Significance of Marriage

Marriage is a holy institution in Judaism. Its very name in Hebrew, "kiddushin," means "sanctification." Most of the laws and customs relating to the wedding ceremony (Chatunah), its preparations and Seudat Mitzvah (festive reception meal) date back to our Patriarchs and the giving of the Torah at Sinai. Jewish law enjoins the entire community to bring joy and happiness to both the Kallah (bride) and Chatan (groom). During each day of their marriage the bride and groom will strive to grow and adjust to each other in order to establish the foundation for a Bayis Ne'eman B'Yisrael - a faithful Jewish home. The wedding day is also seen as a private Yom Kippur for the couple because on this day of one's wedding G0d forgives the bride and groom of all their previous transgressions. They fast until the ceremony; add Yom Kippur confessions to their afternoon prayers; recite the Book of Psalms, asking for forgiveness for the wrongdoings of their youth, committed knowingly or unknowingly, before starting their new life together.