The breaking of the glass is one of the most iconic moments in a Jewish wedding ceremony. It comes at the very end, right after the groom declares his bride to be sanctified to him. The crowd shouts “Mazel Tov!” as the groom stomps on a glass wrapped in a napkin or cloth. The glass shatters into pieces, symbolizing the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
This practice dates back many centuries and has become a beloved tradition. While the breaking of the glass seems like an unusual way to end a joyous ceremony, it holds deep meaning and significance.
The History and Origin of Breaking the Glass
The exact origin of the tradition of breaking the glass is unclear, but several explanations have emerged over the years:
Symbolizing the Destruction of the Temple
The most common understanding is that breaking the glass represents the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. The breaking of the glass serves as a sobering reminder during the couple’s most joyous moments that Jewish history has also included sorrow and suffering. Even during times of immense joy and celebration, we must remember theTrials endured by the Jewish people.
Scaring Away Evil Spirits
Some believe that the loud shattering noise scares away any evil spirits who may have ill intentions toward the bride and groom. The demonic spirits of Lilith and Amalek were thought to target happy occasions, so the breaking glass sound was meant as a protective measure against their malevolence.
Avoiding Tempting Fate
Another interpretation is that old rabbis instructed grooms to break the glass to ensure the couple’s joy would not become overzealous. Rather than tempting fate, the surprising act of breaking glass reminded everyone that happiness is fragile. This symbolic gesture kept the celebration grounded and restrained.
A Reminder of the Destruction of the Temple
Yet another explanation is that the breaking of the glass served as a grim reminder of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. Even at the apex of joy, Jews remember the national tragedy that dispersed the Jewish people into exile. Breaking the glass showed that joy could never be complete until the Temple was rebuilt.
Enhancing the Memory
Some posit the dramatic glass breaking simply helps sear the moment into everyone’s memory. The crash of shattered glass is impossible to ignore, ensuring that those present will always remember the wedding where the glass was broken. The unusual act marks the finale and becomes a distinctive part of the occasion.
Whatever the exact origin, the breaking of the glass has become ingrained as a staple of Jewish weddings, iconic in its recognizability.
When Did This Tradition Begin?
There is no definitive documentation about when the practice started, but a few historical clues provide context:
– The earliest mention of breaking the glass is in the compendium of Jewish law, Shulchan Aruch, written in 1565. However, the language implies the practice already existed long before.
– In the 14th century fable collection Ma’aseh Buch, a rabbi breaks a glass at a wedding celebration. While fictional, it indicates the custom was established enough to include as a plot point.
– Archeological findings from ancient Jewish Galilee sites have unearthed shards of glass in locations and contexts that suggest wedding ceremonies. These could indicate that glass breaking occurred earlier.
– The practice of stamping on wine glasses by rowdy Roman banqueters may have been adapted by ancient Jews for symbolic meaning.
So while an exact date remains unknown, most scholars believe the ritual dates back at least to late antiquity or the early medieval era. The custom endured for centuries to become one of today’s most beloved Jewish wedding traditions.
The Wedding Glass
The vessel used for the breaking ceremony is specifically chosen for the occasion:
Wrapped Glass
Typically, the glass is wrapped in a cloth napkin or handkerchief. This ensures the shattered glass contained and easier to clean up. The wrapper also produces a softer breaking sound.
Thin Glass
A thin glass is preferable over a thick glass or mug, as a thin glass breaks more easily. Fragile glassware makes the moment more dramatically achievable.
Often a Wine Glass
Many couples opt to use a wine glass as the wedding glass. Connecting the vessel to sanctification and joy reinforces the symbolism. The grape represents fertility and the bloodline of the Jewish people.
Etched Glass
Some couples have the glass custom-etched with their names, wedding date, or meaningful symbols. While a broken etched glass cannot be reassembled, the shards serve as keepsakes. Guests may take pieces home.
Preserved Intact Glass
Rather than breaking the glass, some couples choose to simply step on it without breaking it. This demonstrates the moment without destruction. The unbroken glass becomes a commemorative keepsake.
How Is the Glass Broken?
