Birkat Hamazon
No wedding is complete without a festive feast, this much is agreed upon all over the world. These feasts most often contain congratulations, toasts, and speeches. Traditional Jewish weddings however, have a little something special added to their feasts. This addition is called the Birkat Hamazon.
The Birkat Hamazon, or the blessings after the meal, is the traditional way to end a Jewish wedding feast. Benchers, which are small prayer booklets, are handed out to all the attending guests. After reciting the prayers, everyone participates in repeating the seven wedding blessings. Finally, the blessing over the wine is recited as two glasses of wine are poured together into a third. This symbolizes the creation of a strong bond and a new life together. Not only does this tradition connect all the friends and family in attendance, it also spreads messages of unity and new beginnings.
By Julia Dankov
