How To Celebrate a Traditional Jewish Wedding

The use of a wedding ring in the Jewish wedding ceremony started in the 7th century.

The wedding ring symbolizes many things. First, it is a symbol of attachment and fidelity. The ring also symbolizes money. Jewish tradition says that the groom must buy the ring with own money. The ring also symbolizes a chain that unites generations. The hope is that the couple will start a family and thereby add another link to the chain of Jewish history.

The groom puts the ring on the forefinger of the bride's right hand. The ring is put on the forefinger because this is the finger which is easiest for the witnesses to see. The ring is put on the right hand because the right hand is a symbol of strength.

As the groom places the ring on the bride's finger, he says "Be sanctified (mekudeshet) to me with this ring in accordance with the law of Moses and Israel."

The exchange of the wedding ring is the heart of the wedding ceremony, the point at which the couple is considered to be married.