Key Phrases
Getting hitched
If you still don't know your Bedeken from your Erusin, don't panic. The rituals surrounding a Jewish wedding ceremony can be daunting, but our quick guide to the key phrases will help make sure your nuptials go without a hitch.
Bedeken The brides veiling before the start of the chuppah ceremony
Chatan The bridegroom
Erusin The betrothal ceremony that forms the first part of the wedding service
Kallah The bride
Ketubah The marriage contract
Kinyan In order for the groom to accept the obligations of the marriage contract, he must perform an act that indicates taking possession known as making a kinyan. He usually does this during the Tisch, by taking a piece of material (usually a hanky or napkin) from the Rabbi, who represents the bride
Tenaim The formal engagement ceremony
Kittel A white robe sometimes the groom sometimes wears for the duration of the wedding ceremony
Nisuin The marriage section of the wedding service
Sheva Brachot Seven blessings recited under the chuppah and after Grace After Meals at the wedding dinner
Tisch Literally means a table. This is actually a small pre-wedding reception for the groom, where the ketubah is signed.
Yichud Seclusion of the couple after the chuppah ceremony
