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This Jewish wedding ceremony in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan took place during COVID, when even gathering with family and friends looked much different from what most couples had expected. Weddings continued, but the usual assumptions about how the ceremony would unfold had changed. Guest lists were smaller, masks were non-negotiable, and family members who would normally have been in the room were often watching through a screen.

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.

Some families leave a lasting emotional imprint on my heart as an officiant. Josh and Cassie are one of those families. I had the honor of officiating their wedding—a moment of joy that kicked off a beautiful journey together. Since then, I’ve watched their family grow, and despite the physical distance, I’ve been incredibly grateful to remain a part of their life’s milestones. Most recently, I had the privilege of leading a virtual baby naming ceremony for their newest bles