Kiddushin

Definition

Kiddushin refers to the Jewish betrothal ceremony that establishes a marriage contract between a couple. This formal act of sanctification signifies the beginning of their marital relationship and is one of the key components of Jewish marital law. Kiddushin sets the framework for the obligations and rights that each partner has in the marriage, linking it closely to major categories of Jewish law, the specific processes of marriage and divorce, and the beliefs and practices within Orthodox Judaism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kiddushin can be performed in several ways, typically through the giving of an object of value, such as a ring, which is presented to the bride as part of the ceremony.
2. The kiddushin ceremony usually precedes the nissuin, which is the second part of the marriage process where the couple enters into full marital life together.
3. In Orthodox Judaism, kiddushin must take place according to halakhic (Jewish legal) requirements to be considered valid.
4. Kiddushin emphasizes the idea of sanctity in marriage, marking a transition from singlehood to a dedicated partnership in accordance with Jewish law.
5. A successful kiddushin ceremony creates a binding commitment between partners, meaning that a get is required for them to separate legally.

Review Questions

• How does kiddushin relate to other forms of Jewish marital law and what role does it play in establishing a marriage?
  • Kiddushin is foundational in Jewish marital law as it initiates the binding agreement between two partners. It highlights the obligations and responsibilities each partner has towards one another and paves the way for a full marital union called nissuin. This process reflects broader themes in Jewish law where relationships are formalized through specific rituals that reinforce commitment and sanctity.
• Discuss how the concept of kiddushin impacts divorce proceedings within Jewish law.
  • Kiddushin plays a crucial role in divorce proceedings as it establishes a binding commitment that can only be undone through a formal document called a get. Without kiddushin, there would be no legal framework to necessitate a get for separation. Thus, kiddushin is central to understanding how marriages begin and end within Jewish law, ensuring that any dissolution of marriage is handled with clear legal procedures.
• Evaluate the significance of kiddushin in Orthodox Judaism, particularly in terms of community practices and beliefs about marriage.
  • In Orthodox Judaism, kiddushin is not just a ceremonial act; it embodies deep religious significance as it aligns with communal values about sanctity and commitment in marriage. The detailed requirements for conducting kiddushin reflect broader beliefs about family and society's role in supporting marital unions. Evaluating its significance reveals how deeply embedded these practices are within Orthodox communities and how they serve as a reflection of faith, identity, and cultural continuity.

Related terms

Ketubah: The marriage contract in Judaism that outlines the husband's obligations to his wife, serving as a legal document within the framework of kiddushin.

Get: A divorce document in Judaism, which is necessary for a woman to be able to remarry after a divorce from her husband.

Chuppah: The canopy under which the Jewish marriage ceremony takes place, symbolizing the couple's new home together.