Question
Question: My grandson will be getting married and living an Orthodox Jewish life. What is the meaning of the breaking of the glass at the end of the ceremony?
Answer
Answer: Congratulations – may you see many great grandchildren from the new couple!
The groom breaks the cup to signify that even on our happiest days we are still incomplete – broken – without our deep relationship with G-d signified by the Temple in Jerusalem. That is why the groom should put some ashes on his forehead before the ceremony as well.
Best Wishes,
Rabbi Meir Goldberg