Marriages

Marriage consists of two separate acts - kiddushin (the engagement ceremony) and nissu'in (the actual wedding). Kiddushin changes the couple's personal status, while nissu'in brings about the legal consequences of that change.

Historically, these two ceremonies would be held about a year apart, and the bride would remain living with her parents until the actual marriage ceremony. This ceremony would take place in a room or tent that the groom had set up for his bride-to-be. Later, the two ceremonies were combined into one and the marriage became a public affair.

In Jewish law, a marriage really is a personal act between a man and a woman and simply means the declaration of marriage (consecration) by the man and acceptance by the woman. This is why a Rabbi is often asked to act as the advisor to the couple, and the guests are invited as witnesses. The civil law of many countries requires the Rabbi also to act as an agent for the State during the marriage ceremony, and for two independent witnesses to sign the wedding certificate.