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.
Spoken vows aren't part of Hebrew ceremonies because they are included in the ketubah. Christians, on the other hand, would probably feel confused by the lack of vows. Many couples of mixed faiths decide to include them, and Jews are normally fine with the inclusion of vows because they are so used to attending weddings in which vows are an integral part.
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.
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.
Spoken vows aren't part of Hebrew ceremonies because they are included in the ketubah. Christians, on the other hand, would probably feel confused by the lack of vows. Many couples of mixed faiths decide to include them, and Jews are normally fine with the inclusion of vows because they are so used to attending weddings in which vows are an integral part.
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.
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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