Unveiling the Symbolism Behind the Jewish Wedding Tradition: Breaking the Glass

Hey there, friends! As a dedicated wedding photographer, I’ve been fortunate enough to capture the magic of numerous wedding traditions around the world. Among them, one of my favourites is undoubtedly the Jewish ritual of “Breaking the Glass”. Let’s delve into the depths of this profound tradition and explore its symbolic significance.

Breaking the Glass: A Timeless Ritual

Towards the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony, a poignant moment arrives where the groom steps on a glass (or sometimes a light bulb for an easier ‘break’) enclosed in a cloth bag, effectively shattering it. The crowd erupts in applause and shouts of “Mazel Tov!” (which means “Congratulations” or “Good Luck” in Hebrew), marking the joyous conclusion of the ceremony.

Multiple Interpretations: The Symbolism of the Tradition

While this ritual is widely recognized and practiced, the symbolism behind it is interpreted differently across various Jewish cultures. Some view the breaking of the glass as a reminder of the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a significant historical event for the Jewish community. This interpretation serves as a poignant reminder that even in moments of great joy, one must remember the suffering and the sacrifices of the past.

Another interpretation of this tradition is tied to the permanence of marriage. Just as the broken glass cannot be mended, so the couple’s bond, once sealed, is irrevocable and intended to last a lifetime.

The Photographer’s Perspective: Capturing the Crucial Moment

As a wedding photographer, the breaking of the glass is one of those unique, thrilling moments that’s an absolute pleasure to capture. The anticipation, the action, and the jubilant reaction from the attendees all contribute to a dynamic, emotionally rich scene. It’s not just about the broken shards of glass; it’s about capturing a pivotal moment of irreversible commitment, expressed amid an outpouring of collective joy and blessing.

But why does this tradition happen at Jewish weddings?

Say Jewish wedding and most people won’t immediately think of the tisch, or the badeken, they think smashing the glass, this image is one of the first things that comes to mind. That and the Hora and Israeli dancing. Ask any catholic or atheist about a Jewish wedding tradition and they’ll always be able to cite the breaking of the glass, but why do we do it?

Kearney and Mark smashed the glass in a catholic cathedral in this military fusion wedding story.

There are multiple interpretations of breaking the glass, what you can expect to happen if this is your first Jewish wedding is the Rabbi will sing a song, probably in Hebrew, but possibly English, called ‘Im Eshkakech Yerushalayim’, which near enough translates to: ‘If I forget you, Jerusalem’. The song commemorates the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of two temples that once stood there. In Judaism, whenever one experiences immense joy, they should always remember the less than joyous moments they have experienced as well as the experiences and sacrifices made by their ancestors. In celebration, we must be thankful for all that has gone before us, and all that has been given. With light, we must always remember the dark. Once the less than joyous times have been remembered, the groom raises his foot and then breaks the glass.

As I mentioned, there are multiple interpretations of this action. In line with the song that has only moments before been sung, the breaking of the glass can pay respects to the destruction and persecution people of the Jewish faith have faced over the last few thousand years. If, in the moment of pure joy that you are wed you are able to equally pay respects to all those that have gone before you and given so much, you can achieve balance and harmony, and with that, enter into a life of wedded bliss, founded on harmony.

One interpretation is that the action represents the last time the groom will be able to put his foot down, as from now on the bride is in charge! Another is that the fractures in the relationship will pass onto the glass and stay there, allowing the couple to move into marriage with a clean slate.

A beautiful interpretation of smashing the glass however is that it represents how a solid relationship should not be defined or bound to physical goods, or earthly goods. The beauty of a marriage lies in the connection between two people and their faith. In breaking the glass they are acting out their beliefs that they will not put earthly objects before god, or before their relationship.
In recent years it has become fashionable to have something made from the shards, which is why you can now purchase coloured glass goblets, as once they are smashed, they will look really cool when made into something you can decorate your home with and be reminded of daily of the vows and commitments you made.

I don’t see why, with so many interpretations of smashing the glass, that you couldn’t even introduce your own, personal meaning. For me, weddings are about forging a personal relationship, and with that, a relationship with all things. One has to truly believe the words they say and the vows they make. If creating your own meaning for smashing the glass allows you to forge a more personal relationship with the action, more power to you I say. It marks the very moment your marriage starts, why not make it memorable!?

Final Thoughts: The Beauty in the Break

The tradition of breaking the glass encapsulates a beautiful mix of joy and remembrance, commitment and community – elements that are at the very heart of a wedding ceremony. As a wedding photographer, it’s an absolute honour to capture these timeless rituals and the emotions they evoke. Each snap of my camera is a testament to these beautiful traditions, helping to tell a love story that will be cherished for generations to come.

So next time you hear the glass shatter and the crowd cheer at a Jewish wedding, you’ll appreciate the depth of this tradition – a moment of historical reflection, communal joy, and above all, a symbol of an unbreakable commitment, beautifully captured in a single, resonating “crack”.
You’ve seen it in the movies, you’ve seen it on TV, you’ve seen it at friends and family members weddings, the time has finally come for you to smash the glass! The jewish wedding photographer readies themselves, the guests get ready to shout, you raise your foot…and…!

Mazel Tov!