<P> The Sheva Brachot or seven blessings are recited by the hazzan or rabbi, or by select guests who are called up individually . Being called upon to recite one of the seven blessings is considered an honour . The groom is given the cup of wine to drink from after the seven blessings . The bride also drinks the wine . In some traditions, the cup will be held to the lips of the groom by his new father - in - law and to the lips of the bride by her new mother - in - law . Traditions vary as to whether additional songs are sung before the seven blessings . </P> <P> After the bride has been given the ring, or at the end of the ceremony (depending on local custom), the groom breaks a glass, crushing it with his right foot, and the guests shout "מזל טוב ‎" (mazel tov!' congratulations'). At some contemporary weddings, a lightbulb may be substituted because it is thinner and more easily broken, and it makes a louder popping sound . </P> <P> The origin of this custom is unknown, although many reasons have been given . The primary reason is that joy must always be tempered . This is based on two accounts in the Talmud of rabbis who, upon seeing that their son's wedding celebration was getting out of hand, broke a vessel--in the second case a glass--to calm things down . Another explanation is that it is a reminder that despite the joy, Jews still mourn the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem . Because of this, some recite the verses "If I forget thee / O Jerusalem ..." (Ps. 137: 5) at this point . Many other reasons have been given by traditional authorities . </P> <P> Former Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel Ovadia Yosef has strongly criticized the way this custom is sometimes carried out, arguing that "Many unknowledgeable people fill their mouths with laughter during the breaking of the glass, shouting' mazel tov' and turning a beautiful custom meant to express our sorrow" over Jerusalem's destruction "into an opportunity for lightheadedness ." </P>

Meaning of the breaking of the glass at a jewish wedding
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