Here at Kendall Point, we have been honored to host hundreds of weddings, representing a myriad of cultures. It’s truly a beautiful moment to see couples honoring the wedding rituals born from centuries of tradition.

For those planning a Jewish wedding, there are many traditions to choose from, each one with significance for your new life together. Here are seven beautiful Jewish wedding traditions that we love to see at our San Antonio wedding venue.

1. Signing The Ketubah

The ketubah is the traditional Jewish marriage contract, but trust us—it’s a lot more romantic than your average contract!

Signed by the bride, groom, officiant, and two witnesses just before the ceremony, the ketubah captures the spirit of the vows you will soon exchange. As a reminder of your special day, most ketubahs are designed as intricate works of art and displayed in the couple’s new home.

2. Standing Under the Chuppah

The canopy, or chuppah, is one of the most recognizable parts of a Jewish wedding ceremony and represents the home where the couple will begin their lives together.

While many chuppahs incorporate the use of a prayer shawl (or tallis), Jewish law states that chuppahs only need to be supported by four poles, covered, and open on all sides. In that case, our gazebo that overlooks a spring-fed pond definitely fits the bill!

 

3. Seven Blessings

Another important feature of Jewish wedding ceremonies is the inclusion of the Sheva Brachot, or seven blessings.

Traditionally, these blessings are led by a rabbi or cantor as the couple shares a cup of wine. However, many couples see the blessings as the perfect opportunity to honor guests on their wedding day. Feel free to have a friend or family member read the blessings either during the ceremony, or at the reception.

4. Breaking of the Glass

No Jewish wedding is complete until the moment when the groom stomps his foot on a glass wrapped in cloth, shattering it with a pop.

This celebratory tradition is rich with symbolism. Some say it symbolizes the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem or the fact that life is fragile. Others say it’s to remind of sadness, even in the midst of joy.

Either way, this moment is usually seen as a celebration, with guests in attendance shouting, “Mazel tov!”

 

5. Yichud

Derived from the Hebrew word for “together,” the yichud is a time when the newly married couple spends a few quiet moments in isolation. This is also the perfect time to take a breather before the whirlwind of the reception!

If you wish to make this tradition a part of your wedding at Kendall Point, you can use either our bridal suite or groom’s room for your yichud. Both are comfortably appointed and well removed from the hustle and bustle of the main ballroom, giving you plenty of time for a few intimate moments together.

6. Dancing The Hora

One of the most fun parts of every traditional Jewish wedding is dancing the hora! During this lively dance, the guests lift the bride and groom on chairs to represent them as the guests of honor.

At some weddings, this is also done to the parents of the bride and groom as well. You’re sure to get some unforgettable pictures (just make sure you use sturdy chairs)!

 

7. Birkat Hamazon

Known as the grace after meals or “benching,” the birkat hamazon provides an opportunity to thank God and express hope for the future.

This blessing is often followed up by the Seven Blessings, but many couples use this time for toasts and other well-wishes.

 

Mazel Tov!

These Jewish wedding traditions were born of centuries of history and culture, but for modern Jews, it’s about finding the traditions and rituals that mean the most to you. Feel free to include as many (or as few) of them as you want.

At Kendall Point, we are proud to have hosted weddings within the Jewish community in Central Texas and are honored when any couple chooses to spend their special day with us.

If you are looking for a wedding venue surrounded by countryside views and dedicated to Southern hospitality, look no further than Kendall Point! Built with your wedding in mind, this state-of-the-art facility includes everything you need to make your wedding a dream come true.

Schedule your tour today!