hand-supported with tall poles.
It is a great way to honor four friends and/or family members by asking them to hold the poles and be part of the processional. I can bring my huppah for your ceremony or you can arrange your own.
What is a ketubah?
A ketubah is a beautifully decorated wedding document that expresses the promises a couple makes to each other. It can be framed and hung in a place of honor in the couple's home after the wedding to inspire them to create more beauty in their lives and community, to remind them to honor and build upon their promises, and to be role models to all who know them. These documents range from simple to elaborate, and are available as prints or original artwork. You can choose a ketubah from my collection or click on the Links page for ketubah websites.
What is a kiddush cup?
This is the special metal or wooden cup from which the couple drinks wine during the ceremony. The word 'kiddush' means holiness in Hebrew. Wine symbolizes joy and blessing in Jewish culture. The cup symbolizes the couple's relationship - strong and enduring, sacred, filled with joy and blessing.
Can our rings have gemstones?
Yes, you can wear wedding rings with gemstones. Both members of the couple should wear rings to express their loving commitment to each other.
Why break a glass?
Breaking a glass is a very old folk tradition that has had many meanings attached to it. Originally, the loud noise of breaking glass was thought to frighten away evil spirits that waited to snatch the couple's happiness. The breaking glass focuses everyone's attention in the moment. I believe that the broken glass should be the only breaking the couple experiences together.
I am Jewish and my partner is not. Are you comfortable officiating at our ceremony?
I welcome couples of varied backgrounds and have performed numerous ceremonies for interfaith couples. Each situation is unique. I am happy to meet each couple in person to listen to their needs and desires. You will experience a spiritual ceremony to celebrate the love and joy of your wedding day.
Will you conduct a wedding on a Saturday?
I am available for weddings on Saturday evenings, all day and evening on Sundays, as well as other days of the week. My spiritual practice is to take a day of rest on the Jewish Sabbath, which begins Friday at sundown and goes through Saturday. I am not available for weddings on Friday evenings, Saturday mornings, or Saturday at noon.
In what other activities are you involved besides conducting weddings?
I counsel families who are grieving; officiate at funerals; teach classes; welcome babies with naming ceremonies; offer individual spiritual counseling; and tutor students in a variety of topics, such as Judaism, storytelling, knitting, and cooking.
Where can I get more information about weddings?
My favorite book on this topic is The New Jewish Wedding by Anita Diamant. She talks about the ceremony as well as the party. I also think it can be worthwhile to read and discuss together The Hard Questions by Susan Piver, a slim book that gives some valuable tools when participating in life-long partnerships.
Click on Links for more wedding information and resources.
