Evergreen

The liberal Jewish movements are struggling to balance contemporary morality and Jewish tradition in deciding whether to ritually honor same-sex unions.

The biggest motivator for change in Jewish wedding customs by liberal Jews has been egalitarianism.

A procession leads the groom and then the bride to the huppah, where the bride traditionally encircles the groom three or seven times.

New Jewish rituals give meaning to formerly private moments and integrate the ritual-maker into the Jewish community.

The substance of nissuin, the actual marriage ceremony, are seven blessings that reflect the themes of creation, joy, and bride and groom.

In the wake of the Holocaust, Jewish theologians have challenged Christian thinkers to rework Christianity's traditional pictures of the Jews.

Erusin, the ancient betrothal ceremony, includes two blessings and the ring ceremony, and is followed by the reading of the marriage contract.

After the wedding, bride and groom retreat to a seclusion room, rejoin their guests for a festive meal, and then celebrate with friends and family for the next seven days.

A Jewish wedding takes place under a chuppah, which symbolizes the new Jewish home being created by the marriage.

The Jewish wedding is rich with ceremony, beginning with the announcement of intent to marry and ending with seven days of celebration.