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A cup of wine is filled to express joy, which can break through boundaries and reveal people’s hidden depths. The rabbi officiating at the ceremony takes the cup and recites two blessings:
- “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine.”
- “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has made us holy through His commandments, and has commanded us concerning forbidden unions, forbidding us those who are betrothed, and permitting us those who are wedded to us through ĥuppa and kiddushin. Blessed are You, Lord, Who sanctifies His people Israel through ĥuppa and kiddushin.”
After reciting the blessings, the rabbi gives the cup to the groom, who takes a sip. Since it is still early in the ceremony and the couple are not yet married, the widespread custom is for the groom to return the cup to the rabbi. The rabbi then gives the cup to the bride’s mother, who gives it to the bride to sip. (The parents or other people should drink the remaining wine.)
Following the preparatory blessings and the drinking of the wine, we arrive at the kiddushin. The rabbi confirms the ring belongs to the groom and the witnesses are present, kosher, and able to see everything. He confirms the bride is willing to accept the ring, and requests she extend her finger. The groom then recites, “Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring in accordance with the law of Moses and Israel.” When he places the ring on the bride’s finger, the kiddushin ceremony is complete.
