
Throughout the generations, the most popular greeting offered to a bride and groom immediately after the Chuppah wedding ceremony is "Mazal Tov". It literally translates as "good luck". Traditionally, this greeting is shouted out by friends and relatives immediately after the breaking of the glass indicating the conclusion of the Chuppah.
Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yabi'ah Omer, IV, EH, Ch. 9) suggested eliminating the glass breaking practice for it has degenerated, in many circles, to nothing more than a contest of strength for the groom, followed the crowd's cheer
A well-known wedding greeting, are the words, "may you build a loyal home in Israel".
of "Mazal Tov." It is obvious that the widespread usage of the "Mazal Tov" greetings found in the vast rabbinic responsa literature is testimony to the "Kosher" status attached to this greeting, although this seems to be at odds with the Talmudic conclusion (Shabbat 156a-b) that the Jewish people are not influenced at all by astrology (mazal.)
Clearly, the popular usage of the "Mazal Tov" greeting totally ignores the Talmudic conclusion that luck does not influence what happens to Israel. The gןreeting simply expresses the hope that all will turn out well and for the best with no astrological significance intended. [The late Chief Rabbi of Beersheva, HaRAv Eliyahu Katz Zt"l, actually did object - and vehemently so - to the traditional "Mazal Tov" greeting on the grounds of its astrological associations]. On the other hand, many of the Ketubah headings, until this very day, include the line, "With good signs and good luck", along with the "Mazal Tov" chants prevalent at all wedding conclusions today."
Another well-known wedding greeting, used often in concluding a Chuppah speech or attached as a written note to a wedding gift, are the words, "may you build a loyal home in Israel". By these words we wish the young couple success in establishing a "faithful house in Israel". The general meaning of this greeting conveys the expression of hope that this new home will be imbued with Torah and traditional values that will make the nation proud. This home will mark the continuation of the historic chain from the nation's glorious past at Mt. Sinai into its long-awaited future destiny.
In this week's Torah reading, Beha'alotcha, we find an interesting usage of the term "a faithful house" as it relates to G-d and Moses. While explaining to Aaaron and Miriam the unique standing enjoyed by Moses as the supreme prophet of Israel, G-d says (Bamidbar 12:7, above),"Not like others is my servant Moses, he is the most loyal in my entire home". The Biblical commentator, Chizkuni, interprets the word "house" used here as "nation". The idea is that Moses is a trusted individual throughout the entire nation. Applying this interpretation to the above mentioned wedding wishes would imply that we wish the couple's newly-founded home be considered a loyal and trusted home by all.
Rashbam, on the other hand, views the "loyal house", in relation to G-d and Moses, as something solid and permanent". So, too, in our wedding greetings, we wish that the newly-created marriage develops upon solid foundations and enjoys a sense of permanence. [HaRav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik Zt"l felt that the relationship between husband and wife be modeled after the eternal relationship between G-d and his people. Although in reality, no human relationship is absolutely permanent, nevertheless, the commitment of the young couple standing under the Chuppah should imitate that relationship.] To this end, we wish the couple that they succeed in building a "loyal home".
A third possible explanation, describing the unique relationship between G-d and Moses, is proposed by Ibn Ezra. He states that Moses was the only prophet who could feel "at home" in the presence of G-d. This unique status allowed Moshe to initiate prophecy as well as the ability to conduct a conversation with G-d and not simply have a "vision" appear to. Moses was comfortable in G-d's presence as G-d was equally comfortable with Moses in His midst. Given this interpretation, we may revise the understanding of the wedding greeting. Through the idea of "building a loyal house in Israel" we express a firm hope that the couple will feel comfortable in the presence of G-d, and, that G-d should feel comfortable in their home as well.
Hopefully, we shall all enjoy many opportunities to wish our loved ones and friends the greetings of Mazal Tov and see them build loyal, faithful homes in Israel.