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Who qualifies as a chupah "witness"?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

  

Library » Life Cycle » Marriage » The Wedding | Subscribe | What is RSS?

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The kiddushin1 part of the wedding must be witnessed by two "Kosher" witnesses — i.e. non-related, Torah-observant adult males. These witnesses stand beneath the Chupah and must see the groom placing the ring on the bride’s finger, and must hear him say the betrothal words which he utters at that moment.

Most often these two witnesses will also serve as the witnesses for the "Yichud Room".

Generally speaking relatives of the bride or groom cannot serve as witnesses. The following relatives of either the bride or groom are disqualified from being witnesses: a father or step-father, grandfather or step-grandfather, great-grandfather, etc., sons and sons-in-law, grandsons and grand-sons-in-law, brothers and brothers-in-law, uncles and great-uncles (through blood or marriage), cousins (through blood or marriage), nephews or great-nephews (through blood or marriage). Additionally, the witnesses may not be related to each other.

Because these laws are complex the officiating Rabbi should be notified in advance in order to verify the legitimacy of the witnesses.2

Footnotes

  • 1. See http://www.askmoses.com/article/166,2032374/Why-is-the-wedding-ceremony-held-under-a-Chupah-canopy.html
  • 2. The same laws apply to the witnesses for the Ketubah.

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Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.
Kosher
Literally means "fit." Commonly used to describe foods which are permitted by Jewish dietary laws, but is also used to describe religious articles (such as a Torah scroll or Sukkah) which meet the requirements of Jewish law.
Chupah
Wedding canopy. Under this canopy, the groom betroths the bride with the customary ring, and the traditional marriage benedictions are recited.