Marriage and Marriage Ceremonies- Judaism

• Companionship- To have someone to be with for the rest of one's life, especially in times of sickness/misfortune.
• Faithfulness- To have a loving sexual relationship, just with that person. Marriage is the right context for sex.
• Procreation- To have children and fulfill the first mitzvot ('Go Forth and Multiply').

• Chuppah (the jewish wedding canopy)- Symbolises the family home.
• Veiling- Man unveils the woman before to check its her (links to the Story of Jacob and Leah).
• Dancing- Before the official marriage.
• Wine- Symbolises God's blessing in their marriage.
• Bride Circling the Groom (7 times in Orthodox ceremonies)- Shows that her husband is the centre of her life.
• Ring- Symbolises promise and eternity.
• Breaking of Glass- Symbolises the destruction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.
• Yichud (seclusion)- Couple left alone to symbolise the sex they will have in private.
• Ketubah- marriage contract.

Torah Teaching:

• 'If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death' (Leviticus)- this implies that homosexuality is wrong and that it is punishable by death.
• Homosexual relationships do not fulfill the first mitzvot ('Be fruitful and multiply') as same sex couples cannot reproduce. 

Orthodox View:

• They have a strict interpretation of the Torah and believe it is wrong.
• In spite of this, they respect and welcome homosexuals because Jewish communities are compassionate.
• They have no right to be homophobic.

Reform Views:

• They accept that sexual orientation is natural.
• Sexual activity between homosexuals is acceptable in loving and committed relationships.
• Approves of rabbinic officiation at same sex commitment ceremonies.