The blessings recited under the wedding canopy reveal much about how Judaism views marriage. They remind us that we are to walk before G-d in holiness.

The blessings recited under the wedding canopy reveal how Judaism views marriage.

On the most festive and ceremonious Jewish occasions - the Sabbath, a circumcision, the redeeming of the firstborn son, and grace after meals - we express our joy and gratitude to G-d over a full cup of wine, for “wine gladdens the heart.” (Psalms 104:15) The first of the wedding blessings likewise opens with the blessing over wine, for as the covenant of marriage is enacted, we thank G-d with a glad heart for a new spiritual union and additional link in the chain of Jewish history.

The second blessing reads: “Blessed are You . . . who has created everything for His glory.”

Marriage, the ultimate bond of love between two people, is for the glory of G-d. Furthermore, marriage itself symbolizes love between G-d and the Jewish people, as the prophet Hoshea says (2:21-22): “And I will betroth you to Me forever; and I will betroth you to Me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in kindness, and in mercy. And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness; and you shall know the L-rd.” When a marriage replicates this bond, the Jewish couple draws closer to G-d’s Divine Presence, which rests upon them.

The third blessing recalls the creation of the first man: “Blessed are You . . . who has fashioned Man.” Just as G-d formed the first man, He remains a partner in every human’s creation: the mother and father provide the body, into which G-d breathes a soul (Niddah 31a). So, too, the new couple, rather than dwelling only in the physical realm, must lift their eyes heavenward. When husband and wife unite to create a new human being, remembering G-d’s involvement imparts an eternal dimension to an earthly act.

The verse says: “I will walk before the L-rd in the lands of the living.” (Psalms 116:9) The wedding blessings remind us that, in our marriage, we are to walk before G-d in holiness.