Other brides circle seven times. As Joshua circled the wall of Jericho seven times, and then the walls fell down. So, too, after the bride walks around the groom seven times, the walls between them will fall and their souls will be united.

While the bride circles, the groom prays. It is believed that as the groom stands under the chuppah on his wedding day, he is especially close to God. Often the groom will pray for friends of his who are not yet married or for someone who is sick. Some people give the groom notes and ask the groom to say a special prayer.

After the circling has been completed, the service begins with two blessings over wine. Both the bride and groom drink from the glass of wine.

The use of a wedding ring in the Jewish wedding ceremony started in the 7th century.

The wedding ring symbolizes many things. First, it is a symbol of attachment and fidelity. The ring also symbolizes money. Jewish tradition says that the groom must buy the ring with own money. The ring also symbolizes a chain that unites generations. The hope is that the couple will start a family and thereby add another link to the chain of Jewish history.