Marriage And Jewish And Interfaith Rabbi

By Linda Russell


A rabbi of this kind is sought out when the need arises to intermarry. Jewish and interfaith Rabbi is there to guide one as one searches into the meanings, custom and practices of what it means to be a Jew. This is especially so when one wants to marry someone who is not Jewish.

This can pose many problems but most of them can be overcome when realising that it does not take much to have a ceremony that has a Jewish flavor. There is much to know should one embark on a journey of converting to this religion. This religion is vast in knowledge and understanding and it takes years to finally become a converter.

This is derived from both the Oral and Written law and can be dated back to when the Israelites wandered through the desert after leaving Egypt. During this time the mishkan or tabernacle was built. The manner of work that was used to build it was then used as those laws that are prohibited from carrying out on the Sabbath day. Furthermore one is even not allowed to touch a tool on this day, less one is tempted to use it to perform prohibited work.

Apart from this no mechanical work may be performed and this includes driving on this Holy Day. There are many laws that make up this body of the law but in reality putting it into practice is quite simple. Imagine a day when one really has to do nothing but attend synagogue where cooking is prepared the day before and lights are put on a time switch.

This even includes not touching objects that may lead one to do work thus desecrating the Sabbath and its laws. It is a day of rest and as a Jew one is expected to go to Shul or Temple and to pray and study both the Oral laws and those contained in the Five Books of Moses or otherwise known as the Written Law. In synagogue on a Saturday, the Torah is taken out and the weekly portion from it is read out aloud.

Furthermore on a Sabbath people get called up to say blessings over the Torah when the portion for the following week is read out for all to hear. If intermarrying this is important as only Jews may be called up to say these blessings. Some may take this as an affront but this sadly cannot be avoided if wanting to include this as part of the ceremonies.

Furthermore, there is an order of prayers and customs that are practiced during the marriage ceremony itself where a chupah or canopy is erected for the bride and groom to stand under whilst vows are being shared. One can include this on the occasion as it too has been tradition since years gone by. There are four pillars that make up the chupah and one can decide or not to include family and friends to hold these poles whilst the ceremony is in session.

As said, there is much to know about this way of life. Interfaith Rabbis are there to assist and to answer pressing questions. It is a beautiful religion that many do not understand and this is why it is worthwhile to do some investigating and research.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment