What Are the Proper Wedding Vows for a Jewish Ceremony?
There are differences in vows between the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform branches of Judaism. In many cases, rabbis and synagogues use their own interpretations. In many Jewish weddings, the vows are recited as the groom puts the ring on the bride’s finger, or during a double-ring ceremony. The groom says, “Harey at mekuddeshet li B’taba’at zo k’dat Moshe V’israel.” (“Behold, thou are consecrated unto me with this ring according to the law of Moses and of Israel.” Transliterations may vary.) The groom then places the ring on the bride’s finger. Traditionally there is no verbal response on the part of the bride. She accepts the ring on her finger, and closes her hand, signifying acceptance. If there is an exchange of rings, the bride says a slightly different vow, with changes made for gender, as she places the ring on the groom’s finger. Today most nontraditional Jewish women respond by giving a ring to the groom, and recite an appropriate passage, such as the famous verse from the
