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 are a tradition that is popular for Christian weddings. Two candles are lit by the mothers of the bride and groom at the beginning of the ceremony. During the ceremony the groom and bride each take one of these candles, and together they light the third candle. There are numerous variations of the unity candle tradition that can be used. Jews don't normally incorporate candles into marriage ceremonies, but should not be offended by the use of them on this occasion.

Spoken vows aren't part of Hebrew ceremonies because they are included in the ketubah. Christians, on the other hand, would probably feel confused by the lack of vows. Many couples of mixed faiths decide to include them, and Jews are normally fine with the inclusion of vows because they are so used to attending weddings in which vows are an integral part.

The breaking of the glass won't be familiar to some Christians, but couples often decide to add it to their ceremonies as a nod to their Hebrew guests. For Jews breaking the glass symbolizes the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. As a part of a marriage ceremony it demonstrates the finality of the marriage covenant.

Adding the ketubah to a mixed faith ceremony will be special to the Jews in attendance, but may be strange for the Christians. The ketubah is the marriage document outlining the groom's responsibilities and rights with regard to his bride. It is considered symbolic today and is not enforceable law, unless you are a couple living in Israel.

The chuppah, or bridal canopy, is another tradition in Jewish marriage ceremonies. Versions of it are incorporated into so many wedding these days, the Christians might not even realize it has significance to the Hebrew guests. For Jews the chuppah is a symbol of the home the newlyweds will create together. It is a reference to the tent of Abraham, which was open on all sides. After the wedding, a lot of couples incorporate the chuppah into their home design.

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.

The circle can also be construed as a protective wall. It represents protection from evil spirits. The pronouncement of a bride and groom as a married couple, and the introduction of them to the guests, is a Christian tradition embraced by all faiths.




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