wording for "breaking of glass"

tgottfried · September 2010

Does anyone have any suggestions about wording when we're ready to break the glass at the end of the ceremony. We are not having a religious ceremony, but we do want to incorporate this one tradition. Thanks!!

tgottfried · September 2010

Does anyone have any ideas how to incorporate the "firecracker/explosive" theme into the wedding celebration without it being too tacky?? Thanks.

RoMy215 · September 2010

We're also thinking about doing the breaking of the glass. I went to a traditional Jewish wedding last year and heard a really nice explanation about where this came from and why it's done. (Something about the marriage lasting as long as it would take to put all the pieces of the glass back together.) I think we'll just say something about where the tradition comes from and why we wanted to do it.

Here's a question for you though...if you're not doing a religious ceremony, what are you using for the glass and what are you putting it in? Probably sounds silly, but I think this is something the rabbi usually provides. We're not using one either. So I don't know where to get the "glass".

lcsa99 · September 2010

I am not religious myself, but from what I have heard you have to provide the glass yourself and it can be anything. I have even heard of people using lightbulbs.

This is the only jewish tradition we are keeping for our ceremony. For the glass itself we are just looking for something pretty that isn't dishwasher safe

(my FI is nervous about it not breaking!)

I haven't spoken to our officiant (my sister!) yet about the wording, but for the program this is what I have so far:

The breaking of the glass at the conclusion of the wedding is a well-known Jewish custom that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Tradition says that the breaking of the glass recalls the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Another interpretation is that the glass represents the fragility of love, and each shard of glass symbolizes the years of love, joy and even sadness the couple shall enjoy. OR The custom of breaking the glass has many interpretations. Tradition says that the breaking of the glass recalls the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Another interpretation is that a broken glass cannot be mended; likewise the promises made by this couple are irrevocable. In this context, the glass is broken to protect the marriage with an implied prayer, “As this glass shatters, so may our marriage never break.”

I like what you have though, RoMy215

jakstr0808 · September 2010

Any Jewish gift store sells glasses specifically for breaking. They even come in colors so you can use the broken glass for various things later (mezuzah, candle sticks, art). It's really nice. I think you can even order them from Kolbo's website (where we got ours in Brookline, MA). You can also see all the beautfiul things you can use the broken glass for afterwards on their site.

http://kolbo.com/product-reader/asetid/3/product/glass_in_a_bag_for_wedding_breaking_glass_green_blue.html

leoraanna · October 2010

Our wording in the program is like this: (the unfamiliar language at the bottom is Polish)

The Breaking of the Glass reminds us that even in moments of ultimate joy, we recall the losses suffered by our ancestors, families and friends. The glass, the symbol of the frailty of life, is broken with an implied prayer, “As this glass shatters, so may our marriage never break.” The ceremony concludes with the groom breaking the glass. This is the cue for everyone to shout “Mazel Tov!” “Gratulacje!” or “Congratulations!“

mysticl · October 2010

Friends of mine used a lightbuld at the suggestion of their officiant. It was a mixed marriaged so they opted not to use a rabbi but did do the "glass". If I remember correctly the lightbulb was done because it breaks easily and is therefore safer. If the groom stomps on the glass and it doesn't break it could roll which could cause him to fall.

RoMy215 · October 2010

Sorry I disappeared...thank you all so much for the suggestions and info!!! I found a site where they sell the glass and a satin bag to put it in. Then I started wondering what you do with the pieces after (it seems a little wierd to just throw it out) .. and I saw Jakstrs suggestion!!! Thanks to everyone. These boards are really helpful.