The following blessings are chanted in Hebrew. These blessings, said over the second cup of wine, trace the evolution of loving relationships, from the first couple (Adam and Eve) to the very moment of the marriage we are celebrating. The text of the blessings is as follows:
Praised are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
Praised are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who created all things for your glory.
Praised are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, Creator of humankind.
Praised are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who created man and woman in Your image, fashioning them as mates, that together they might perpetuate life. Praised are You, O Lord, Creator of humankind.
May Zion rejoice as her children are restored to her in joy. Praised are You, O Lord, who causes Zion to rejoice at her children’s return.
Grant perfect joy to these loving companions, as You did to the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden. Praised are You, O Lord, who grants the joy of bride and groom.
Praised are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who created joy and gladness, bride and groom, mirth, song, delight and rejoicing, love and harmony, peace and companionship. O Lord our God, may there ever be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem voices of those joined in marriage under the bridal canopy, the voices of young people feasting and singing. Praised are You, O Lord, who causes the groom to rejoice with the bride.
The ideal Jewish home is one in which there is Shalom Bayit, an atmosphere of peace and harmony. It is a home in which virtues are taught more by example than by precept, and where the joy of living is found in shared tasks and responsibilities. We hope this will be your home, and we wish you every happiness in your new life.