In a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, Jewish wedding rings play a very important role. In Jewish law, a verbal declaration is not enough to be married.
According to Jewish law, a formal, physical consecration must be made. Usually this is done with the giving of a Jewish wedding ring, however in ancient times, it was merely something of value-with the minimum value of what is now a penny.
Don't worry-I know you won't be that cheap! :)The ring must be of solid uninterupted gold with no holes breaking the circle. The continuity of the rings represents the hope for an everlasting marriage.
Requirements for Jewish Wedding Rings
The ring must be the bridegroom's property at the time of the Jewish wedding ceremony. While only one Jewish wedding ring is required by Jewish law, (given to the bride), many couples exchange rings.
Orthodox Rabbis refuse to perform a double ring ceremony, because they feel it invalidates the idea of the groom acquiring the bride as a wife in exchange of something valuable.
A Reform or Conservative denominational Rabbi may incorporate a ring exchange between bride and groom with little problem usually.
What Hebrew Wedding Rings are made of?
Most Jewish wedding rings are made of simple solid gold bands, although recently embellishment with Hebrew letters on the band has become quite popular.
Many rings can even now be fully customized with many different Hebrew phrases, or even the couple's names either inscribed or raised inside the band.
How To Buy a Jewish Wedding Ring
Buying a Jewish Wedding Ring can often be a confusing and frustrating adventure. There are so many Jewish jewelry stores, and with the advent of the internet, there are even more than ever before.
However, the internet has proven to be a big advantage for buyers. Low overhead and large online demand have driven prices for expensive Jewish Wedding Rings that used to go for $800-1000 down into the $320-600 range, depending on 14k or 18 gold, ring size, etc.
Look for merchants with these types of price ranges. Anything cheaper will be a ring of inferior quality. Anything higher is the seller making huge profits - off of potential buyers.
Another advantage of the online retailers is customization and options. Some Jewish wedding ring retailers can completely customize any engraving, either with hebrew phrases or the bride and groom's names. Look for websites who include customization in the price, rather than upsell the customization.
A Jewish Wedding Ring goes on WHICH finger?
The ring ceremony consists of the groom placing the ring on the bride's right index finger. Afterwards, most women move it to the customary "ring finger" of the left hand.
The reason for this Jewish wedding tradition goes back to the time of the Talmud and the differences in beliefs at that time about which finger is closer or more direct to the heart! Christianity taught the ring finger; Judaism taught the index finger.
When the Jewish Wedding Ring is Given?
In most ceremonies, the bridegroom repeats a Hebrew vow after the Rabbi, with the giving of the ring. The bridegroom would declare, "Behold, thou art consecrated to me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel."
In hebrew, this phrase is Hare at mekudeshet li betaba' at zo k'dat Moshe v' Yisrael.
With a little practice, you can easily learn to roll this phrase off of your tongue in no time at all. If you can't speak Hebrew, don't worry! On our website, we have a page where you can hear this phrase being said, right through your computer.
This statement that husband and wife are holy to each other. It is as if they were saying, "As Shabbat is to Jewish time and as Jerusalem is to Jewish space, you will be to me."
With this buyer's guide to Jewish Wedding rings and their traditions, you can be confident of making a good choice in choosing your rings for your special wedding day.
About the Author:
Josh Singer and Shira Frimer are authors and owners of http://www.about-jewish-weddings.com containing completely FREE articles on everything from A-Z you should know about Jewish Weddings and Jewish Wedding traditions.
They also offer beautiful, completely customizable Jewish Wedding Rings, hand-painted custom Ketubahs (Jewish Marriage Contract), as well as hand-painted silk Jewish Wedding Chuppahs.
Visit their website and receive "101 ways to save on your Wedding Costs" - a $69.00 value - absolutely free, no strings attached.
? 2005 Josh Singer and Shira Frimer. This article may be republished, as long as it remains unchanged, carries this copyright and reprint notice, and has a live link to our site.
professional maid services Northbrook ..All brides want to be beautiful on their wedding day,... Read More
The term and role "Maid of Honor" is sometimes confusing,... Read More
You've been invited to the bridal shower ? what fun!... Read More
Planning and organizing a wedding budget can greatly reduce the... Read More
How to get a spouse's attention so that he or... Read More
When it comes to your decorating budget it really depends... Read More
It's safe to say that of all the important events... Read More
A couple should trust each other in many ways. When... Read More
Exchanging anniversary gifts is a long standing tradition. Many couples... Read More
"Presence is more than just being there," states Malcolm S.Forbes.... Read More
Details, details, details. Paying attention to details, that's what makes... Read More
If bar-hopping and male strippers aren't the bride's idea of... Read More
Just the thought of all the expenses that come with... Read More
The big day is not all about the bride; the... Read More
Prescription for a happy marriage: one cup of tea or... Read More
Movies, sitcoms and soapies made in the United States could... Read More
There are many answers to this question, it all depends... Read More
Rounding up the guys to devour some barbecued red meat... Read More
Love should not blind a couple to the realities of... Read More
You may not think of Las Vegas as an area... Read More
As a youngster -- or perhaps even as an adult... Read More
Asian-themed weddings are on the rise, and at first this... Read More
When people plan to marry, they expect to find in... Read More
The beginning of the journey of two souls begins with... Read More
A bridal shower is an excellent way for the bride... Read More
house refresh service Bannockburn ..We've all been through times in our lives when it... Read More
So many couples are planning to have their wedding at... Read More
So, you decided to opt for an outdoor wedding under... Read More
In the last article, we concluded by saying that keeping... Read More
The beginning of the journey of two souls begins with... Read More
Perhaps the single most important thing that must be accomplished... Read More
When planning your event you should go with the most... Read More
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of... Read More
Original gift ideas for your Bridesmaids and Bestman.What better way... Read More
Wedding receptions are not as formal as they once were,... Read More
You've been engaged for months, you've made it through planning... Read More
Preparing for a wedding, large or small, is overwhelming! A... Read More
AttendantsAttendants, include the best man, Bridesmaid, ushers, and groomsmen. Generally... Read More
Your wedding day, what is presumed to be the happiest... Read More
Most visitors to Hawaii would agree that Maui is the... Read More
My husband and I have a perfect marriage.There. I said... Read More
Planning a second wedding? Prevent favorite guests comparing your second... Read More
Well you may not become a billionaire or even a... Read More
Every bride wants a fairytale wedding. Therefore, this article is... Read More
Every woman dreams of her own wedding. May it be... Read More
Honeymoon is the most wonderful time of every couple's life.... Read More
The sole purpose of save-the-date cards is to give the... Read More
If you are considering a beach wedding, the ideas are... Read More
Movies, sitcoms and soapies made in the United States could... Read More
Whatever your religious affiliation, or whatever you'd like to experience,... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |