MY BLOG

Jane and Simon were married on New Year’s Eve, a date that already held a special place in their story. They had met on New Year’s Eve years ago. A few years after that, they got engaged on the same night. By the time we began planning the wedding, it was clear that December 31 was more than just a date, but the thread that ran through their relationship right from the start.

One of the most common questions couples ask me when we start planning their Jewish wedding is also one of the hardest to answer simply: What is the role of God in my ceremony? And do I have to believe in God to have a Jewish wedding?

Both rabbis and cantors are trained clergy with deep knowledge of Jewish ritual. There is no hierarchy here, just different kinds of training and emphasis. Oftentimes, deciding who should be your officiant is more a matter of how you connect with the person and less about their training.

Pam and Ross's wedding in Mexico was more than a ceremony; it was a return to the roots of their shared journey, a celebration of their adventurous spirit that began when they first met while studying abroad. From the moment everyone arrived, the air buzzed with anticipation! After years of postponed plans due to the pandemic, the guests were eager to come together and finally celebrate.

When planning a Jewish ceremony, understanding the order and significance of each element is crucial. These ceremonies are not simply a list of prayers or blessings to check off of a program. Instead, they represent a journey, weaving an arc that stretches from the past, through the present, into the future. This journey is part of what we call in Hebrew “hashalshelet ha-kabbalah”, the chain of tradition.

One of the things I treasure most about officiating Jewish weddings is how many ways there are to invite love and support into the ceremony.

Jennifer and Robert’s Jewish wedding in Englewood, New Jersey was a reflection of who they are as a couple and the community around them.