Interfaith Ceremonies

Jamie and Daryl Barton

When a couple is of different faiths, even when the couple themselves is not strong in their particular faith, it is often wise to include various traditions to keep families happy. I have been very successful in performing many Interfaith ceremonies creating a ceremony that pleases everyone.

Jewish Christian

Jewish Traditional Breaking of the Bottle...
Below is one explanation I offer of the breaking of the bottle in a wedding ceremony, which is placed immediately before declaring the couple to be husband and wife: "The breaking of the glass at the end of a wedding ceremony serves to remind of two very important aspects of a marriage.

The bride and groom - and everyone - should consider these marriage vows as an IRREVOCABLE ACT - just as permanent and final as the breaking of this glass is unchangeable. But the breaking of the glass also is a warning of the FRAILTY of a marriage. That sometimes a single thoughtless act, breech of trust, or infidelity can damage a marriage in ways that are very difficult to undo - just as it would be so difficult to undo the breaking of this glass. Knowing that this marriage is permanent, the bride and groom should strive to show each other the love and respect befitting their spouse and love of their life." (The bottle is usually a light bulb wrapped in a white towel. The best man will place the bottle before the groom. However, it is not broken at this point. Instead, the officiate, continues to declare the bride and groom to be "husband and wife". With "congratulations, you may kiss your bride!" the groom then smashes the bottle with his foot and kisses the bride. Applauding is appropriate in most ceremonies with the breaking of the bottle.)

Jumping the Broom Ceremony

When people were slaves, the rights of marriage were forbidden to them. The tradition of jumping the broom became the ritual by which they pursued their passage of marriage. The broom is a household symbol in Africa with which to sweep away evil and start anew. Today that broom stands as a symbol of the integrity and the devotion by which our ancestors re-created that right under adverse conditions.