Jewish or Interfaith Brides - Programs

Would mind sharing what you wrote in your programs? I want to define the different customs and traditions for all the non-Jewish guests.

I would love to see pictures too!

TIA

Oh, yeah, I'm interested in seeing this as well.

I'm having problems with mine.

I actually just did mine a couple of days ago...

I basically listed the religious/cultural traditions we are using (there are only a few, so it only took up one page)

then I listed the bridal party, etc, and put a memorial note on the back page. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be.

This is the text of the traditions page. I'm Jewish, he's Irish/German Catholic, so these are the things we chose to use:

The Chuppah
In Jewish tradition, the couple stands under the Chuppah, or wedding canopy, to represent the home and life that they will build together. The canopy traditionally holds no furniture to signify that the heart of a home is not the material possessions, but rather the people who reside there.

Handfasting Ceremony
The handfasting ceremony is an ancient Celtic tradition that dates back thousands of years. During a handfasting, the couple has their hands literally bound together, to symbolize the joining together of two lives into one. The handfasting is traditionally done previously to the wedding itself, however, today we participate in a handfasting as a nod to the symbolism of the joining of the hands.

Breaking the Glass
In a traditional Jewish wedding, there are several explanations for the smashing of the glass. Today, we break the glass to represent the everlasting nature of love. We hope that this marriage will last for as long as it would take to put the pieces of the glass back together exactly as they were before: forever.

In addition, it is a German tradition to break dishes or crockery before the wedding. These broken dishes are believed to be good luck, and the gathering of the pieces symbolizes that nothing will be broken in the couple’s new home. As we break the glass, we remember this tradition, and hope that it brings us luck for many years to come.

don't have pictures though, sorry!

This is what I am putting in mine. it will go on the page in the program directly opposite the ceremony page.

~ Jewish Wedding Customs ~

A traditional Jewish wedding is full of meaningful rituals, giving expression to the deepest significance and purpose of marriage. We hope this information will help you appreciate the traditions you will see today and enable you to more actively participate in our
special occasion.


Chuppah: The wedding ceremony takes place under a canopy that represents the new home the couple will create together. It is open on all four sides to warmly welcome any approaching guests. Today, the chuppah will be carried into the ceremony at the beginning of the processionals.


Ketubah: This is the Jewish marriage contract. It has already been signed in the presence of witnesses and will be read aloud during the ceremony. The ketubah, written in Hebrew and English, outlines a couple’s commitments to one another.


Ceremony: The Jewish marriage ceremony is divided into two parts – Kiddushin, or the betrothal (engagement) ceremony, and Nissuin, the nuptial ceremony. During Kiddushin, a betrothal blessing is recited, the couple drinks from the first cup of wine, the ketubah is read, and the rings are exchanged. After this is complete, the couple is considered fully married. During Nissuin, seven marriage blessings are recited and the couple drinks from a second cup of wine, after which the groom breaks a glass. This act recalls the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem; symbolically, it is intended to remind us that a strong marriage withstands sorrow just as it shares joy. After the glass is broken, it is customary to play joyous music, clap, and sing as the couple walks back up the aisle.