Interfaith Ceremony with Rabbi and Minister
Opening Statement
Minster: God is love. Those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.
We gather in the presence of God to give thanks for the gift of marriage: to witness the joining together of ____________ and _____________ to surround them with our prayers and to ask God’s blessing upon them so that they may be strengthened for their life together.
God gave us marriage for the well-being of human society; for the ordering of family life; and for the birth and nurture of children.
In marriage, couples are called to a new way of life, ordered and blessed by God. This way of life must not be entered into carelessly or from selfish motive, but responsibly and prayerfully.
We rejoice that marriage is God-given. Therefore, let marriage be held in honor by all.
Prayer
Rabbi: Our God and God of our fathers, bestow they blessings upon __________ and _________ as they unit their lives in Thy name. Cause them to prosper in their life together. Teach them to share life’s joys and life’s trials, and to grow in understanding and in devotion. May love and companionship abide within the home they establish. May they grow old together in health and in contentment, ever grateful unto Thee for the union of their lives. Amen
(Blessed be Those who cometh in the name of the Lord). (Hebrew).
(Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with singing). (Hebrew).
(O God, supremely blessed, supreme in might and glory, guide and bless this bridegroom and this bride). (Hebrew).
Declaration of Intent
Rabbi or Minister: __________ Understanding that God has created, ordered, and blessed the covenant of marriage, do you affirm your desire and intention to enter into this covenant?
Answer: I do.
Rabbi or Minister: _________ Understanding that God has created, ordered, and blessed the covenant of marriage, do you affirm your desire and intention to enter into this covenant?
Answer: I do.
Address by Rabbi/Minister
(Option: (Minister 5: presenting of one or both by father/mother “who gives their blessings for these two to be married?”))
Vows
Rabbi or Minister: __________, do you take __________ to be your ______, promising to cherish and protect _______, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and to seek together with _____ a life hallowed by love?
Answer: I do.
Rabbi or Minister: __________, do you take __________ to be your ______, promising to cherish and protect _______, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and to seek together with _____ a life hallowed by love?
Answer: I do.
Rabbi 6. Blessings of ring(s)
By your blessing, O God, may these rings be to __________ and __________ symbols of unending love and faithfulness, reminding them of the covenant between them made this day. Amen
__________, as you place this ring upon the finger , speak to these words: with this ring be thou consecrated unto me as my spouse, according to the law of the Lord, our God.
__________, as you place this ring upon the finger, speak these words: with this ring be thou consecrated unto me as my spouse, according to the law of the Lord, our God.
Optional (7. Ketubah Signing)
8. Nuptial Prayer and Blessing
Rabbi: Les us pray: Eternal God, creator of all life, look upon favor upon __________ and __________. Give them wisdom and devotion, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow and a companion in joy.
Minister: Let them grow in love and peace with God and with each other all the days of their lives.
Rabbi: Grant that all who have witnessed these vows today may find their lives strengthened; and that all who are married may depart with their own vows renewed.
Minister: Grant that the bonds by which all your children are united to one another may be so transformed by love, that peace and justice may fill the earth.
9. Cup of Wine
Rabbi: This cup of wine is symbolic of life. As you share this cup of wine, you undertake to share all that the future may bring. All the sweetness life’s cup may hold for you should be sweeter because you drink it together; whatever drops of bitterness it may contain should be less bitter because you share them.
As we recite the blessing over the cup of wine, we pray that God will bestow fullness of joy upon you.
10. Benedictions
Rabbi:
a. Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who hast created all things for Thy glory.
b. Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, creator of man.
c. Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has fashioned us in Thine own image, and has established marriage for the fulfillment and perpetuation of life in accordance with Thy holy purpose. Blessed art Thou, creator of man.
d. Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who art the source of all gladness and joy. Through Thy grace we attain affection, companionship, and peace. Grant O Lord, that the love which unites this bride groom and bride may grow in abiding happiness. May their family life be ennobled through their devotion to love one another. May there be peace in their hearts. May they be sustained by Thy comforting care and presence in the misdt of all people and by Thy promise of salvation for all humanity. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, who dost unite bridegroom and bride in holy happiness. Amen
e. Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, creator of the fruit of the vine.
Wine is offered.
11. Declaration of Marriage
Rabbi or Minister: __________ and __________, in the presence of this company as witnesses you have spoken the words and performed the rites which have united your lives.
We therefore declare you to be married in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, and in accordance with the law of God.
12. Threefold Blessing
Rabbi = Hebrew; Minster = English
May the Lord bless and keep you
May the Lord cause His face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto you
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give you peace.
Amen.
13. Break of the Glass (Rabbi explains)
It teaches us that in times of joy we must also realize life brings sadness and sorrow. The sound of the breaking glass is said to frighten away evil spirits who might spoil this joyous occasion with their mischief. It also warns us that love, like glass, is fragile and must be protected. The promises made by the bride and groom, like the broken glass, are irrevocable.
“May your marriage last as long as it would take to repair this glass.”
Step on Glass
(after the breaking of the glass, the couple kiss, no “you may kiss your bride” is given.)
The couple may be introduced.