The process of breaking the glass holds just as much significance:
Stamping
The most traditional method is for the groom to stamp his heel down hard on top of the glass. This intentionally forceful action makes a loud, attention-grabbing crunching noise.
Covered with a Napkin
Typically, the glass is placed on the ground and covered with a cloth napkin or handkerchief. Stepping directly on an exposed glass risks injury, so the covering allows for a safer breaking.
Under the Groom’s Foot
Placing the glass under the groom’s foot insider his shoe is another gentle option. The shoe prevents direct contact with the glass for a protected break.
Throwing
Having the groom stomp on the wrapped glass is most common, but sometimes he will throw it forcefully to the ground instead. This also makes a dramatic statement.
Together With the Bride
Occasionally, the bride will join in stomping on the glass for a unified shatter. This demonstrates partnership and solidarity.
Significance and Meaning
The breaking of the glass holds deep symbolic significance for a Jewish wedding:
Fragility of Relationships
The fragile glass reminds the couple that even the strongest relationships are vulnerable. Marriage requires constant care and maintenance.
Shared Burdens
Stomping together echoes shared hardships the couple will face. They break the glass together as they will endure life’s troubles together.
New Beginning
Shattered glass cannot be reassembled, representing a definitive end to single life and a new beginning as a married couple.
Celebration and Sadness Intertwined
Joy and sorrow always coexist. The break reminds all to be grateful for happiness while still mindful of suffering.
Appreciation for the Present
Despite past tragedies and uncertainty of the future, beautiful moments like weddings remind us to cherish the present.
Avoiding Excessive Celebration
Breaking the glass keeps the festivities grounded and avoids overindulgence in happiness.
Fragility of Love
Love, even when strong, remains vulnerable and requires ongoing care. Stomping represents the constant work of maintaining a marriage.
Interpretations and Analysis
Scholars and rabbis have provided perspective on the deeper meaning over the centuries:
Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe said the broken glass symbolizes the irreversible change from single life to married life. Just as the glass can never be reassembled, the bride and groom can never return to being single.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote: “Marriage lives in the tension between joy and fracturing, between relationship and the loneliness that lies just outside it.”
Maharat Rachel Kohl Finegold remarked: “At the apex of joy, we force ourselves to recognize the reality that wholeness itself is fragile, and often broken. And yet wholeness can still be found in the fragments that remain.”
Ongoing Relevance
The tradition remains relevant for contemporary couples as they start their married lives together:
Rabbi Avi Weiss explains: “The crash of glass suggests that the joyfulness of the wedding does not mask the fragility of human relations. Even the most joyous of occasions is tinged with sadness and loss.”
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg reflects: “Marriage stands for values the world urgently needs – fidelity, trust, loyalty, love. Jewish tradition teaches you can’t just preach that, you have to live it.”
The breaking of the glass is an uncommon but powerful ritual soaked in centuries of Jewish history and wisdom.
Common Questions
This unique tradition often brings up questions:
Should guests stomp on the glass too?
Traditionally, only the groom stomps and breaks the glass. However, some couples opt to have wedding guests follow the groom’s break with additional glasses to stomp on together. This communal act engages the guests and makes the moment more participatory.
What does “Mazel Tov” mean?
Guests yell “Mazel Tov!” as the glass shatters, a Hebrew phrase that means “good fortune.” This expresses congratulations, joy, and blessing for the couple’s marriage.
What kind of glass should be used?
A thin glass wine glass or light bulb are preferred over thicker glass to ensure an easy, clean break. Some couples use a special engraved glass with their names and wedding date.
What happens after the glass breaks?
The couple’s kiss seals their marriage, then guests are invited to celebrate, dance, eat, and drink in joyous celebration of the matrimony. Shards are collected and sometimes given to guests as mementos.
What if the glass doesn’t break?
It’s considered good luck if the glass doesn’t break! But almost all couples successfully shatter the glass. Stomping forcefully ensures the delicate glass will crack.
Conclusion
The breaking of the glass at Jewish weddings is an enchanting ritual that evokes the fragility of love, memory of historical destruction, and shared commitment to mend what is broken together. This distinctive tradition encapsulates wisdom passed down for generations. When the glass shatters, the past resonates poignantly and the couple steps into a new future of married life.