Creating A Memorable Ceremony And Common Ground With A Jewish Christian Interfaith Wedding

By Michael Bell


Faith is important to a lot of people. Even though there are statistics that say fewer people worship formally, many still attend houses of worship and adhere to religious traditions. This extends to wedding ceremonies. When two individuals decide to formalize their relationship, and are of different faiths, it is usually important to both to incorporate traditions from both faiths into the ceremony. With a little thought, and some creativity, it is possible to have a Jewish Christian interfaith wedding that is memorable and meaningful.

Unity candles have become popular with Christian couples. The tradition has the two mothers lighting two of the candles. During the ceremony the bride and groom each take one candle and together they light the third. There are variations to the practice, especially if one or more of their mothers is not available for the candle lighting. This is not something that Jews normally do at their ceremonies, but candles do play a part in their religious services.

Jews aren't accustomed to spoken vows in their marriage ceremonies because the ketubah covers them. Christians might have a difficult time becoming accustomed to marriage ceremonies without spoken vows. Many mixed faith couples include them. This is not something that the Jews in attendance will have a problem with because oral vows are included in so many types of ceremonies.

Breaking the glass is a Jewish wedding tradition not all Christians are familiar with. Many couples like the idea of adding it to their ceremonies because of what it represents. In one respect the tradition symbolizes the Jerusalem temple destruction. It also represents the sanctity and sacredness of their marriage covenant.

A ketubah included in the ceremony may puzzle the Christians at first, but it will be very important for the Jews in attendance. This ceremonial document outlines the rights and responsibilities of a groom in relation to a bride. Today the ketubah is a symbolic gesture rather than an enforceable law. That is unless the newlyweds will be residing in Israel.

The chuppah is another traditional part of Jewish ceremonies. It is one that Christians may not even realize has anything to do with Hebrews. The bridal canopy, for Jews, symbolizes the home the couple will build together. It references the tent of Abraham which had open sides to welcome guests from wherever they came. After the ceremony some couples use the chuppah as a bedspread or a wall hanging.

Circling is a tradition for Jews that will be curious, but charming, for the Christians in attendance. The bride circles the groom seven times. This symbolizes the seven days of creation, the seven wedding blessings, and that the groom is now the center of his bride's world.

There are also some who believe the circling creates a wall. This wall protects the couple from evil spirits. The pronouncement of a bride and groom as a married couple is a tradition for Christians, Jews will appreciate.




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