Talking About Jewish Interfaith Marriage

By Amanda Anderson


When it comes to intermarrying it is best to consult with those that have been down this road and to garner advice from them. A Jewish interfaith marriage is common nowadays with couples finding that they want to spend the rest of their lives together. It is often stressful should one partner not know anything about this religion and in doing so, will have to learn a lot before the marriage day itself.

Interfaith Rabbis are there to assist with any questions the couple may have and will suggest ways in overcoming obstacles when discussing the ceremony itself or talking about what is and what is not permissible with food laws. The couple will obviously have attendees from both religions but usually it is the one who is Jewish that must make the effort to accomodate all those guests that will be attending. This is not as confusing as it may seem as a simple way to navigate this course is to use an accepted kosher caterer.

Firstly, comes food and what is permissible to eat and what is not. This is a whole study in itself but a quick way to bypass this is to use a caterer that is well known in the community and one that is accepted by all as being one hundred percent kosher. This is probably the best thing to arrange as many of the guests will expect this and obviously one does not want to disappoint.

So if meat will be served it has to be kosher and approved by a Beth Din or Jewish court of law. This is not too difficult to overcome as there are many caterers who have been approved by this governing body and can be consulted with regarding this. If one is going to go it alone and cater the function themselves then there is a lot that needs to be learnt before one gets into the kitchen and starts preparing.

Apart from this, it should be noted by the couple, what foods are permissible to eat and what are not. Meat may never be eaten with milk and this law is one of the first laws that is learned in a Jewish home. One usually has to wait six hours after meat is eaten before milk products can be consumed. So it is best to choose a meal for guests that do not have both of them served at the same time.

Other items that must be noted is that seafood is a no. No shelled foods can be consumed and these include crab, lobster, crayfish, shrimps or prawns. The list is endless so it is best to consult with a kosher caterer before deciding what it is that will be served on this day.

It is a time for celebration and nothing should detract one from this. Having an interfaith wedding, if done properly, will be spoken about in years to come. It is a great day for the couple.

Every eventuality can be discussed and planned for by speaking to a Rabbi who officiates ceremonies such as this. Doing it the right way and providing kosher food for guests is a must. It is a day long in the making and one that will live in hearts forever.




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