Food And Jewish Christian Interfaith Wedding

By Karen Morris


With the intermingling of faiths there comes the result of the jewish and christian faiths to mix in marriage. Jewish christian interfaith wedding can become complex and beset with many obstacles to overcome. It is not the ideal scenario to be in but with a bit of research, all can be accomodated and the celebration can go ahead without a fuss.

Food for one is an important area to look at especially when the couple has decided to invite Jews to the occasion. There are strict laws of Kashrut that requires attention and this can be overcome by using a Kosher caterer. These laws embody all the laws as written in the Five Books of Moses as well as those that have been passed on from generation to generation known as the Oral Law.

For one, a Shochet or ritual slaughterer must be used and this person has studied for years and is a practicing Jew. It is best to use caterers that have been approved by the Beth Din in order to avoid backlash from some of the guests. So with this in mind, the wedding can go ahead as planned taking into consideration the needs and requirements of all the guests.

Kashrut which is word encompassing all the dietary laws is set out both in the Five Books of Moses or written Torah as well as the oral law that has been handed down through the centuries and has not changed to this day. Only certain foods may be consumed for example fish that have fins and scales and meat of which the animals have cloven hooves and chew the cud, namely cattle. Apart from this there exists a complete procedure as to how these animals are prepared for consumption.

Other considerations need attention such as not serving the hind quarter of the animal. Only the forequarter may be consumed and this too stems from and is derived from the Bible. It makes mention of Jacob fighting the Angel of Esau where they fought for many hours where finally the Angel injures Jacob where the sciatic nerve is located.

So it must be kept in mind what to serve and what not to serve and to delve a bit into the laws of Kashrut just to be certain that couples are both on the same page. For Christians food is not a problem and most will enjoy conventional foods served. One must also remember that if one is serving meat then one will be serving meat that must be kosher and will have been drained of most blood.

These are the little idiosyncrasies that require consideration. Using a kosher caterer is best in order to satisfy the wishes of family and friends. By searching and doing a little research one can find those willing to provide food for the occasion.

This is an arduous path to follow but done so by many. If this is not on the cards, then one can safely use a caterer to attend to all the food requirements and to satisfy all those invited. It is a day to remembered and enjoyed.




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