|
Seven Blessings
The ritual known as the Seven Blessings, or Sheva Brachot in Hebrew, is an important component of a Jewish wedding ceremony. In Halakah, the Seven blessings are known as the wedding blessings (Birkot Nisuim). The Jewish wedding ceremony, Kisushin in Hebrew, presents the bride and groom to their community as a married couple. A Jewish wedding is a special ceremony with an extensive tradition behind it. The ceremony incorporates many symbolic objects and acts that demonstrate the material and spiritual union of the couple. The Seven Blessings recited at the peak of the ceremony draw a connection between the love of the new couple and their love to the Creator of the world. As part of the ceremony the couple signs the Ketuba; this is a reflection of how Judaism perceives the matrimony - as a sacred contract between a man and a woman.
The Jewish wedding is set under a large canopy known as Chuppah. The Chuppah is a metaphor for the new home that the new married couple is going to build together. Under the Chuppah, the excited bride and groom stand with parents of both sides and the rabbi who performs the sacred ceremony of matrimony. The Rabbi recites a blessing over a first glass of wine , and the bride and groom drink from the glass. Then, the most important part takes place: the groom takes the wedding ring in his hand and in front of witnesses says to his bride: "You are betrothed unto me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel." | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
After the drinking of the first glass, according to the tradition of Ashkenazi Jews, a second glass of wine is poured by the rabbi and the Seven Blessings are recited. The seven blessing are often recited by the rabbi who performs the Kidushin. At other times, the seven blessings are said by guests; this is considered a great honor. In most Jewish communities, the Seven Blessings are said only if a ‘minyan’ is present. The seven blessings are usually chanted in both Hebrew and English.
So what do these Seven Blessings say? The four opening blessings glorify God who created everything for His glory and express gratitude for the Creator of the world. The first blessing celebrates the wine that brings joy to men.
The first blessing celebrates the wine that brings joy to man. Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine".
The second blessing thanks God for everything He has created in this world. "Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who created everything for his Glory". This is an acceptance by the worshiper that we are all God's creations and everyone and everything has a purpose and place in the universe.
The third blessing says: "Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who creator of man.
The fourth blessing: "Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who creates man in your image, fashioning perpetuated life. Blessed are You, LORD, creator of man.
ברוך אתה ה' אלהינו מלך העולם, אשר יצר את האדם בצלמו, בצלם דמות תבניתו, והתקין לו ממנו בניין עדי עד. ברוך אתה ה', יוצר האדם.
The fifth blessing celebrates the holy city of Jerusalem and wishes that the people of Israel will happily return to Zion: "May Zion rejoice as her children are restored to her in joy. Blessed are You, LORD, who causes Zion to rejoice her children’s return".
שוש תשיש ותגל עקרה, בקיבוץ בניה לתוכה בשמחה. ברוך אתה ה', משמח ציון בבניה.
"Grant perfect joy to these loving companions, as you did your creations in the Garden of Eden. Blessed are You, LORD, who grants the joy of groom and bride".
שמח תשמח רעים האהובים, כשמחך יצירך בגן עדן מקדם. ברוך אתה ה', משמח חתן וכלה.
The sixth blessing connects the wedding with Creation while blessing the bride and groom with happiness that God in His will shall bring upon them.
The seventh blessing sums up the six preceding blessings: "Blessed are You, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, song, delight and rejoicing, love and harmony and peace and companionship. LORD our God, may there ever be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem voices of joy and gladness, voices of groom and bride, the jubilant voices of those joined in marriage under the bridal canopy, the voices of young people feasting and singing. Blessed are You, LORD, who causes the groom to rejoice with his bride.
ברוך אתה ה' אלהינו מלך העולם, אשר ברא ששון ושמחה, חתן וכלה, גילה רינה, דיצה וחדווה, אהבה ואחווה, ושלום ורעות, מהרה ה' אלקינו ישמע בערי יהודה ובחוצות ירושלים, קול ששון וקול שמחה, קול חתן וקול כלה, קול מצהלות חתנים מחופתם, ונערים ממשתה נגינתם. ברוך אתה ה', משמח חתן עם הכלה.
