A Glass Broken, Promises Kept
Jewish weddings conclude in a perplexing way. The groom smashes a cloth-wrapped glass[1] under his heel followed by joyous shouts of “Mazel tov!”[2] from the wedding party and guests. What can we learn from this unusual finale?
As with most Jewish traditions, explanations abound. Some say the glass’s destruction represents the permanence of the marriage union. Once crushed, the glass cannot be restored to its former condition. So too, once married, the bride and groom cannot return to singleness as they once knew it. Like the glass they are forever changed.
On the humorous side, others suggest the breaking of the glass represents the last time the groom gets to put his foot down!
The traditional explanation finds its roots in the Talmud[3] in a discussion reinforcing the wisdom in tempering great joy with a note of sobriety. The song chanted immediately prior to the glass’s destruction highlights the cause of sadness. The song, “Im Eshkakech Yerushalayim” is based on Psalm 137:5 in which the psalmist, exiled to Babylon, laments “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, my right hand forget her skill.”
The song and shattered glass recall Jerusalem and its Temple’s destruction. We do not grieve the loss of land but our separation from the one place on earth God chose to place His name, the center of our people’s worship. Jerusalem was the exiled singer’s “chief/highest joy” because it was the only fitting place to sing “the LORD’s song” (Psalm 137:4).
But what is the value of juxtaposing a moment of grief into a time of great joy? Let me suggest two themes worth pondering at a wedding and every day.
The smashed glass sobers us. No matter how great our joy in a wedding, we celebrate in a sin-broken world. From the time of humanity’s first parents, things are not as they should be. The same corrosive spiritual forces that separated my ancestors from the Land and God’s unique presence in it undermines every couple’s relationship with God and subsequently each other. The broken glass pleads for a marriage founded on God’s forgiveness and grace willingly received and extended.
The glass’s destruction also sounds a sweet note. The reminder that things are not as they should be prompts an equally certain and joyful truth – the best is yet to come! We find strength to endure the harsh realities of things as they are because one day life will be as it should. God’s love wins. We and our world will be renewed. Sin, death, sickness, war, poverty, injustice…will be absent. Love alone will rule.
The conclusion of a Jewish wedding – the glass shattered under the groom’s heel and the joy-filled blessing “Mazel tov!” heralds good news. God’s grace is sufficient for life in our fallen world, and His faithfulness for experiencing the glorious world to come!
Every promise made to Israel about their blessed future and with it the ultimate restoration of our fallen world will come to pass…but only for those who know Israel’s Messiah “for the Jew especially and also the Gentile.”
Whether Jewish or Gentile, you can find this hope today by agreeing with what God says is true, and what in your moments of clarity see about yourself. You are part of this fallen world and in need of forgiveness and restoration. Receive the gift of God’s forgiveness and promise of restoration by trusting in Messiah Jesus’ sacrifice for you. When you do the angels will rejoice. Who knows, perhaps they will shout “Mazel tov!”
If you have done so today, please reach out to us and let us know. We want to pray for you and help your relationship with God get off to a great start.
If you have been walking with Messiah, we would love to support you in your journey. Life in Messiah’s (LIFE) mission is to share Messiah with His Jewish people, and to help all believers do the same. Please take full advantage of our website, YouTube channel, podcasts, and other resources. Learning more about Israel’s Messiah will deepen your walk with Him and appreciation for your place in our Father’s plan. Perhaps God will grant us the joy and honor of shouting together “Mazel tov!” as we see God restoring His lost sheep!
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience (Romans 8:22–25, ESV).
Written by Dan, Life in Messiah Board Chair
Where do you see joy and grief present in your life today?
We'd love your input at staff@lifeinmessiah.org:
a. What LIFE-provided resource has meaningfully helped you?
b. What additional resource would most help you?
Endnotes:
[1] Sometimes a lightbulb is substituted because it breaks more easily and provides satisfying “pop.”
[2] Literally “Good luck!” but carries the meaning “Congratulations!”
[3] Berakhot 5