The moment after the glass breaks. There’s a breath, and then we break into music. You know the tune. If you don’t, it’s here:

You can see us waiting on tenterhooks for Victor to smash the glass under his foot.

Why do we do it? The glass symbolises the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. You can still see the destruction to this day: massive slabs of stone below Temple Mount, pushed off the top by the invading Romans to prevent it being rebuilt. You can see the words ‘Trumpeter’ on one, denoting where the Trumpeter would have stood calling everyone to prayer through the week, or for special services. It symbolises the end of Jewish power and life in Jerusalem in biblical times, and the start of the diaspora.

I think it’s in our wedding ceremonies to also remind the happy couple that marriage is about supporting each other through rough times as well as the smooth. We’re stronger together.

May it be smooth for Cassy and Victor for as long as possible! Mazeltov!