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 a tradition that is popular for Christian weddings. Two candles are lit by the mothers of the bride and groom at the beginning of the ceremony. During the ceremony the groom and bride each take one of these candles, and together they light the third candle. There are numerous variations of the unity candle tradition that can be used. Jews don't normally incorporate candles into marriage ceremonies, but should not be offended by the use of them on this occasion.
Jews aren't accustomed to spoken vows in their marriage ceremonies because the ketubah covers them. Christians might have a difficult time becoming accustomed to marriage ceremonies without spoken vows. Many mixed faith couples include them. This is not something that the Jews in attendance will have a problem with because oral vows are included in so many types of ceremonies.
Breaking the glass is something that might be unfamiliar to most of the Christians at the ceremony. Many couples add this Jewish tradition as one way of including their Hebrew guests. Breaking the glass is a symbol for Jews of the destruction of Jerusalem's temple. With regard to the marriage, breaking the glass symbolizes the marriage covenant's finality.
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 is another traditional part of Jewish ceremonies. It is one that Christians may not even realize has anything to do with Hebrews. The bridal canopy, for Jews, symbolizes the home the couple will build together. It references the tent of Abraham which had open sides to welcome guests from wherever they came. After the ceremony some couples use the chuppah as a bedspread or a wall hanging.
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.
The circle can also be construed as a protective wall. It represents protection from evil spirits. The pronouncement of a bride and groom as a married couple, and the introduction of them to the guests, is a Christian tradition embraced by all faiths.
Unity candles are a tradition that is popular for Christian weddings. Two candles are lit by the mothers of the bride and groom at the beginning of the ceremony. During the ceremony the groom and bride each take one of these candles, and together they light the third candle. There are numerous variations of the unity candle tradition that can be used. Jews don't normally incorporate candles into marriage ceremonies, but should not be offended by the use of them on this occasion.
Jews aren't accustomed to spoken vows in their marriage ceremonies because the ketubah covers them. Christians might have a difficult time becoming accustomed to marriage ceremonies without spoken vows. Many mixed faith couples include them. This is not something that the Jews in attendance will have a problem with because oral vows are included in so many types of ceremonies.
Breaking the glass is something that might be unfamiliar to most of the Christians at the ceremony. Many couples add this Jewish tradition as one way of including their Hebrew guests. Breaking the glass is a symbol for Jews of the destruction of Jerusalem's temple. With regard to the marriage, breaking the glass symbolizes the marriage covenant's finality.
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 is another traditional part of Jewish ceremonies. It is one that Christians may not even realize has anything to do with Hebrews. The bridal canopy, for Jews, symbolizes the home the couple will build together. It references the tent of Abraham which had open sides to welcome guests from wherever they came. After the ceremony some couples use the chuppah as a bedspread or a wall hanging.
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.
The circle can also be construed as a protective wall. It represents protection from evil spirits. The pronouncement of a bride and groom as a married couple, and the introduction of them to the guests, is a Christian tradition embraced by all faiths.
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