About the word 'Reverend'
I posted on BHB that my mom was concerened that an officiant having the title 'Reverend' denoted Christianity. I am Jewish and FH is christian and we have been looking for an interfaith minister. Neither of us is religious nor want a religions ceremony. We want something with some traditions and that reflects who we are as people. We found someone that we really liked, but she uses the title 'reverend'. She is ordained as an interfaith spiritual minister, not affliated with any religion.
But my mom was still hung up on the use of 'Reverend.'
I found this statement, written by a Rabbi. I wanted to post it for the other Jewish/Christian interfaith couples in case you run into the same issues about the terminology:
THE BIBLE SAID IT FIRST
By Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis
Reverend
This word means 'worthy of deep respect or reverence'. It is used within Jewish circles as a title for spiritual leaders who are not ordained Rabbis.
There are many Reverends who have outstanding Torah knowledge and give sterling pastoral service to their communities. While the term 'Rabbi' is uniquely Jewish, 'Reverend' is not.
The original usage of the term is in the King James Version's translation of Psalm 111:9 Kadosh Venora Shemo - Holy and Reverend is His Name. This translation was adopted in many Jewish editions of the Bible. The Psalmist provides a description of the awesome nature of the presence of G-d.
The title 'Reverend' is thus the ultimate compliment to a man of G-d. No wonder that, while it was first used for spiritual leaders outside of our faith, we continue to use it as a most acceptable title.
But my mom was still hung up on the use of 'Reverend.'
I found this statement, written by a Rabbi. I wanted to post it for the other Jewish/Christian interfaith couples in case you run into the same issues about the terminology:
THE BIBLE SAID IT FIRST
By Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis
Reverend
This word means 'worthy of deep respect or reverence'. It is used within Jewish circles as a title for spiritual leaders who are not ordained Rabbis.
There are many Reverends who have outstanding Torah knowledge and give sterling pastoral service to their communities. While the term 'Rabbi' is uniquely Jewish, 'Reverend' is not.
The original usage of the term is in the King James Version's translation of Psalm 111:9 Kadosh Venora Shemo - Holy and Reverend is His Name. This translation was adopted in many Jewish editions of the Bible. The Psalmist provides a description of the awesome nature of the presence of G-d.
The title 'Reverend' is thus the ultimate compliment to a man of G-d. No wonder that, while it was first used for spiritual leaders outside of our faith, we continue to use it as a most acceptable title.
