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

By Michael Bell


There are many people for whom faith is an important part of life. They adhere to their religious traditions and attend houses of worship, even as statistics show that fewer people are worshiping in a formal way. When couples of mixed faiths decide to get married, it's important for most of them to incorporate the traditions of both faiths into their special day. It may take some thought and creativity, but it's possible to plan a Jewish Christian interfaith wedding that is both meaningful and memorable.

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.

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.

The ketubah is a tradition that many Christians at the ceremony will see for the first time if it's included. This will be important to many of the Hebrews in attendance. It is a ceremonial document that outlines the groom's rights and responsibilities in regard to the bride. In today's society it is symbolic rather than being an enforceable document. That is unless the couple are going to be 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.

For some circling represents a wall. This wall is protection for the couple against evil spirits. Pronouncing the bride and groom married and introducing them to the guests is a Christian tradition Jews embrace.




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