Question 1

What is the difference between a cantor and a rabbi?

Accepted Answer

Cantors  and rabbis are both Jewish clergy. They are responsible for teaching,  leading worship services, providing pastoral care, and guiding  communities through spiritual moments of the lifecycle such as baby  namings, weddings, and mourning.  Their  training is different; cantors specialize in leading musical worship  and rabbis focus on leading spoken worship. Cantors can do everything  that rabbis can do, while adding in some extra singing and music!

Question 2

Can I get married by a cantor?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Cantors are licensed to legally marry couples and can officiate at and preside over Jewish wedding ceremonies while providing a beautiful musical accompaniment.

Question 3

You’re located in Westchester, NY. Do you travel outside of that immediate area?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I officiate all over New York City and State (Rockland County, The Catskills, and beyond!), Connecticut, Bergen County, NJ, and in some circumstances, other parts of New Jersey. I’m available for events in other states too (e.g., Rhode Island, Maine) depending on the time of year, and can officiate destination events year-round!

Question 4

Do you have co-officiant referrals for a wedding and bris?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I have relationships with many priests, mohels, mohelets, and trusted colleagues who I can refer you to, depending on your need.

Question 5

How many pre-marital wedding meetings/counseling sessions are “required” and where do they take place?

Accepted Answer

I encourage, but don’t require, premarital counseling sessions. Couples say that they connect on a deeper level throughout the counseling process, and many say our sessions are their favorite part of the pre-wedding lead up. I facilitate a 3-session process that includes relationship building, meaningful conversation about the future, and co-creating the design of your ceremony. I come to your home so that our work is convenient and comfortable for you. I also offer this process via Zoom.

Question 6

Do you offer therapy to people going through lifecycle milestones and transitions?

Accepted Answer

I do. After a wedding or other life transition, some people choose to stay on for secular, non-religious psychotherapy. As a licensed clinical social worker, I guide people to flourish in life beyond their special event.

Question 7

Where are you licensed to officiate?

Accepted Answer

As an ordained clergy, I have the authority to officiate in all 50 states. I am also registered in New York City, which requires a special certification to sign marriage licenses.

Question 8

Do both members of the couple or family need to be Jewish for you to officiate?

Accepted Answer

No. I proudly work with interfaith couples (i.e., one Jewish member and one non-Jewish member) and families looking for meaningful Jewish/spiritual experiences.

Question 9

How do travel logistics work for destination weddings?

Accepted Answer

As part of the total compensation we agree on together, I ask couples and families to cover travel (e.g., plane or train costs) and overnight accommodations (usually 1-2 nights) for destination events.

Question 10

What is your fee for each service and how does your fee structure work?

Accepted Answer

I structure my fees based on the amount of time we spend together for counseling and preparation, and the travel involved in getting to your event. Please contact me for a quote about your specific event.

Question 11

How far in advance do I need to reserve your services?

Accepted Answer

Typical time frames for weddings fall between 2 months and a year and a half. A small deposit is required for weddings.    -  Baby Namings: A minimum of a few days   -  Bris: Between 1-8 days   -  Funerals: 1 day   -  Bat/Bar Mitzvahs: At least 1 month    I can usually accommodate most urgent requests. If I cannot, I can refer you to a trusted colleague.

CANTOR LAURA STEIN WEDDINGS