22 Sep 2015
Posted by Aliyah 
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This evening Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, will begin for Jew everywhere (or already has in some parts of the world), but it is also the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Which is why it’s so interesting that these very ideas are shared with one’s wedding day.
Here are the 4 things your wedding day can have in common with Yom Kippur:
1. Fasting
Everyone knows that we’re not allowed to eat or drink for 25 hours of the Yom Kippur fast, but did you know that some brides and grooms do this as well for their wedding day? Fasting isn’t meant to be a way of torture, rather it is to eliminate all physical needs to focus on one’s spirit and spirituality. So too, on your wedding day you should stop focusing on the flowers and your dress and really focus on the purpose of the day – you marrying your soulmate, your basheret.
Of course if you are not able to fast you do not have to, and shouldn’t if it is going to make you sick!
2. Prayers
The gates of heaven are open on Yom Kippur for our prayers to God and the same is believed for the bride and groom on their wedding day, particularly when they are under the chuppah.
3. A Clean Slate
Certain prayers, specifically said on the afternoon of Yom Kippur, are often recited by the bride and groom on the day of their wedding.
Anenu, vidui, and al chet, which are prayers of atonement, confession, and asking God for forgiveness. This way the couple can enter into their marriage, this new stage of life, pure and clean of all sins just like we do for the new year.
4. Wearing White
Traditionally a bride wears white on her wedding as a sign of purity. It is with this similar idea that many Jews, often wome, can be seen wearing white on Yom Kippur to symbolize spiritual purity, inside and out.
From everyone at Ketubah.com we wish you a safe and meaningful fast!
