This post provides the English translation of one example of a « Birkat Kallah, » a prayer traditionally recited by the bride following the “bedeken” veiling ceremony, before walking down the aisle. This is considered an auspicious time for prayer, and the bride often takes the opportunity to pray for people who need healing and help of all kinds, as well as for the success of her marriage. Because this prayer is a custom, not a halachic obligation, there are many different versions, and the bride may also compose her own (or simply pray from the heart during this special time). This English text from TheKallahWhisperer.com is a translation of a traditional Hebrew text, which can be found on Kipa.co.il.
A Bride’s Prayer
Compassionate G-d, Who watches over us to the end of time, Who leads His world and all His creatures with grace and compassion, let this be a time for mercy and understanding. Lord of the world, I stand before You at this time of great joy, and thank you for bringing us to this happy moment in our lives.
At this holy hour, when we are forgiven for all our sins, I regret all I have done against Your goodwill and Your great works. I willingly and wholeheartedly want to serve You from now on.
G-d who created me with a pure heart, has put a new spirit within me. My prayer at this time is to build our new home, building it for eternity with purity and humility. Let us be worthy of our good health, of Your guiding light, and have mercy on all of Israel, the Sacred Nation. Rescind all evil decrees on the House of Israel, both materially and spiritually.
Heavenly father, I, ___________daughter of ___________, stand before you today, ready to marry to ___________ son of ___________ in holiness and purity by means of the Chuppah and the Seven Blessings. May it be Your will that I marry this man under the Chuppah with a Good Sign and in Good Fortune for all time, and may we live in love and peace, holiness and purity through Your will, and may we rejoice and be happy together with our children and all your blessings. May we have love and happiness as was found in the Garden of Eden.
Amen, may this be Your will.