Why Is There a Glass-Breaking Tradition in Israeli Wedding Ceremonies?

For breaking the glass in Jewish weddings, a thin, easily breakable glass is typically used. The most commonly chosen material is a clear or colored light bulb or a small, thin glass cup. This glass is usually wrapped in a cloth or piece of fabric and placed under the groom’s foot.

The reason for this is both safety and ceremonial symbolism. A glass that breaks easily minimizes the risk of injury during the ceremony and ensures that the breaking sound is clear and audible. The distinct sound allows all those present to hear the moment the glass is broken and to shout “Mazel Tov!” together, signaling the start of the celebration. Additionally, some couples choose to keep the glass shards afterward in a special box as a lifelong keepsake.

Who breaks the glass? The bride or the groom?

In Jewish weddings, the glass is typically broken by the groom. At the end of the ceremony, while standing under the chuppah (wedding canopy), the groom breaks a glass (usually a cup or light bulb wrapped in cloth) with his right foot. This ritual symbolizes the beginning of marriage and also carries historical and religious significance.

Some modern and egalitarian Jewish couples choose to perform this tradition together, either breaking the glass at the same time or taking turns. However, in traditional practice, the responsibility of breaking the glass belongs to the groom, and immediately afterward, all the guests usually shout “Mazel Tov!” to congratulate the couple.

What traditional words are said when the glass is broken?

The most common and traditional phrase said when the glass is broken is “Mazel Tov!” This Hebrew expression means “good luck” or “congratulations” and is shouted loudly by the guests after this symbolic moment in the wedding ceremony to celebrate and congratulate the couple.

Sometimes short prayers or religious phrases may also be used at the moment of the glass breaking, but the most universal practice is for guests to joyfully shout “Mazel Tov!” together after the glass is broken. This marks both the ceremonial conclusion and the beginning of the celebration.

Does breaking the glass symbolize joy or sorrow?

Breaking the glass is a multilayered tradition that symbolizes both joy and sorrow. In Jewish weddings, this ritual celebrates the couple’s union and new beginnings, while also serving as a reminder of the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem and the historical suffering of the Jewish people.

For this reason, the moment of breaking the glass is met with joy, but it also signifies the fragility of life, the mourning of the past, and an awareness of the world’s imperfections. By introducing a shadow of sorrow into a moment of great happiness, it teaches that true joy should be experienced with mindfulness and responsibility. This rich symbolism reflects the deep philosophical nature of Jewish tradition.

Does breaking the glass have a religious meaning?

Yes, breaking the glass holds deep religious meaning and fulfills a symbolic purpose in Jewish belief. According to the most fundamental interpretation, the ritual commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. These destructions are seen as the beginning of great suffering and exile in Jewish history. Remembering these losses even at the happiest moment signifies living with a consciousness that does not forget the sacred.

Moreover, in the Talmud (the written compilation of Jewish oral law), there are examples suggesting that when excessive joy is experienced at a wedding, it is appropriate to break a glass to recall the destruction of the Temple. This practice is a religious teaching that illustrates how joy and sorrow coexist in life. Therefore, breaking the glass is not only a cultural tradition but also a moment of spiritual awareness.

What happens after the glass is broken? Is it kept or thrown away?

In Jewish weddings, the broken glass is not only a ceremonial object but also often kept as a memento. Traditionally, after the glass is broken, the shards are carefully collected and placed in a pouch or small box. These glass pieces may be preserved in the couple’s home as a keepsake.

Some couples take this a step further:

• The shards are turned into a piece of art (such as a framed picture, a menorah, or a glass mosaic).

• Decorative or personalized household items are created (for example, a mezuzah—a sacred case placed on the doorpost—made from the glass).

However, in some cases, especially for safety reasons such as if the glass is too sharp or damaged, the pieces may be discarded. Still, most Jewish couples choose to keep the glass in order to preserve the spiritual meaning of the moment.

Is this tradition practiced only in Orthodox Jewish weddings?

No, the tradition of breaking the glass is not limited to Orthodox Jewish weddings; it is widely practiced in Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and even secular Jewish weddings. Because this ritual carries cultural and symbolic significance beyond denominational differences, it has been embraced by many Jewish communities.

Of course, there may be variations:

• In Orthodox weddings, glass breaking is performed within more traditional frameworks and with a stronger religious emphasis.

• In Reform and secular weddings, the tradition may carry a more symbolic or personal meaning; some couples break the glass together or later turn the shards into an artistic object.

In summary, the glass-breaking tradition reflects Jewish identity and historical consciousness, making it a universal element of the ceremony among couples of various levels of religious observance.

What event does the glass-breaking tradition commemorate?

The glass-breaking tradition is primarily performed to commemorate the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem. These two events—the destruction of the First Temple (Solomon’s Temple) by the Babylonian army in 586 BCE, and the destruction of the Second Temple by the Roman Empire in 70 CE—are regarded in Jewish history as profound spiritual and national tragedies.

This tradition emphasizes that even during a moment of great joy, such as a wedding, these losses must not be forgotten. The breaking of the glass serves as a reminder of life’s fragility and the impermanence of perfection. In Jewish belief, this symbolic act keeps alive the longing and prayers for the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Therefore, breaking the glass is not just a wedding ritual but also a part of collective memory.

Is this tradition still practiced in modern Jewish weddings?

Yes, the tradition of breaking the glass is still widely practiced in modern Jewish weddings. Although the ritual has been enriched with contemporary interpretations, it largely retains its traditional meaning. Jewish couples from various denominations and lifestyles continue to include this symbolic moment in their ceremonies.

Some variations can be observed in modern practice:

• Some couples break the glass together to symbolize equality.

• The broken shards are turned into works of art (such as a mosaic, a mezuzah case, or a keepsake box).

• Feminist or LGBTQ+ couples may reinterpret the tradition in ways that reflect their own identities and values.

In summary, in modern Jewish weddings, glass breaking is not just a ritual—it remains a meaningful way for couples to connect with their identity, history, and values.

Do some people use objects other than glass?

Yes, some people do use objects other than traditional glass. These variations are often made for reasons of safety, personalization, or creativity. Here are some alternatives:

• Lightbulb (especially vintage-style) – Due to its thin structure, it breaks easily and typically produces non-sharp shards. It’s one of the most commonly used alternatives.

• Opaque or colored glass cup – Used to create a more dramatic breaking effect.

• Decorative glass objects – Custom-made glass spheres or tubes are chosen by some couples for a unique touch.

• Plastic or acrylic (rarely) – Though it lacks the sound and symbolism of real glass, it may be used for safety reasons, such as when children are present.

• Ceramic or porcelain items – Often used in artistic weddings, especially when the shards will be transformed into a piece of art afterward.

• Colored glass mosaics – Pre-designed mosaic pieces that are broken during the ceremony and later reassembled as a keepsake.

Each of these alternatives is chosen based on the couple’s preferences, wedding theme, and safety considerations. However, the meaning remains unchanged: the act of breaking symbolizes the seriousness of marriage and the fragility of life.

Is this tradition also widespread outside of Israel?