ne of power and unification that cannot be broken, and that provides a safe and trusting institution when society cannot be trusted; Jews feel the obligation to maintain their heritage and to carry on the works of past generations (Rosen, Weltman, 613). MarriageThe importance of marriage in Jewish culture is so heavily emphasized that great care is taken when selecting a mate. There is a huge stress on maintaining a marriage which can become so great it causes people to ignore severe problems such as domestic violence and substance abuse (Rosen, Weltman, 614). Taking into account the importance of a good marriage explains the reason why Jewish women are encouraged to pay special attention to their choice of mates, and they often go out of their way to choose schools and work places where they think that they might meet a compatible mate. Jewish women also pay very close attention to their physical appearance when looking for a mate (Rosen, Weltman, 622). The Jews believe that all aspects of life had to be compatible including character, background, values, the extended family, and even genetic makeup. Each partners wealth was not taken into consideration, but there had to be a mutual desire between the two people. Marriage was seen as a change in personal status, not as a sacrament or legal transaction (Scott, Warren, 430). Many Jewish parents think that it is their duty to give their children away in marriage. If their children do not marry, the parents will feel disappointed and betrayed (Rosen, Weltman, 622). The Wedding CeremonyThere is a specific order of events that make up a traditional Jewish wedding. The first is referred to as acquisition (Kabbalat Kanyan). Before the ceremony begins, the groom holds a handkerchief in the air that the rabbi has given to him. This symbolizes the obligations of marriage described in the marriage contract (ketubah). The ketubah is a legal document written between the parties outlining ...
