Breaking the glass...what does that mean?

@toolfan (305)
United States
March 15, 2007 10:02pm CST
I went to a wedding a while back, and the groom was Jewish. During the ceremony, he stepped on a glass under a cloth. What does this symbolize, and why do they do it?
2 people like this
2 responses
wmg2006
@wmg2006 (5381)
• United States
16 Mar 07
I am not Jewish but I too wanted to know this. This is what I found: BREAKING A GLASS At the conclusion of the blessings, after the couple drinks from the second cup, the groom breaks the glass with his right foot, as an additional remembrance of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Traditionally, this custom was also incorporated into the ceremony to remind everyone that even at the height of one's personal joy, we must, nevertheless, remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The breaking of the glass symbolizes the breaking of our hearts in remembrance.
2 people like this
terilee79720
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
16 Mar 07
That's it wmg. In a nutshell. It's an awesome part of the ceremony.
toolfan
@toolfan (305)
• United States
16 Mar 07
That was great...Thanks WMG...Always wanted to know that.
crazynurse
@crazynurse (7482)
• United States
17 Mar 07
While I didn't have any idea so I couldn't post an answer, I did want to post and say thanks! One of the best things about myLot is the abundance of knowledge that can be attained by reading teh posts! I too had wondered about this custom and now I know! Thanks to the original poster and to wmg for giving us such a cogent response!