Formally, the ketubah is read as a way to keep the division clear between the Erusin ceremony and the Kiddushin
ceremony.
Wedding vows are not part of the Jewish tradition,
but many ketubot and marriage certificates include loving tributes and
commitments. Reading these documents or speaking other words of love
incorporates those pledges into the wedding ceremony.
Meaningful readings from other sources: favorite poems, song lyrics, meaningful
excerpts from literature, personally penned declarations, fit in at this point
in the ceremony as they act as the traditional dividers between the erusin
and nesuin ceremonies. Discuss ideas with your rabbi at the pre-wedding
meetings. Jewish literature and liturgy are lush with many beautiful, if lesser
known, meditations on love, dedication, unity, individuality, and much more.
The officiating rabbi may choose to share a wedding sermon during this pause between the Erusin and Nesuin ceremonies.
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