For a lot of people religious faith is an integral part of life. This is true even though the statistics say there are fewer people worshiping in a formal way. Couples who have a foundation based on faith want to incorporate that into their wedding ceremonies. When the two people are of different faiths, the situation becomes a little more complex. It is possible however, with some thought and imagination, to come up with a meaningful Jewish Christian interfaith wedding that everyone will remember.
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.
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 will look familiar to the Christians because a form of this bridal canopy has become so popular with couples of all faiths. Not all Christians will recognize that it has its origins in Jewish culture though. The chuppah is a symbol of the home this couple will build and share together. It is a nod to the tent belonging to Abraham. This tent was open on all sides as a welcoming gesture to strangers.
Circling is another marriage ceremony tradition for the Jews, that some couples decide to add to their ceremonies. It consists of a bride circling around a groom seven times. The circling symbolizes the 7 days of creation, the 7 wedding blessings, and the fact that the groom is 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.
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 will look familiar to the Christians because a form of this bridal canopy has become so popular with couples of all faiths. Not all Christians will recognize that it has its origins in Jewish culture though. The chuppah is a symbol of the home this couple will build and share together. It is a nod to the tent belonging to Abraham. This tent was open on all sides as a welcoming gesture to strangers.
Circling is another marriage ceremony tradition for the Jews, that some couples decide to add to their ceremonies. It consists of a bride circling around a groom seven times. The circling symbolizes the 7 days of creation, the 7 wedding blessings, and the fact that the groom is 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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