“Jerusalem customs” (Minhagei Yerushalayim) are a unique body of Jewish traditions that developed over centuries within the ultra-Orthodox community of Jerusalem’s Old City. These rules are distinguished by their strictness and deep symbolism. Many of them are connected with the fact that Jerusalem is in mourning for the destroyed Temple, which must therefore be reflected even in moments of the greatest joy.
Here are the key Jerusalem customs observed at weddings:
1. No Live Music or Orchestras (the Strictest Custom)
In most Jewish communities, a large orchestra plays at a wedding. But the Jerusalem custom, established by the rabbis as an expression of mourning for the Temple, strictly prohibits the use of any professional musical instruments (especially string and wind instruments) within Jerusalem itself.How are weddings celebrated? At Jerusalem weddings, the music is performed by just one person on a simple synthesizer, accompanied by a singer and percussion instruments (drums/poyk). Drums are considered outside the category of classical musical instruments that delight the ear in the same way as a violin or guitar.
2. Only One Cup of Wine Instead of Two
It is usually customary under the chuppah to recite the blessings over two separate cups of wine (for the stages of erusin and nisuin). However, the old Jerusalem custom prescribes using the same cup for both parts of the ceremony. The rabbi recites the blessing over the first cup, the couple takes a sip, then a little more wine is added to that same cup, and the Seven Wedding Blessings (Sheva Brachot) are recited over it. This custom has also become widespread beyond Jerusalem.
3. The Chuppah Must Be Held Outdoors in a Courtyard, Under the Open Sky
Today, in many cities around the world, a chuppah may be set up inside a banquet hall or synagogue beneath a special retractable opening in the ceiling, but in Jerusalem the approach is uncompromising. The chuppah must be strictly outdoors—on the ground, in the courtyard of a synagogue or hall—so that nothing but the sky of Jerusalem is above the newlyweds’ heads.4. Untying All Knots and Emptying Pockets
The tradition of untying absolutely every shoelace, tie, and knot on the groom, as well as removing every item (money, keys, documents) from his pockets before he goes to the chuppah, is a classic Jerusalem kabbalistic custom.5. The Witnesses Must Not Be Relatives, However Distant
Although Torah law simply requires that the wedding witnesses (edim) not be close relatives of the bride or groom (such as fathers or brothers), Jerusalem law demands absolute strictness. The witnesses chosen are people who have no connection whatsoever by blood or marriage to either family, even through distant generations, to eliminate the slightest halachic doubt about the validity of the marriage.6. The Timing of the Chuppah
In Jerusalem, it is customary to hold the chuppah ceremony before sunset (in the minutes just before it), so that the legal act of entering into marriage begins while it is still daylight and the festive meal continues into the night.Today, these customs are observed not only by native Jerusalemites, but also by many Hasidic communities around the world.