Jewish Lifecycle

Prenuptial marriage protection agreements that accord with halakhah, or Jewish law, can help secure a woman's freedom to remarry in case of a divorce.

Once a protection for women, the traditional ketubah has been critiqued by liberal Jews on several grounds.

Although the Bible frowns upon magical healing practices, a clear distinction between medicine and magical healing developed only gradually.

Divorce is meant to take care of the wife. But occasionally, a husband will manipulate the system.

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

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.

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.