Jewish & Christian
A guide to blending Jewish and Christian wedding traditions, one of the most common interfaith combinations with a wealth of shared symbolism.
About This Combination
Jewish-Christian weddings are among the most frequently planned interfaith celebrations, and for good reason: the two traditions share deep roots and many overlapping themes. The Jewish ceremony takes place under a chuppah, features the ketubah signing, the seven blessings, and the iconic breaking of the glass. The Christian ceremony offers personal vows, hymns, scripture readings, and the exchange of rings. Both traditions view marriage as a sacred covenant witnessed by community, and both families typically want their rituals honored. The extensive experience of interfaith couples who have gone before means there are well-established models for blending these traditions gracefully.
Common Challenges
Finding clergy willing to co-officiate is the most common challenge. Many rabbis, particularly Conservative and Orthodox, will not officiate at interfaith ceremonies. Some Christian denominations require the non-Christian partner to attend pre-marital classes or agree to raise children in the faith. Family expectations can be intense on both sides, with pressure about which tradition should dominate. Holiday and lifecycle planning beyond the wedding (which holidays to celebrate, how to raise children) often surfaces during wedding planning.
Making It Work
Start the officiant search early: Reform and Reconstructionist rabbis are more likely to co-officiate, and many non-denominational Christian ministers welcome interfaith ceremonies. Organizations like InterfaithFamily.com maintain directories of willing clergy. Build the ceremony around shared values: covenant, love, family, and community. Use the chuppah as the ceremony structure (it symbolizes the home the couple will build) and incorporate Christian vows and hymns within it. Alternate readings from the Torah and New Testament, assigned to family members from each side. Address the 'elephant in the room' directly in the program, acknowledging and celebrating that two traditions are coming together.
Planning Tips
Begin your officiant search 12 months ahead. Schedule a meeting between the rabbi and minister to plan the ceremony flow together. Design a ceremony program explaining each ritual for guests from both backgrounds. Plan for a ceremony of 30-45 minutes, which allows key elements from both traditions without feeling rushed. For the reception, incorporate both the hora (chair dance) and the first dance. Serve a menu that works for both kosher-observant and general guests. Consider a rehearsal dinner that introduces both families to the key rituals they will witness.
Combined Ceremony Guide
A Jewish-Christian blended ceremony uses the chuppah as its framework, weaving Christian elements into the Jewish ceremony structure to create a seamless interfaith celebration.
Chuppah Ceremony Space
From Jewish WeddingThe ceremony takes place under a chuppah (canopy), symbolizing the home the couple will build together. It can be decorated to reflect both traditions with flowers, fabric, and meaningful symbols.
Ketubah Signing
From Jewish WeddingBefore the ceremony, the Jewish marriage contract (ketubah) is signed by the couple and witnesses. Many interfaith couples commission a custom ketubah with text that reflects both traditions.
Christian Opening and Invocation
From Christian WeddingThe minister opens with a welcome and invocation, often including a prayer and a brief reflection on the sacredness of marriage in the Christian tradition.
Scripture Readings from Both Traditions
Shared ElementFamily members read passages from both the Hebrew Bible (Song of Solomon, Ruth) and the New Testament (1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 5). This honors both traditions through their sacred texts.
Exchange of Vows and Rings
Shared ElementThe couple exchanges personal or traditional vows and wedding rings. The Jewish ring tradition involves a plain gold band placed on the index finger; Christian tradition uses decorated rings on the ring finger. Many couples blend both.
Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot)
From Jewish WeddingSeven blessings are recited over wine, praising God for creation, joy, and the couple's happiness. Seven family members or friends from both sides can each read one blessing.
Unity Ceremony
From Christian WeddingA unity candle, sand ceremony, or handfasting symbolizes the joining of two lives and two families. The minister offers a blessing as the couple performs the ritual.
Breaking of the Glass
From Jewish WeddingThe ceremony closes with the groom (or both partners) stepping on a glass wrapped in cloth. The shatter is met with shouts of 'Mazel Tov!' from all guests, a joyous and universally beloved moment.
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Suggested Ceremony Order
Begin with the ketubah signing in a private room. Process under the chuppah for the Christian invocation and welcome. Read scriptures from both traditions, exchange vows and rings, recite the Sheva Brachot, perform the unity ceremony, and close with the breaking of the glass and 'Mazel Tov!'
Customs to Blend
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Blending Guides
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