Saturday 22 December 2018

Ceremonies With A Jewish And Interfaith Rabbi

By Dennis West


When it comes to couples of different faiths whom wish to marry, it has long been a taboo among religious leaders. While this is the case, couples can now request a jewish and interfaith rabbi to lead these and other ceremonies. For, these non-traditional services are now becoming more popular, especially in more liberal areas of the United States. At the same time, it can still be difficult to find the right officiant or co-officiants to provide this service.

When it comes to locating an interfaith rabbi, it can often take much longer than when acquiring a traditional religious leader. While this is the case, as these ceremonies are most common in Northern California where most of the more liberal rabbis reside, it is not impossible. For, while still a rarity, there a number of rabbis whom will not officiate at mixed-faith weddings.

At the same time, it is important to note that Christian or Jewish denomination does not recognize these leaders who co-officiate at interfaith ceremonies. At the same time, as the individuals are ordained, the State will recognize the marriage as being legal as long as all requirement documentation is signed and submitted according to State law.

A large number of rabbis were surveyed to determine how many would or would not officiate at these non-traditional weddings. The results were mixed with twenty percent saying yes to officiating though only twenty percent of the individuals suggested co-officiating was the only option. As such, couples must then find two officiants which are willing to work along side one another with differing beliefs.

One Northern California rabbi and director of the InterfaithFamily non-profit organization suggest that responses to the survey at the time were not surprising. For, most of the studies took place in the most liberal area of the United States, Northern California. Whereas, the number of rabbis officiating at these ceremonies has nearly doubled since the time of the survey.

In some cases, rabbis have noted that by officiating these non-traditional weddings, it is easier to establish relationships with couples in order to provide counseling when it comes to living an mixed-faith lifestyle. Whereas, if and when a mixed-faith couple decides to have or adopt children, it would be easier to provide advice on how to raise a family on what is clearly a non-charted religious path.

As becoming ordained is as easy as getting online and filling out a form, a number of Jewish rabbis suggest that it is a good thing couples are requesting religious leaders of all faiths to officiate or co-officiate at these non-traditional ceremonies. For, it shows that the couple are attempting as best as possible to follow Biblical law according to the faith of each party.

It should be noted that rabbis whom officiate or co-officiate at these events reside mostly in liberal areas. While this is the case, these individuals still hold on tight to Jewish rituals and beliefs. As such, while a bride or groom may be of the Christian faith, most rabbis will not allow the use of terms such as Lord, Savior or Jesus Christ during the ceremony.




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