Choosing the perfect music for a Jewish wedding ceremony is certainly crucial for making the emotional and joyful moments memorable for all the guests and the happy couple. Therefore, here are our top 25 Jewish wedding songs to inspire you and help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
1. “Daled Bavos”
“Daled Bavos” was composed by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, the founder of the first Rebbe of Chabad. Subsequently, this holy melody is a traditional song that’s been a staple at Chasidic weddings for centuries.
“Daled Bavos” has no words, only syllables. It consists of four stanzas corresponding to the four spiritual worlds.
This song is reserved for only a few special occasions, namely weddings above all. In short, its solemn yet uplifting tone will perfectly accompany the bride as she walks down the aisle.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4QDV-UJyY4
2. “Boi Kallah”
The lyrics to “Boi Kallah” were taken from a moving prayer called Lekha Dodi, and they’re all about welcoming the Sabbath bride. For this reason, this soul-stirring song will be ideal for welcoming a Jewish bride as she walks up the chuppah where her bridegroom awaits.
Although there are many versions of this beautiful song, the Sensation Band’s version, sung to the tune of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” takes the cake.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkqeBSz7X9k
3. “Eishes Chayil”
“Eishes Chayil” is a traditional Jewish song about a woman of valor, typically sung on Friday nights. Due to its meaningful lyrics and sweet melody, the song is often played as the bride circles her husband seven times.
You can play the traditional rendition of this captivating song or have the band perform it to a specific tune, such as Billy Joel’s “Just The Way You Are.” The latter is an excellent option for couples who are required to use Hebrew music but have their hearts set on more contemporary music choices.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pUIgN8Jox0
4. “Sheva Brachot”
“Sheva Brachot” translates as the “seven blessings,” meant to be recited for the bride and groom on their wedding day. Therefore, it’s a vital part of a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NbcvslqxR4
5. “Ahavas Yisroel”
“Ahavas Yisroel” is a part of the Marvelous Midos Machine, a popular series of Orthodox Jewish audiotapes. With lyrics such as: “Forever, forever, you must stand together forever as one,” this touching song will be the perfect addition to a wedding.
Keep in mind that the lyrics are in English. Whether you can use a language other than Hebrew during your ceremony depends on your officiant, so make sure to discuss it with them before the wedding.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kOVTAuh5Fg
6. “Hamalach Hagoel”
“Hamalach Hagoel” is often sung as the guests gather on the dance floor. The uplifting lyrics to this beautiful song are sometimes sung as a lullaby for children. As a result, they trigger the most tangible core memories that will make any wedding a night to remember.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srfL0zQSwUk
7. “Mi Bon Siach”
The lyrics to ”Mi Bon Siach” translate to “He who understands the babble of the rose among thorns, the love of a bride, the joy of her beloved ones, may He bless the groom and bride.” The lyrics certainly make this song fitting for a Jewish wedding ceremony. It is commonly played during the circling portion of the processional.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLkkBJOZ2CQ
8. “Mi Adir”
In most communities, “Mi Adir” serves as a Hebrew greeting for the groom on behalf of the cantor and all the gathered guests. The song contains a blessing for the newly married couple, thus it is the perfect way to mark the beginning of a new, shared life between the pair.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDXwVc-V5x8
9. “Ilan Ilan”
“Ilan Ilan” celebrates the happy couple and the many blessings that await them in the future, including their offspring. The lyrics translate to “I will bless you that all the trees that will come from you will be like you.”
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSiwTwYYO94
10. “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav”
“Yerushalayim Shel Zahav” is a popular Israeli folk song that translates to “Jerusalem of Gold.” This is a relatively modern song, but many couples choose to add it to their wedding ceremony as it celebrates Israel. Consider including this glorious song in your musical wedding selection as an interlude.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niTWPbC8gXo
11. “Sunrise, Sunset”
“Sunrise, Sunset” is a song from the iconic soundtrack for the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” Although not a traditional Jewish song, it’s frequently heard at Jewish weddings thanks to memorable lyrics that celebrate the beauty of love and marriage.
