Tips With Jewish Christian Interfaith Wedding

By Michael Lewis


With more and more people wanting to marry interfaith there has become an increasing need for weddings where both religions are practiced. A Jewish Christian interfaith wedding is not uncommon today as many find themselves in a situation where one has to be chosen above the other. It is not easy becoming a Jew and there are many practices and customs that must be practiced throughout the year if one chooses to do so.

This also goes for the opposite, where a Christian partner would prefer to have their wedding in a Church. It can be a confusing time as to what exactly is best as these two religions, though very different, both have similar values. Some choose to do both, having two ceremonies, one in a Church and one in a synagogue.

Converting to Judaism may be another option on the cards and an interfaith Rabbi can be consulted to probe for answers to questions that arise. It is not an easy path and it means a complete change of lifestyle. Judaism as a religion does not look for converters and will not go out of their way in seeking them. This choice has to come from the individual themselves and it is something that they want to do willingly.

Interfaith Rabbis can be called upon to officiate a wedding and so the couple can be assured that they will have an occasion with a Jewish flavor. There are customs that make up the ceremony. One of these is that the bride should circle the groom seven times. Another is the breaking of the glass which commemorates the destruction of both temples in Jerusalem in ancient times.

Another area to consider before going out there and getting a caterer is that some foods are not allowed to be consumed by Jews. Dietary laws are strict and these include only eating animals that chew the cud and have cloven hooves. They must also be slaughtered in the correct manner by someone that has qualified in doing so.

Only certain animals may be eaten and only certain seafoods can be consumed. Fish may be consumed if they have fins and scales and no other may be permitted. Crabs, prawns and other seafoods are classified as impure and may not be consumed at all and in fact is an aveirah if done so.

Aveirah means sin or detracting from coming closer to the Creator. There are many other areas to consider before choosing to convert if this is the case. Another day in the life of a Jew is Yom Kippur. One has to fast for a twenty six hour period where no food or liquids can be consumed.

These are just a few of the practices that one should consider when wanting to convert should this be a choice. Judaism is a beautiful religion. It teaches love, compassion and through its practices, to come ultimately closer to the Creator.




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