Interfaith Wedding Ceremonies

The term "interfaith wedding" is typically used when describing a wedding between a person of the Jewish faith and a person of the Christian faith. There are many types of ceremonies for this type of union. An interfaith wedding can be officiated by a Rabbi or Cantor and a Minister or Priest. Often times the couple decides to have the ceremony co-officiated by a Jewish Rabbi or Cantor and a Catholic Priest or Christian Minister.

Possible Traditions Incorporated Into An Interfaith Ceremony.
The Jewish and Christian religions both have many traditions that have been carried down from generations that can be incorporated into an interfaith ceremony. The bride and groom need to come to an agreement on what religious traditions are important to each of them and discuss the ceremonial options with the clergy performing the ceremony.

Jewish religion can incorporate many wedding traditions including Ketubah (wedding contract), Huppah (wedding canopy), Circling, Blessing Over the Wine, the Ring Ceremony, Seven Blessings and Breaking the Glass. There are also traditions that limit the days of the week a Jewish wedding should take place. Generally, Jewish weddings are held on Saturday nights. It is highly discouraged to hold a Jewish wedding on Jewish Holidays and on Tuesdays. Typically, they are held in the Jewish synagogue, but many Jewish or interfaith couples opt to hold the ceremony outdoors.

Christian religions also have many ceremonial traditions depending upon the denomination of the Christian. These traditions can include walking down the isle, giving away the bride, reading of scripture, expressing love through song, the lighting of the unity candle, Communion, exchanging vows, exchanging rings, the kiss, and the pronunciation of husband and wife. Christian weddings are often held in a church, however, many Christians choose to get married elsewhere, often outdoors. Some or all of these Christian traditions can be incorporated into an interfaith ceremony depending on what the couple wants and how long they want the ceremony to be.

Combining Traditions For An Interfaith Wedding Ceremony.
There are many similar traditions in Jewish and Christian weddings. Thus, it is not as difficult as many think it will be to combine traditions for an interfaith wedding. Common traditions include lighting candles, exchanging vows, exchanging rings and the pronunciation of husband and wife. Although slightly different, both religions also have wedding processions. The important thing to remember in planning an interfaith wedding is that it is your ceremony and you should incorporate the traditions important to both of you.