If you’re getting married in a synagogue, then this song might not be appropriate. Otherwise, play this song as your grandparents are escorted down the aisle, and there won’t be a dry eye in the house.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp8GEytgdZA
12. “Boi Beshalom”
The combination of “Boi Beshalom” lyrics and the melody of “Time To Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman is a certified tear-jerker. This magnificent version is widely lauded as the best rendition of “Boi Beshalom,” turning any wedding into a truly magical night.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM9EIbHRSh0
13. “Lecha Dodi”
“Lecha Dodi” is a popular hymn played on Friday night as Sabbath begins. The poignant lyrics are equally powerful as they welcome the Sabbath bride and a bride on her wedding day. They can be sung to various melodies. Couples who love one of the all-time favorite first-dance songs, “All of Me” by John Legend, will be happy to know there’s a “Lecha Dodi” rendition with this mesmerizing song as the backdrop.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwK9Kmm6VXM&feature=emb_title
14. “Erev Shel Shoshanim”
“Erev Shel Shoshanim” is one of the most popular Hebrew Jewish wedding songs. In fact, the song has virtually become synonymous with love and marriage, and many people consider it the Jewish version of “Here Comes the Bride.”
The song translates to “Evening of Roses” and features poetic lyrics that sound best when performed by a vocalist.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD_AiyIHnt4
15. “Hana’ava Babanot”
“Hana’ava Babanot” is another Hebrew song celebrating the bride’s beauty. Describing the bride as “fairest among maidens” will undoubtedly make her entrance even more glorious.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJQ9ajDJEdo
16. “Yedid Nefesh”
“Yedid Nefesh” is the perfect choice for wedding interlude music that slowly builds to the processional and the start of the formal ceremony. Commonly sung on Sabbath, this song certainly has an inviting melody that helps set the mood and ease guests into the upcoming events.
The song works well as an instrumental. However, you might prefer the lyrics version since it compares love to the “majestic, beautiful radiance of the universe.”
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe45pA4wJAc
17. “Dodi Li”
“Dodi Li” is one of the most commonly used Jewish wedding songs since it evokes the importance and sacredness of the wedding day. The song exudes romantic and rich imagery, making it the ideal choice for the bride’s walk down the aisle to the chuppah.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcODACIBTuc
18. “Oseh Shalom”
“Oseh Shalom” is a prayer for peace that can be played at various points during the wedding. Since it’s frequently sung at religious events, your guests will probably be familiar with it. They can join and sing along, creating a cherished memory for you and your loved ones.
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHD4fjWDGOc&feature=emb_title
19. “Hava Nagila”
Jewish weddings are known for the traditional dance numbers that include many guests. “Hava Nagila” is an upbeat traditional Hebrew song guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor. Its infectious sound usually accompanies the bride and groom being lifted in the air during the hora. You simply can’t have a “Jewish wedding songs” list without this classic.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSTOcyevIOE
20. “Chossid Wedding Dances”
After your guests hit the dance floor, the addictive notes of “Chossid Wedding Dances” will keep them there for at least one more song.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoZU24hiI5U
21. “Silver Wedding”
Want your guests to stay on the dance floor? Keep them glued there with the fun sound of the “Silver Wedding” instrumental performed by the Shir ensemble. This delightful song is best described as two and a half minutes of pure joy.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJoCQEVuVXk
22. “Siman Tov u’Mazel Tov”
“Siman Tov u’Mazel Tov” is one of the most popular Jewish wedding songs that few weddings can go without. Meant to wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness and good luck, it’s often performed just as they stomp on the glass and share their first kiss as a married couple.
The music is lively and energetic, which only amplifies with joyous cheers and claps by the guests as they shout “Mazel tov!” Since this song is an absolute favorite, your guests will probably want to hear it again during the hora.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hlcHA6bP8o
23. “Od Yishama”
“Od Yishama” is another celebratory favorite often played after the glass has been broken and during the hora. This upbeat song makes mention of the sacred bond between the bride and groom, making it the ideal wedding music choice. It also symbolizes the collective unity of the Jewish people, which adds more depth and significance to this lively tune.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piDsoVDEIok
24. “Hevenu Shalom Aleichem”
“Hevenu Shalom Aleichem” keeps up with the theme of celebrating the unbreakable bond between the newlyweds and the wholeness that comes from the union of two souls.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqfXF8H9_4o
25. “Kol Berama”
“Kol Berama” translates to “a voice in high places.” This moving song was a breakout single for Simcha Leiner, a U.S. singer and composer in the contemporary Jewish religious music industry. This remarkable song makes for the perfect wedding finale.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdCPw4KA6E4
