A guide to the week of celebration after a Sephardic wedding.
In many Jewish communities, the joy and festivity of a wedding do not end with the ceremony. For an entire week following the wedding, the bride and groom are honored and celebrated in a series of festive meals known as the Sheva Brachot (literally, “Seven Blessings”). This period is a central part of the Sephardic wedding experience, symbolizing the creation of a new, unified home and the communal support surrounding the couple.
The tradition of celebrating for seven days is rooted in the Bible, most notably in the marriage of Jacob and Leah. The number seven in Judaism symbolizes completion and spiritual fullness, as seen in the seven days of creation. For the new couple, this week represents the spiritual “completion” of their union and a time to establish their new life together with the blessings and company of their family and friends.
During the week of Sheva Brachot, the newly married couple is considered like a king and queen. They are treated with special honor and do not work. They are a source of great joy and are the guests of honor at a series of festive meals held in their honor, hosted by family and friends.
Each night, the week of Sheva Brachot culminates in a celebratory dinner. The meal is a joyous occasion with singing and dancing. After the meal, the Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals) is recited, followed by the recitation of the same Seven Blessings that were recited under the chuppah.
The recitation of these blessings is what gives the week its name. A minyan (a quorum of ten men) must be present for the blessings to be recited, along with a “new face”—a guest who was not present at any of the previous meals. The blessings are recited over a cup of wine, and the wine is then shared by the bride and groom, mirroring the sacred moment from the wedding ceremony itself.
The Sheva Brachot tradition is especially rich in Sephardic communities, where it often involves unique songs, foods, and customs.
Feasting and Hospitality: The hosting of these meals is a great honor. Family and friends vie for the opportunity to have the new couple as their guests. This tradition emphasizes the communal role in celebrating and welcoming the new family. The meals are often lavish, featuring traditional dishes specific to the community’s country of origin.
Music and Piyyutim: Throughout the week, the festive atmosphere is enhanced by traditional songs and piyyutim (liturgical poems). These melodies, often passed down through generations, express the joy of the occasion and bless the couple for a happy and fruitful future.
Blessings for the Couple: The blessings recited throughout the week focus on themes of joy, happiness, and the couple’s spiritual and physical well-being. They ask God to bless the couple with children, prosperity, and a long life together.
Connecting to the Community: The week of celebration is a vital way for the couple to transition from their old lives into their new, shared life. They are constantly surrounded by loved ones, which strengthens their connection to their community and provides a strong foundation for their marriage.
