While the circling ritual is rich in symbolism, it's not without potential concerns. My couples are most commonly worried about tripping during the process, and ruining clothing/heirlooms/photos. Most of all, brides and grooms like to feel polished and pulled-together on their big day, and doing this awkward and unfamiliar choreography can really ruin that for a lot of people. Another common concern is time - especially if a couple doesn’t plan a special song or reading for this time, it can feel like walking in these circles will last FOREVER.

Let’s talk about the traditional customs that surround the groom's tisch and the bride's throne - one way to enrich the happiest day of your life with Jewish customs that will bring friends and family from all faiths and customs a little closer together!

As a wedding rabbi, I have a lot of meetings where so many couples focus on the ceremony - which is great! Often, we don’t have time to talk about ways to incorporate pre-ceremony traditions into your wedding day, which can be another wonderful opportunity to include family members, especially when you are an interfaith couple.

The great thing about the groom’s table and the bride’s throne is that they require NOTHING in terms of Hebrew knowledge or special equipment! Here’s how these old-country customs can come through to add Jewish customs to your wedding ceremony without too much fuss.

As a wedding rabbi for interfaith couples, I help my brides and grooms carefully think through all the Jewish wedding rituals and customs so that their Jewish-interfaith ceremony will be the best reflection of them as a couple, and of the traditions they hold dear.

The circling ritual is just one of those things that almost everyone associates with a Jewish wedding. Yet, about half my couples opt out of circling under the chuppah. Let’s take a look at the roots of this custom.