Marriage, a gift from God

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(1.) SIGNS AND SYMBOLS OF COVENANTS:
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Often, ordinances represent a physical gestures of spiritual commitments. Marriage and creating a family were used by Jeremiah echoing an image of an even earlier prophet, Hosea. They likened the relationship between God and Israel to that of husband and wife. Israel, in not keeping its responsibilities, deserted the true faith and had become like an unfaithful wife. Both husband and wife have a commitment to each other that should be like God’s and Israel’s dedication to each other.

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(2.) SIMILARITIES OF JEWISH AND LDS MARRIAGE:
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Marriage in Judaism is considered without end; never, "Until death do you part." The canopy or huppah is reflective of the ancient temple. In some cases the huppah is a tallith, the garment that reminds a Jew of the covenants and commandments he has bound to himself. A minyan or "prayer circle" is formed at the marriage. Two witnesses are present. As in all religious ceremonies, men are separated from women. Head covering is required. Blessings are given to the bride and groom. Polygamy was once accepted, it later was rescinded.

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(3.) GARMENTS SIGNIFY COVENANTS:
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In some Jewish circles, a special garment is worn in remembrance of repentance and represents the purity of the covenant of marriage. It is also used to clothe the dead. It is called the Kitel in Yiddish meaning "gown" or garment. "In Ashkenazi tradition it is not just the bride who wears white on her wedding day. The groom, too, stands under the canopy wearing his white "kitel," or robe, over his wedding finery. The day of their marriage is a solemn one for the bride and groom. They pray that their past sins will be forgiven and they can start their life together afresh. The white of their clothing symbolizes the purity and the forgiveness of sin for which they are hoping. For this reason a similar garment is used to clothe the dead for burial." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

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(4.) MARRIAGE IN THE FAITH AND IN HOLINESS:
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Another interesting similarity to Latter-day Saint practice is requirement of proper ritual marriage even though a secular marriage has already been performed. ". . . a husband and wife who convert must also have another wedding ceremony in order to be married under Jewish law." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) Marriage holiness is a major belief of both Jews and Mormons. "The primary restriction of sexual activity in Jewish law is that it should take place within marriage, as an expression of love between husband and wife as well as out of a desire to fulfill God's commandments. An element of holiness is added by the laws of "niddah" (separation during the period of menstruation; which ensure that the couple does not indulge in sex on impulse but rather directs the act to holiness." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

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(5.) FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES IN SCRIPTURES AND CUSTOMS:
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"In many religious Jewish families, the father blesses his wife and children on a weekly basis. Women and children are to be cherished and blessed. They have different responsibilities, yet they should share an honorable status without preference. Yet, as Judaism spread without the guidance of living prophets, some discrimination became evident." "The woman's legal status, as defined in the Bible, is generally the same as that of man, as is her moral responsibility . . ." "The strong Jewish tradition about women places them on a lofty pedestal." ". . . the Torah . . . is frequently pictured as a woman and is represented as God's daughter and Israel's bride." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

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(6.) STRONG RESPONSIBILITY ON A JEWISH HUSBAND AND FATHER:
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Parallel to the Latter-day Saints’ lifestyle, "The father's duty is to provide for his children, to give them a proper education . . . and to prepare them for marriage." "Judaism considers the establishment of a family a holy task. Children are a gift from God and childlessness the greatest misfortune that could befall a marriage. The virtues of domestic bliss . . . and the close knit Jewish family, where the home has been the center of religious practice and ceremony, has greatly helped the survival of Judaism and preserved the moral integrity of the Jews." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

The traditions of both Jews and Latter-day Saints similarly uphold the precious responsibilities and blessings of the marriage covenant. The lesson title means that we must live in the spirit – in the world – guiding our life in the world community.
 

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