Do I Have to Walk Around the Groom Seven Times or Can We Do It Differently

This is one of the most common and surprisingly emotional questions couples ask during Jewish Wedding Planning.

“Do I have to circle seven times? Can I do three? Can we both circle each other? Can we do something that feels more equal?”

The short answer is yes.

You have options.

And more importantly, those options can still honor Jewish Wedding Traditions while reflecting your values and your relationship.

Let me share the story of Ava and Sam from Toronto.

Ava and Sam’s Question

When Ava and Sam reached out to me to officiate their Jewish Wedding Toronto celebration, they were thoughtful about every detail.

They had chosen a beautiful Jewish Wedding Venue, carefully selected their Jewish Wedding Music, and were working with a talented Jewish Wedding Photographer to capture every moment.

But when we started discussing the ceremony, Ava paused and said something very honest.

“I have read about circling seven times, but I want to understand what it means and whether we can do it in a way that feels right for us.”

Sam added, “We want it to feel equal. We want it to reflect both of us.”

This is exactly where modern understanding meets traditional meaning.

Where the Tradition Comes From

In many Traditional Jewish Weddings, the bride circles the groom seven times under the Jewish Wedding Chuppah.

This is one of the most symbolic Jewish Wedding Rituals.

The number seven represents completeness and wholeness in Jewish thought.

The circling can symbolize creating a protective space, building a new home together, or forming a spiritual bond.

These layers of meaning are beautiful.

But they are not meant to feel rigid or disconnected from who you are.

What Matters Most

The purpose of Jewish Wedding Customs is not to create pressure.

It is to create meaning.

As a Jewish Wedding Cantor and Jewish Wedding Officiant, my role is to guide couples through these traditions while helping them feel comfortable and connected.

I was mentored by a great Jewish wedding Rabbi, and one of the most important lessons I learned was this.

Tradition should feel meaningful, not forced.

I am not a Rabbi. I am a Cantor.

My role is to help you find the balance.

Your Options

With Ava and Sam, we explored different ways to approach the circling.

There is not just one way to do it.

Some brides choose to circle seven times in the traditional way.

Others choose to circle three times.

Some couples choose an egalitarian approach where each partner circles the other three times, and then they walk the final circle together.

This shared circling can be incredibly powerful.

It represents partnership, equality, and mutual support.

Ava and Sam loved this idea.

It felt like a reflection of their relationship.

The Moment Under the Chuppah

When the day arrived, everything came together beautifully.

The Jewish Wedding Decorations framed the chuppah. The atmosphere was warm and inviting.

As Ava and Sam stood under the Jewish Wedding Chuppah, the moment of circling began.

Ava circled Sam three times.

Then Sam circled Ava three times.

Then together, they walked the final circle side by side.

The room was quiet.

Guests could feel the intention behind the moment.

This was not just a ritual.

It was a statement.

Making the Ceremony Meaningful for Everyone

One of the things I always prioritize is making sure every guest understands what is happening.

During Ava and Sam’s Jewish Wedding Ceremony, I explained the symbolism of the circling in English.

This is especially important in Modern Jewish Weddings where guests may come from different backgrounds.

When people understand the meaning, they connect more deeply.

This transforms Jewish Wedding Rituals into shared experiences.

Tradition and Personal Expression

Some couples worry that making changes will take away from the authenticity of the ceremony.

The truth is the opposite.

When you personalize thoughtfully, you deepen the meaning.

Traditional Jewish Weddings provide the structure.

Modern Jewish Weddings bring in your story.

Together, they create something unforgettable.

Ava and Sam’s ceremony included traditional elements such as the Jewish Wedding Ketubah, the blessings, and the breaking of the glass.

At the same time, their circling reflected who they are as a couple.

The Celebration That Followed

After the ceremony, the energy shifted into celebration.

Their Jewish Wedding Reception was filled with joy.

The Jewish Wedding Dance floor came alive during the Jewish Wedding Hora.

Their Jewish Wedding Celebrations brought together family and friends in a way that felt authentic and meaningful.

Everything flowed from the intention set during the ceremony.

Looking Ahead

Many couples who begin with a meaningful Jewish Wedding Ceremony continue to build on that foundation in their lives.

They come back for a baby naming ceremony or other Jewish newborn ceremonies as their families grow.

Through Jewish Baby Naming Services and Jewish Baby Naming Rituals, they carry forward the same approach.

Honor tradition.

Make it personal.

Whether it is planning a Jewish Newborn Ceremony, choosing Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony Music, or creating a Jewish Baby Naming Celebration, the same principles apply.

A Final Thought

If you are wondering whether you have to circle seven times, the answer is no.

You have options.

You can circle seven times.

You can circle three times.

You can create an egalitarian approach where you both circle each other and then walk together.

What matters most is that the moment feels meaningful to you.

Ava and Sam chose a path that reflected their relationship.

It was beautiful. It was powerful. It was theirs.

Your Jewish Wedding Ceremony should feel the same.

Because at its core, a wedding is not about following a script.

It is about creating a moment that reflects your love, your values, and the life you are building together.