In continuing the tradition of Tuesday and yesterday’s Jewish holiday inspired imagination board, I decided to discuss a very well know Jewish wedding tradition, breaking of the glass. Many non-Jewish people are familiar with the common occurrence of breaking glass at the end of the ceremony, but why and from where these traditions stemmed, very few can answer.

The Meaning of Breaking the Glass

The custom dictates that a glass placed on the floor, and the groom (chatan)shatters it with his foot. The most widespread meaning attached to the glass-smashing ritual is that it symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70AD. As the Temple functioned as the centre of worship in Judaism, its destruction has been devastating to the Jewish people. By remembering this national sadness during the joyous festivities of a wedding, Jews “set Jerusalem above [their] highest joy” (Psalm 137). This celebration of Jewish identity is seen as auspicious for the new couple, placing the beginning of their married life within the framework of the joys and sorrows of Jews throughout history.

This generally marks the conclusion of the ceremony and successful smashing is herald with shouts of “Mazel Tov!” In Maurice Lamm’s article ‘The Breaking of the Glass’ he notes that Jewish opinion is divided on whether the glass to be smashed ought to be the nuptial cup, the betrothal cup or simply a ‘prop’ glass. Nowadays an old light bulb is sometimes used instead inside the cloth, as it is easier to smash. Traditionally the groom (chatan) is the one who breaks the glass; in more modern circles, the bride (kallah) may participate.

Alternative Meanings for the Glass-Smashing Ceremony

Several different meanings have been devised for the ceremony. One interpretation is that the fragility of the glass symbolizes the fragility of trust, commitment and love that make up a marriage; the implication being that couples must be careful not to ‘smash’ those qualities. Another view is that the breaking of the glass is a break with the past: the marriage is to last as long as the glass remains broken, ie. forever. Breaking the glass may also be a reminder to the wedding guests not to get drunk and forget themselves at the wedding reception. Jewish men may also joke at the wedding that this is the last time the groom gets to ‘put his foot down’!

Breaking the Glass in Mixed-Faith Unions

Generally speaking, a Jew who marries a non-Jew must forsake some of the traditions of a Jewish wedding. Among these is the ceremony of smashing the glass. Some mixed-faith weddings adopt a different ritual such as a unity candle or sand-pouring ritual to end the service on a similarly high note, although the meaning of these rituals is not identical to the glass-smashing ritual.

Side Note

In Israel, the Ashkenazi custom is that the glass is broken earlier, prior to the reading of the ketubah (marriage contract). Sefardim always break the glass at the end of the ceremony, even in Israel.