Keeping It Kosher With Jewish Interfaith Marriage

By Timothy Adams


The older one gets, the concept of marriage is in the forefront of the mind and when it is time it just happens. Jewish interfaith marriage is a common occurrence today especially with the advent of the Internet and there just being that more opportunity in meeting a soul mate. Online dating has become rife and it is quite possible that one ends up with some of another faith.

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.

It does take quite a concerted effort to find out more about a religion if one is not accustomed to its laws and traditions. Research has become easier with the advent of the Internet and many find themselves turning to this tool to acquaint themselves with customs and practices that are foreign to them. It is quite easily achieved online where one can pose questions to learned men such as Rabbis.

With an interfaith marriage, Orthodox Rabbis will not condone this so the opportunity of having a celebration in an Orthodox Synagogue is out of the question. Many bypass this by marrying the Reform way and having the reception and ceremony on these premises. It can be a trying time especially if parents wanted their children to marry inside their respective faiths.

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.

This is not something that can be achieved in a day but with continued learning and studying, it can become part of oneself and incorporate in it a daily lifestyle. Some opt just to know the basics and fill the requirements of what it takes to have a Jewish wedding. Here one can ask a Rabbi as to how to proceed and which caterers for example to use.

One also needs to be aware as to what animals are kosher and which are not. Animals with a cloven hoof and chew the cud may be consumed after having undergone a ritual slaughterer carried out by someone qualified to do just this. This person is called a Shochet and is well versed in the many laws regarding this as well as being a devout Jew himself.

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.




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