Why does a Jew break a wine glass at a wedding?

Answer 1

A glass is now placed on the floor, and the chatanshatters it with his foot. This act serves as an expression of sadness at the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and identifies the couple with the spiritual and national destiny of the Jewish people. A Jew, even at the moment of greatest rejoicing, is always mindful of the Psalmist's injunction to set Jerusalem above his highest joy.

(In Israel, the glass is broken earlier, prior to the reading of the Ketubah.)

This marks the conclusion of the ceremony. With shouts of Mazel Tov, the chatan and kallah are then given an enthusiastic reception from the guests as they leave the chupah together and head toward the Yichud room, their temporary private chamber.

(In Jest it is often said that it is the last time the groom gets to put his foot down!)

Answer 2

At a wedding, the bride, groom and family are experiencing such joy and happiness, that the breaking of the glass or bulb etc. "brings everyone back down to earth"- reminding that while they have the right to rejoice, there is still destruction in the world.

The glass itself is specifically supposed to bring to mind the destruction of the Holy Temple (in hebrew, Beit Hamikdash), that a joyous occasion cannot be complete without the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Answer 3

The true origins of the traditional breaking of a wine glass during a Jewish wedding are not known - however, it is known that the practice has taken place for more than a thousand years. In modern times, some non-orthodox couples replace the glass with another glass object such as a light bulb.

One argument is that while a wedding is a joyous occasion to be celebrated, we should not forget those things that are to be mourned - such as the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Another claims that the glass represents the fragile nature of reality and serves as a reminder that we must try to spiritually repair the world and work to keep the marriage a happy and intact union. There are other interpretations too - my grandmother, who was a Polish Jew, said that the glass is broken to remind both bride and groom that this should be the only wedding either of them have - sips of wine are taken during the seven blessings given during a Jewish wedding, so she said the glass was then broken to make sure neither party could use it ever again.

Answer 4

The tradition of breaking a glass at a Jewish wedding is in memory of the destruction of the Holy Temple. It also reminds us not to get too carried away with our rejoicing (Talmud, Berakhot 31a). I also like to think that just as a broken glass is an irreversible change, so is the wedding itself intended to be irreversible (although of course, weddings do sometimes end in divorce - but that is not what one hopes for, when getting married).

Answer 5

Its source is in the Talmud, Berakhot 31a, which states: "Mar the son of Ravina made a marriage feast for his son. He saw that the Rabbis were growing overly merry, so he brought a precious cup worth four hundred zuz and broke it before them, and they became serious. Rabbi Ashi made a marriage feast for his son. He saw that the Rabbis were growing overly merry, so he brought a cup of white crystal and broke it before them and they became serious."See also the Related Link.

The Jewish marriage

Answer 6

There is no Jewish tradition of breaking a plate during a wedding ceremony. The tradition is for the groom to break a glass.

Answer 7

Breaking a glass at a Jewish wedding symbolizes at the happiest moment in a couple's life remembering the destroyed Jerusalem.

Answer 8

This serves as an expression of sadness at the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and identifies the couple with the spiritual and national destiny of the Jewish people.

Answer 9

To symbolize our continued sadness at the destruction of the Holy Temple. The Talmud (Berakhot 31 a) adds that the breaking of the glass also reminds us not to become wild in our celebration.

Answer 10

To symbolize our continued sadness at the destruction of the Holy Temple. The Talmud (Berakhot 31a) adds that the breaking of the glass also reminds us not to become wild in our celebration.