It is said to demonstrate that the groom is the center of her life, or that she is the keeper of the home. It may or may not coordinate to the “seven blessings” (another tradition). The “circling ceremony” is an ancient custom in which the bride walks around, or circles, the groom seven times. I’ve seen some really beautiful chuppahs! Some couples use an existing arbor at a venue to represent the chuppah, and that’s OK, too. There are no specific requirements other than that it covers you, or you stand under it, and couples can create their own chuppah, as elaborately or simple as they wish. Most often it is set up ahead of time at the altar area. It can be difficult to hold the chuppah through the entire ceremony, though, so be sure the poles are long enough to put on the ground and still be able to stand underneath. It is held up by four poles, and sometimes people actually hold those, even walking it in. It represents the home, and the protection and safety that should reside within your home. The chuppah is the canopy that the couple, and often their parents, stand under for the ceremony. The chuppah (there are many alternate spellings, as this is a transliteration from Hebrew) is another well-known element of a Jewish wedding. Breaking the Glass is a great way to end a ceremony! They're also perfect for printing on bar mitzvah invitations, dinner menus and goodie bags.To modernize this tradition some couples are breaking the glass together, and it doesn’t just have to be a man who does the stomping, I have had brides also do it. (AH-nee oh-hevett oht-cha) "I love you," from a female to a male.Īll of these Hebrew phrases and Jewish sayings are great for saying during the celebration. (AH-nee oh-hev oh-tach) Hebrew for "I love you," from a male to a female. (kohl hah-kah-vohd) Hebrew for "all of the respect." Ani ohev otach (kohl toov) This is Hebrew for "be well," which works for saying goodbye. (gey g'-SUND-hahyt) Add gey and it becomes "go in good health!" Kol Tuv (g'-SUND-hahyt) Gesundheit translates to "good health." Add ess to the front and you get "eat in good health." Gey Gesundheit (cha-zahkh VHAY eh-matz) This means "be strong and have courage," and is the appropriate response to chazak u'varuch. (cha-zahkh uva-ruhkh] This Hebrew saying means "be strong and blessed." Chazak Ve'Ematz (YAH-shehyr KOH-ahkh) This is Hebrew for "straight strength," and is usually reserved for congratulating someone on performing a mitzvah or other public ceremony. (buh-tay-ah-vohn) This is the Hebrew way of saying "bon appetite!" The literal translation is "with appetite," which would go great on custom cake boxes or goodie bags with homemade treats inside. (li-KHAY-eem) Literally means "to life." This is an especially popular way of saying "cheers!" during a toast. (buh-kah-rohv ehtz-lehch) "Soon it will be you" is also an appropriate response to mazel tov. (toh-DAH) This means "thank you," which would be the appropriate response to mazel tov.
(MAH-zl TAWV) The translations from Yiddish and Hebrew literally mean "good luck," although it's mostly used as "congratulations!" It's typical in Jewish culture to also say mazel tov to the mothers, fathers, siblings and friends of the honoree. (ah-ley-KHEM) Add Aleichem and you're saying "peace be upon you." Mazel Tov
(shah-LOHM) The Hebrew translation literally means "peace," although it is widely used to say "hello" and "goodbye." Shalom Aleichem
Looking for more Bar/Bat Mitzvah tips? Check out our Bar/Bat Mitzvah Etiquette, Dress Code & Gift Guide post as you prepare to be the perfect guest for your loved one's big day. Whether you're writing bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah invitations or preparing to attend your first mitzvah ever, we've compiled a list of common Hebrew phrases and Jewish sayings often overheard at such occasions. Just imagine one of these traditional sayings foil stamped in a festive color on your invitations!