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 popular at Christian weddings. In this tradition the mothers of the couple light two candles. Later in the ceremony the couple takes one candle each and uses them to light the third. The tradition can be adjusted in the event the mothers are not able to participate. This is not a tradition that will be familiar to the Jews in attendance, but they will get the significance since candles play a part in the religious ceremonies they observe.
Reciting vows aren't part of traditional Hebrew marriage ceremonies because the subject of these vows are set down in the ketubah. Christians might be confused if the spoken vows were omitted. The majority of interfaith couples include the recitation of vows, and the Jews in attendance are so used to hearing them they are not offended by this decision.
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.
Another tradition the Jews will recognize, but the Christians probably won't is circling. After walking down the aisle, the bride walks around the groom seven times. This represents the seven wedding blessings, seven days of creation, and the groom becoming the center of the 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.
Unity candles are popular at Christian weddings. In this tradition the mothers of the couple light two candles. Later in the ceremony the couple takes one candle each and uses them to light the third. The tradition can be adjusted in the event the mothers are not able to participate. This is not a tradition that will be familiar to the Jews in attendance, but they will get the significance since candles play a part in the religious ceremonies they observe.
Reciting vows aren't part of traditional Hebrew marriage ceremonies because the subject of these vows are set down in the ketubah. Christians might be confused if the spoken vows were omitted. The majority of interfaith couples include the recitation of vows, and the Jews in attendance are so used to hearing them they are not offended by this decision.
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.
Another tradition the Jews will recognize, but the Christians probably won't is circling. After walking down the aisle, the bride walks around the groom seven times. This represents the seven wedding blessings, seven days of creation, and the groom becoming the center of the 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.
About the Author:
When you are searching for information about a Jewish Christian interfaith wedding, come to our web pages online today. More details are available at http://www.californiarabbi.com/services.html now.
No comments:
Post a Comment