Jewish wedding traditions adopted by non-Jewish couple

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Now Vito, you know I've got to give you a bit of a hard time about this. Christians do celebrate Passover in their own way -- we call it the Eucharist.

Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!

Or we call it Easter, if you're talking about the day instead of a rite. I think that in most European languages other than English and German, the name of that day is derived from Pesakh (Passover).

What I took Low C Sharp to be talking about is the Christianized Seders I see sometimes, where everything in the meal is re-interpreted/misinterpreted/understood (depending on perspective) to give Christian meaning to all aspects of the seder. These kinds of things make me very uncomfortable. Part of the reason it makes me uncomfortable is the fear that it will offend others. Part of the reason it makes me uncomfortable is that it indicates to me that we don't understand our own tradition well enough to see that the Eucharist is our Passover meal.

On the other hand, I do think participation in a seder can be a valuable, educational and very meaningful experience for Christians; we all too often forget our Jewish roots (and forget that Jesus was Jewish) and neglect, as result, to consider the implications of that for us. Our congregation has had seders for this purpose a few times in the past, and we've asked people from a near-by synagogue to join us for it, help us plan it and lead us in it.

There are indeed some (small, non-mainstream) Christian groups that consider the command in Exodus binding on Christians.

Good point. Especially true since the Great Thanksgiving among other things usually mentions the Exodus.

Originally Posted by ellebud

We went to a Catholic/Jewish wedding recently. It was held in a church with the Archbishop and a Rabbi officiating. (Yes, this had to be a very liberal church.) There was incense which I understand is rarely done. The Archbishop invited everyone up to take communion. A bit of an awkward moment. But it was very inclusive and that was nice.

Actually incense is very traditional. It's why some low church Anglicans refer to both our own High Church services and Roman services disparaging as "smells and bells." The fact that the Archbishop not only celebrated with a Rabbi, but invited all to communion? It probably would have caused a few coronaries in Rome if they found out.

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

Good point. Especially true since the Great Thanksgiving among other things usually mentions the Exodus.


Actually incense is very traditional. It's why some low church Anglicans refer to both our own High Church services and Roman services disparaging as "smells and bells." The fact that the Archbishop not only celebrated with a Rabbi, but invited all to communion? It probably would have caused a few coronaries in Rome if they found out.

Regarding the inviting all to communion bit: how is the officiant to know who is allowed communion and who is not? It's not like people have big neon signs over their heads that announce their faith. When I've been at weddings where communion has been served, they invite all, but people who are another faith or nonbelievers generally abstain.

[Psi U MC Vito]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

Regarding the inviting all to communion bit: how is the officiant to know who is allowed communion and who is not? It's not like people have big neon signs over their heads that announce their faith. When I've been at weddings where communion has been served, they invite all, but people who are another faith or nonbelievers generally abstain.

It's one thing to commune all who ask for the Sacrament, it's quite another to invite all, especially when the official position is against it.

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by Psi U MC Vito

It's one thing to commune all who ask for the Sacrament, it's quite another to invite all, especially when the official position is against it.

And again, I ask how is each individual's status to be known? How else do you offer communion? Generally speaking, when communion happens, it's kind of like, "we're doing this now." Then the congregants either line up and kneel, or it's passed around to them.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

And again, I ask how is each individual's status to be known? How else do you offer communion? Generally speaking, when communion happens, it's kind of like, "we're doing this now." Then the congregants either line up and kneel, or it's passed around to them.

In Presbyterian churches, at least, there is typically an invitation before Communion to the effect that all who are baptized and who seek to follow Christ are invited to commune. ("Our Savior invites those who trust him to share the feast which he has prepared" or words that effect.) A similar announcement may be in the service bulletin. My experience in Episcopal and other churches is similar.

So, to follow on what Vito said, the officiant (or the bulletin) states the position of the church as to who can receive. That having been done, the officiant will not question someone who presents him or herself for the Sacrament (or who takes bread and cup when passed).

[amIblue?]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

In Presbyterian churches, at least, there is typically an invitation before Communion to the effect that all who are baptized and who seek to follow Christ are invited to commune. ("Our Savior invites those who trust him to share the feast which he has prepared" or words that effect.) A similar announcement may be in the service bulletin. My experience in Episcopal and other churches is similar.

So, to follow on what Vito said, the officiant (or the bulletin) states the position of the church as to who can receive. That having been done, the officiant will not question someone who presents him or herself for the Sacrament (or who takes bread and cup when passed).

And this has been my experience as well; I suppose that's what I meant by "we're doing this now" (I'm Presbyterian, too.)

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

(I'm Presbyterian, too.)

A Kappa and a Presbyterian. I knew I liked you (says the man married to a Kappa and a Presbyterian).