Time For Jewish Interfaith Marriage

By Timothy Adams


It is a time of great rejoicement and nothing should detract from this in the days leading up to the event. Jewish interfaith marriage has become widespread today with the advent of the World Wide Web and online dating sites. It is not the same as years gone by where marriages were arranged between families and partners were chosen from an early age.

This is when a Rabbi comes to the fore and allows the couple the opportunity in preparing for their big day. Parents may object and this is a challenge but if there is love then this overcomes all. It is also problematic when thinking about bringing children into this world but many overcome this by exposing their kids to both faiths.

Should one be unfamiliar with Judaism it is best to do some research and find out a little bit about this religion. There are many laws and customs that are practiced and this is especially so revolving around a day of marriage. Online abounds with information on all aspects of Jewish Law, its practices, customs and traditions.

Orthodox Rabbis will tend to try and steer the Jewess or Jew in marrying out of the faith and this can prove quite an emotional and taxing exercise. If one has made up their mind that this is how it is going to be then it is probably wisest to discuss these matters with an interfaith Rabbi. He or she is well versed in many of the laws pertaining to this ceremony and can advise one on how to proceed with organising such an event.

Apart from this, knowing a little bit about dietary laws within this religion never hurt nobody. The general rule is that meat cannot be eaten with milk products as this general law is found in the Bible or Torah. Furthermore, only certain animals may be consumed and these include those that have a cloven hoof and chew the cud.

The decision basically boils down whether to have a meat meal or a milk one. These two cannot be mixed as this goes against the laws of kashrut. It is best advice to use a caterer that caters for such events and one that has been accepted as preparing foods that are completely kosher and is recognised by a Jewish Court of Law or Beth Din.

Being prepared takes some investigations and asking a Rabbi what is required is a must. They are there to guide one and to put one at ease whilst the preparations are underway. Questions will arise as to what is allowed and what is not but with time these tend to work themselves out for themselves.

All in all it is not too difficult to prepare an occasion such as this and many turn to a Rabbi who is prepared to officiate at such an event. It is a day that will be remembered for the rest of time so best to be prepared and find out all one needs to know. An interfaith Rabbi is a call away and is there to answer the many difficult questions that may arise.




About the Author: