Christian / Jewish Marriage

1. Christian / Jewish Marriage Rite of Passage

2. 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 .

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.)

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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.

23. 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

24. 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.

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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