Interfaith (Jewish and Catholic) ceremony question

dubliner Posted: Feb 12, 2003 09:50 AM

Interfaith (Jewish and Catholic) ceremony question

I understand that the Jewish tradition is to have the parents under the Chuppah with the couple as they are married, but for a Catholic ceremony the parents sit in the first pew.
We are having a priest and a rabbi at the receptin hall, and I would prefer to have both parents sit. Is there a comprimise?
What did you do?

phyl Posted: Feb 12, 2003 09:54 AM

Re: Interfaith (Jewish and Catholic) ceremony question

I had Robs parents ( he's Jewish) sit in the front row.
My parents are deceased..,,,but my family members were also in the front row- opposite side of the church.
It was only us and the priest and rabbi under the huppah.

His mom really wanted to be under the huppah but I told her 'gently' that the front row center is the place of honor...
Then his sis told me that for HER wedding her mom wasnt under the huppah- so I passed that info along to her as well.

Don't know if this helps...maybe u can find out how big the huppah is. hopefully it is an intimate size- so there will not be room for them

Misha Posted: Feb 12, 2003 10:02 AM

Re: Interfaith (Jewish and Catholic) ceremony question

I had the opposite. I had both of our parents under the chuppah. His parents (Catholic) loved that they got to be right up there with us--they thought it was a great honor to get to 'share the space.' Our rabbi also did a nice job explaining the meaning of the chuppah and why our parents join us. Our priest also had no problems with it. Good luck.

jms0176 Posted: Feb 12, 2003 10:40 AM

Re: Interfaith (Jewish and Catholic) ceremony question

Our parents and the MOH and Best Man all stood under the chuppah. My Mom complained about standing for 20 mins but she did it anyway. DH's parents escorted him down the aisle according to Jewish tradition, but I just had my Dad give me away.

LaurenS Posted: Feb 12, 2003 12:26 PM

Re: Interfaith (Jewish and Catholic) ceremony question

I have been to a few interfaith weddings recently and in all cases, both parents stood under the chuppah. Everyone liked that both parents could be part of the ceremony instead of watching from the front row.

Valenia Posted: Feb 12, 2003 12:47 PM

Re: Interfaith (Jewish and Catholic) ceremony question

Is there a reason in a Catholic ceremony why the parents are supposed to sit in the front pew? Or is it simply that nothing is stated about where they should be, and that has become tradition?

In jewish tradition, the parents escorting their child in and standing under the huppah carries great meaning.

My friends who have had interfaith ceremonies have all chosen to have the parents stand. Since it carries meaning for the jewish side, but does not have negatives meaning to the non-jewish side.

dubliner Posted: Feb 12, 2003 01:28 PM

Re: Interfaith (Jewish and Catholic) ceremony question

Can anyone explain the meaning / symbolism of the Jewish tradition of standing under the Chuppah, and the Catholic one of sitting?

Valenia Posted: Feb 12, 2003 01:52 PM

Re: Interfaith (Jewish and Catholic) ceremony question

From http://www.blissweddings.com/library/jewishwed.asp :

Instead of the bride walking down the aisle with her father, both sets of parents escort the bride and groom down the aisle. The tradition symbolizes the importance of family involvement.

And From http://www.lanceandkendra.com/jewish.html

Wedding Huppah
The wedding ceremony takes place under the huppah (a wedding canopy), which symbolizes the home the bride and groom will build together. The huppah is supported by four poles, which will be surrounded by dear friends and family. The huppah is the essence of a Jewish wedding ceremony.

dubliner Posted: Feb 12, 2003 02:11 PM

Re: Interfaith (Jewish and Catholic) ceremony question

Thanks Valenia, but why do the parents stand under the Chuppah in a Jewish ceremony - is it jus tthe family ties thing?

Valenia Posted: Feb 12, 2003 02:20 PM

Re: Interfaith (Jewish and Catholic) ceremony question

There are different interpretations, as with any tradition, but here is mine. The huppah represents the home that my husband and I will build together. The huppah is open on all sides to demonstrate that friends and family are always welcome. Our parents being there represents to me that we are joining our two families by our marriage, and not just two individuals.