Jewish Wedding

The Land and the People

Jewish weddings in India are held by small Jewish communities. The main groups are the Bene Israel, the Cochin Jews and the Baghdadi Jews. The Bene Israel live mainly in Maharashtra, especially Mumbai and the Konkan coast. The Cochin Jews come from Kerala, and the Baghdadi Jews from cities like Kolkata and Mumbai.

The Jewish people have lived in India for many centuries. They have kept their faith and their customs, and they have also taken up many Indian ways. Their weddings follow Jewish law with Indian touches. The result is a very special wedding, with prayers in Hebrew and songs in local languages.

How Long the Wedding Lasts

A Jewish wedding usually takes one day for the main ceremony. Some Indian Jewish families also hold pre-wedding functions over two or three days. These functions include henna nights and family dinners. After the wedding, the celebrations may go on for a few more days.

Before the Wedding

Many Indian Jewish families hold a henna night, called Mehendi, before the wedding. The women of the family gather and apply henna on the hands and feet of the bride. They sing songs in Hebrew, Marathi or Malayalam. The room is full of laughter and love. It is a custom that has been borrowed from Indian culture, and it is loved by all.

The Wedding Day

The main ceremony is held under a canopy called a Chuppah. The Chuppah is a cloth held up by four poles, and it stands for the new home that the couple will build. The bride and groom stand under it, with their families close by. It is open on all sides, as a sign that guests are always welcome.

A marriage contract, called a Ketubah, is read and signed by two witnesses. The Ketubah lists the duties of the groom to the bride. It is a legal and a holy paper. The bride keeps it safe for the rest of her life.

The couple exchanges rings, and the groom says the vows. The rabbi, who is the Jewish teacher, guides the couple. Seven blessings, called Sheva Brachot, are said over a cup of wine. The blessings thank God for love, joy and happiness, and they ask for a happy home. The couple sips the wine.

The groom breaks a glass with his foot at the end of the ceremony. This is a sign that even in times of joy, people remember the sad times in the history of their people. It is also seen as a way to wish the couple strength in hard times. Guests shout Mazel Tov and begin to dance. Mazel Tov means good luck and congratulations.

Bene Israel families also offer a sweet dish called Malida and remember the Prophet Elijah. Malida is made from flattened rice, coconut, fruits and nuts. It is offered as a thanksgiving, and the family shares it with the guests.

Clothes, Food and Fun

The bride may wear a white gown or a sari, and the groom wears a suit or a kurta. The mix of dress shows the two cultures, Jewish and Indian, and the couple wears what feels right to them.

Songs may be sung in Hebrew, Marathi or Malayalam, depending on the community. The feast has local Indian dishes made by the community. Music and dance make the celebration lively. The guests dance in circles, and the bride and groom are lifted on chairs. A Jewish wedding in India is a rare and lovely mix of two rich cultures.