other rings.

What is a common misconception about the reason for breaking the glass at a Jewish wedding?

Many believe it is for 'good luck,' but the actual religious purpose is to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. It serves as a reminder that no joy is complete while the Temple remains unbuilt.

Is it a mistake to hold a Jewish wedding on the Sabbath?

Yes, weddings are forbidden on Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening) and major festivals. This is because legal transactions and 'creating' a new status are prohibited on these holy days.

Why do some couples fast on their wedding day?

The wedding day is considered a personal 'Yom Kippur' for the couple. Fasting is a ritual of purification intended to cleanse them of past sins so they can begin their married life with a 'clean slate.'

What is the 'Chuppah'?

The Chuppah is a wedding canopy supported by four poles under which the marriage ceremony takes place. It symbolizes the home the couple will share and their hospitality toward the community.

What is the 'Ketubah'?

The Ketubah is a formal marriage contract that outlines the husband's obligations to his wife. It is signed by witnesses and often read aloud during the ceremony to emphasize the legal commitment.

What are the 'Sheva Brachot'?

The Sheva Brachot are the 'Seven Blessings' recited during the ceremony and for seven days following the wedding. They praise God for the creation of the world, humanity, and the joy of the bride and groom.

Why does the bride circle the groom seven times in many traditions?

The number seven represents the seven days of creation, suggesting the couple is creating a new world together. It also symbolizes the bride protecting the groom and establishing him as the center of her life.

4.6.2 Judaism: Marriage Ceremonies | AQA GCSE Religious Studies

4.6.2 Judaism: Marriage Ceremonies

Summary

Jewish marriage is a sacred two-stage process—Kiddushin and Nisu'in—that transforms a legal contract into a spiritual covenant. It is viewed as a blessing from God, a re-enactment of the Sinai covenant, and the essential foundation for Jewish family life and the fulfillment of the commandment to be fruitful.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Marriage (Nisu'in) in Judaism is considered a state of holiness where two individuals become a single soul, reflecting the relationship between God and the Jewish people.
The process is defined by two distinct legal and spiritual stages: Kiddushin (betrothal or sanctification) and Nisu'in (the finalization of the marriage).
Marriage is not merely a social arrangement but a mitzvah (commandment), fulfilling the biblical mandate in Genesis to 'be fruitful and multiply' and establish a home centered on Torah values.
The ceremony can take place in a synagogue or a secular venue like a hotel, provided the religious requirements are met under the guidance of a Rabbi.

2. Underlying Principles

Spiritual Bonding: Marriage is seen as a 'spiritual bonding' where the couple is cleansed of past sins, often symbolized by fasting on the wedding day, treating it as a personal Yom Kippur.
Covenantal Re-enactment: Many Jewish thinkers view the wedding as a symbolic re-enactment of the revelation at Mount Sinai, where the marriage between God and Israel was established.
Completeness: According to the Talmud, an unmarried person is considered 'incomplete,' as the union of husband and wife is necessary to achieve human wholeness and divine blessing.
Holiness in the Mundane: By sanctifying a physical relationship through religious law, Judaism demonstrates how everyday life can be elevated to a level of holiness.

Diagram of a Chuppah, a four-poled canopy used in Jewish weddings to symbolize the couple's new home.

3. Methods & Rituals

4. Key Distinctions

Denominational Variations: Practices differ significantly between Orthodox and non-Orthodox communities regarding legal requirements and egalitarianism.

Feature	Orthodox Tradition	Reform / Liberal Tradition
Witnesses	Must be two adult males	Can be male or female
Ring Exchange	Traditionally groom to bride only	Often a mutual exchange of rings
Same-Sex Marriage	Not recognized or performed	Widely accepted and performed
Ketubah	Standardized legal text in Aramaic	Often includes egalitarian language

Preparation: In Orthodox circles, the couple may avoid seeing each other for a full week before the wedding to increase the sanctity and excitement of the event.

5. Exam Strategy & Tips