Sunday, June 3, 2018

About Jewish Christian Interfaith Wedding

By Michael Lewis


With more and more people wanting to marry interfaith there has become an increasing need for weddings where both religions are practiced. A Jewish Christian interfaith wedding is not uncommon today as many find themselves in a situation where one has to be chosen above the other. It is not easy becoming a Jew and there are many practices and customs that must be practiced throughout the year if one chooses to do so.

This also goes for the opposite, where a Christian partner would prefer to have their wedding in a Church. It can be a confusing time as to what exactly is best as these two religions, though very different, both have similar values. Some choose to do both, having two ceremonies, one in a Church and one in a synagogue.

For those looking to convert to another faith, this is a harder road than anticipated. To convert to Judaism is a long and arduous path and one has to be totally committed in taking on this new found religion. There are many laws and practices to learn and participate in and to become a fully fledged Jew or Jewess can take years to accomplish.

A Rabbi can be consulted regarding this although today, it is not uncommon to find an interfaith Rabbi who can officiate the ceremony and have the taste of a Jewish flavor to the proceedings. There are customs that exist in this religion that are carried out during the ceremony. For one, the bride should circle the groom seven times before vows are taken. Apart from this, it is also customary for the groom to break a glass to commemorate the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem many years ago.

There are other laws that must be abided by to make all happy that attend. Some guests may keep kosher and will expect that kosher food is prepared for the occasion. These are laws set down many years ago that describe what foods may be consumed and those which can not. Only certain animals may be consumed by a Jew and these include fish that have both fins and scales.

Other foods that may not be consumed by Jews are seafoods. These include crab, lobster, prawns and shrimps to mention but a few. So it is with this in mind if one is unsure, a Rabbi should be consulted so as not to disappoint those guests that do adhere to Jewish dietary laws. It is a sin to eat anything that is not kosher and the Hebrew word for this is Aveirah.

Aveirah means sin or detracting from coming closer to the Creator. There are many other areas to consider before choosing to convert if this is the case. Another day in the life of a Jew is Yom Kippur. One has to fast for a twenty six hour period where no food or liquids can be consumed.

These are just a few of the practices that one should consider when wanting to convert should this be a choice. Judaism is a beautiful religion. It teaches love, compassion and through its practices, to come ultimately closer to the Creator.




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