Jewish and Interfaith Weddings: A Guide to Celebrating
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Jewish and Interfaith Weddings: A Guide to Celebrating Love and Tradition

by | Mar 31, 2023

Weddings are a joyous occasion, celebrating the union of two people in love. For Jewish and interfaith couples, the wedding ceremony can hold even greater significance, as it brings together family traditions and cultural practices. In this guide, we’ll explore the customs and rituals of Jewish and interfaith weddings, along with some best practices for planning your special day.

Jewish Weddings: Tradition and Symbolism

Jewish weddings are steeped in tradition, with a focus on the covenant between the couple and God. The ceremony typically takes place under a chuppah, a canopy symbolizing the couple’s new home together. The chuppah is often adorned with flowers, and the couple stands beneath it with their parents and the rabbi.

One of the most iconic moments of a Jewish wedding is the breaking of the glass. This tradition symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and reminds the couple of the fragility of life. After the glass is broken, the guests shout “Mazel Tov!” which means congratulations or good luck.

Another important ritual is the ketubah signing, a pre-wedding ceremony where the couple signs a marriage contract in front of witnesses. The ketubah outlines the couple’s responsibilities to each other, and serves as a reminder of the commitment they’ve made.

Interfaith Weddings: Combining Traditions

Interfaith weddings bring together two different religious or cultural traditions. These ceremonies can be a beautiful way to celebrate the diversity of the couple’s backgrounds, but they also require careful planning and sensitivity to each family’s beliefs.

When planning an interfaith wedding, it’s important to find a ceremony that both families feel comfortable with. This may involve combining elements from each tradition, such as reciting vows in both languages or having readings from each religious text.

One way to symbolize the blending of traditions is to incorporate a unity ceremony. This can take many forms, such as lighting candles or pouring sand into a shared vessel. The ceremony can also include a blessing from both religious leaders, or a reading that incorporates both traditions.

Celebrate Your Love and Tradition

Jewish and interfaith weddings are a beautiful way to honor the past while celebrating the future. Whether you’re incorporating age-old customs or creating new traditions, your wedding day is a reflection of the love and commitment you share with your partner. Let Rabbi Ron Broden at Jewish-Ceremonies share your story with the world and inspire others to embrace their own unique traditions.

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