What is the term 'Nissuin' primarily associated with in Jewish weddings?

The term 'Nissuin' is primarily associated with the actual act of marriage in Jewish weddings. It refers to the second stage of the Jewish wedding process, which follows the betrothal known as 'Kiddushin.' During Nissuin, the couple is considered married, and this stage typically includes the couple taking part in the chuppah, or wedding canopy, and reciting blessings, which represent their commitment to one another. Nissuin signifies the completion of the marriage process and the union of the couple in both a spiritual and physical sense.

In contrast, the other options represent various aspects of the wedding process that are important but do not encapsulate the essence of the Nissuin stage. The betrothal stage, or Kiddushin, is focused on the formal engagement, while the reception is a celebratory event following the ceremony, and pre-marital counseling is designed to help couples prepare for marriage, but it does not signify the marriage itself. Therefore, understanding Nissuin as the defining moment of the marriage ceremony is crucial in recognizing its significance in Jewish wedding traditions.