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 have become popular with Christian couples. The tradition has the two mothers lighting two of the candles. During the ceremony the bride and groom each take one candle and together they light the third. There are variations to the practice, especially if one or more of their mothers is not available for the candle lighting. This is not something that Jews normally do at their ceremonies, but candles do play a part in their religious services.
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 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.
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.
There are also some who believe the circling creates a wall. This wall protects the couple from evil spirits. The pronouncement of a bride and groom as a married couple is a tradition for Christians, Jews will appreciate.
Unity candles have become popular with Christian couples. The tradition has the two mothers lighting two of the candles. During the ceremony the bride and groom each take one candle and together they light the third. There are variations to the practice, especially if one or more of their mothers is not available for the candle lighting. This is not something that Jews normally do at their ceremonies, but candles do play a part in their religious services.
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 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.
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.
There are also some who believe the circling creates a wall. This wall protects the couple from evil spirits. The pronouncement of a bride and groom as a married couple is a tradition for Christians, Jews will appreciate.
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