Christian / Jewish Marriage Rite of Passage

Christian marriage The Time- The Christian churches require the couple to be over the age of consent (18 years), but will allow marriage with written consent of both parents or with the approval of a judge or magistrate.

Christian Marriage The Participants: The rite of Christian marriage is a public ceremony. The couple publicly give witness to their love for each other. Participants include: The bridesmaid and best man, who act as witnesses, families and friends, and a priest or minister.

Christian Marriage The Place: Christian wedding ceremonies take place in a church. Only in very exceptional circumstances, for example, if one of the partners belongs to a non Christian faith, will permission be given for the marriage to take place elsewhere than in a Church.

Christian Marriage The Charter: Is the sacred and lifelong union of man and woman who give themselves to each other in love and trust, reflecting ever lasting love that God has for His Church through Christ. Is seen as a way to physical and spiritual fulfilment and it mirrors the unity between Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Christian Marriage Commitment of husband and wife reflects God’s covenant with His people. Follows the way of God’s love and this is the way of the cross. Is a revelation of God and a channel of grace to each other and to those around them.

Christian Marriage SET FORM- Each denomination has various rituals. A typical Christian marriage ceremony contains a number of rituals. Examples: bridal procession, readings from the Bible, exchange of wedding vows and blessing and exchange of rings.

Christian Marriage Quakers: Marriage takes place at a meeting called for the purpose of witnessing the promise made by the couple to each other and there is no exchange of rings. Orthodox- Marriage begins at the entrance to the Church and couples hold lighted candles during the service of the Word.

Christian Marriage Baptist Church- Three main parts: introduction (hymn, talk about meaning/purpose of marriage, prayer) second part (covenant, joining of hands, rings.) service of the Word (scriptures, sermon, prayers, hymn and blessing.)

Christian Marriage Anglican Church- Banns declared on three Sundays before wedding (ask congregation if they know of any reasons why the couple should not be married). Uniting Church- Viewed as a way of life created by and blessed by Christ, congregation prays for the couple, asking that they may fulfill God’s purpose for the whole of their lives.

Christian Marriage The Hierarchical and Role Regulations. After a couple are married, they move from being the children of the family to that of the role of parents and thus having children. Equality within the relationship is stressed in Christianity. The roles of a Christian couple are expected to be equal although they may be socially and culturally influenced.

Christian Marriage Symbols: Recitation of Marriage Vows: these promises are central to a Christian marriage ceremony. They affirm the Christian belief that marriage is a life long commitment. Exchange of Rings: The rings symbolises the commitment that people will always be true to each other. Love has no end.

Christian Marriage Signing of the Marriage contract: Symbolises the legal requirement of the marriage. Signed by the bride, the groom and the two witnesses. Bride wearing white: Is a symbol of purity Bride wearing a veil: Is a symbol of modesty.

Christian Marriage The Transformation Prior to being married the man and woman were single, and they were part of two separate families. Marriage unites two people together in love, forming a new family unit in which husband and wife are now responsible for one another and for their children.

Jewish Marriage Time: In Old Testament times men were married from the age of 18 and girls from 12. Jews in Australia must be 18 yrs of age before legal consent can be given Marriage at a younger age can only happen with parental consent Where parents refuse – judge/magistrate is sought to give permission

Jewish Marriage Jewish weddings can take place on any day of the week, except for the Shabbat and on festival days. Most Jewish weddings take place on a Sunday – usually in the afternoon.

Jewish Marriage Place: Jewish weddings may either take place in a synagogue or outside and they always take place under a “chuppah” (a canopy) The chuppah is usually elaborately decorated and supported by four poles covered with flowers. Sometimes it is simply a prayer shawl held over the heads of the couple

Jewish Marriage The Participants: As the rite of marriage is a public ceremony, the couple are required to make their vows in public. In a Jewish marriage ceremony, the couple give witness to their love for each other and express their desire to ‘sanctify’ God through the ties and obligations of marriage.

Jewish Marriage Present at the marriage are the: Kallah – the bride Chassan – the groom friends and family A rabbi usually officiates – but it can be any observant Jew familiar with the requirements – as marriage under Jewish law is essentially a private contract between a man and woman

Jewish Marriage A ‘minyan’ (10 men) is required to be present for the blessing. God is also considered to be present at the wedding. The rabbi is there to make sure the wedding is done properly – but he does not technically marry the couple – for the couple are considered married if two proper witnesses observe the ceremony

Jewish Marriage The Charter: Marriage is seen to be God’s design – so for both men and women it is desirable The Hebrew word for marriage ‘kiddushin’ (sanctification) expresses its special sanctity – it is considered “the” sacred relationship It is seen as a personal relationship – dedicated to companionship and the founding of a family

Jewish Marriage It is very highly regarded – in fact to marry and have children is the first commandment given to humanity in the Torah. Marriage is a holy covenant – bound by a covenant – the contract, the ‘ketubah’ states the man’s responsibility to provide for his wife.

Jewish Marriage The Set Form: First – the initial blessings are recited Then there is the giving of the ring – the words said here constitute the vows of Jewish marriage – the couple are now set apart from others for each other. The next part focuses on the contract – the ‘ketubah’ is prepared & signed by witnesses

Jewish Marriage The marriage closes as it began with blessings recited over a cup of wine. This is followed by the reciting of seven blessings, praising God for the creation of all things.

Jewish Marriage Symbols: Many symbols are part of the ceremony: Chuppah – canopy – marital home Escorts – Adam/Eve escorted by 2 angels Fasting – joyful, but solemn occasion Blessings – joy couple share Rings- vows of marriage Ketubah – contract – practical commitment

Jewish Marriage Handkerchief- accepts the ketubah Seven blessings- praise God – link to history of Israel Breaking of wine glass – destruction of the temple/fragility of life Retirement to separate room – new status of the couple as husband/wife Final blessings- resolve to share Candles- symbolise joy

Jewish Marriage The Hierarchical and Role Relations: Once married the wife has responsibility for the home – free her husband to study Wife has to keep kosher home and bring up and teach children All that goes on in the home must be expressive of Judaism Role of the husband is to provide for and protect the family

Jewish Marriage Both roles are seen as equally important, and marriage is viewed as an equal partnership The Transformation: Now a couple responsible for continuing the Jewish nation by starting a family, keeping the mitzvah and bringing the children up in the Jewish tradition Now equal with other Jewish couples in the community