Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What items do you provide at the wedding?
A: The Custom Package includes a bottle of kosher wine or grapejuice, a goblet to use for Kiddush and a glass to use for Sheva Brachot (which doubles as a glass to break).
Q: Do you provide a chuppah?
A: Most often, the venue will provide a chuppah. If not, I have one that can be rented. A delivery fee is also charged if you or the wedding coordinator does not pick it up as the chuppah needs to be at the venue early for set up/decoration. Some traditions perform the wedding under a large tallit being held over the heads of the couple by four (tall) people. This requires no set up and my chuppah cover can be rented for a smaller amount with no delivery fee (since it comes with me) or you can provide one.
Q: How long is a Jewish wedding ceremony?
A: In general one can count on about half an hour for the actual ceremony. We usually allow up to an hour to make sure there is time for ketubah signing, personal additions, etc
Q: Do we have to bring our own witnesses?
A: A traditional Jewish wedding includes a Ketubah signed by two Jewish witnesses. If you are planning on having a Ketubah and are not bringing your own witnesses I can arrange for two Jewish witnesses to attend the wedding (and sign the Ketubah). Compensation for witnesses is paid directly to the witnesses and the honoraium requested may vary depending on location and travel time for the witnesses.
Q: Can you explain the Jewish customs and rituals for guests who are not familiar with a traditional Jewish wedding?
A: Yes, it is my general practice (if the couple desires) to give an short introduction to each aspect of the ceremony.
Q: Does the ceremony need to be in Hebrew?
A: All my ceremonies are tailor-made so we can include as little or as much Hebrew as you like. There are certain aspects of a Jewish wedding that need Hebrew (like the blessing over the wine) but I can translate anything that is done in Hebrew when desired.
Q: Do you officiate weddings on Shabbat and Chag/major Jewish holidays?
A: No, since I observe Shabbat & Chag I cannot officiate from late Friday afternoon (or day before chag) until an hour after the stars are out on Saturday/Chag. There are also certain Jewish holidays that weddings are not performed.
Q: Do you perform Jewish same-sex or non-binary weddings?
A: Yes, I work with all gender identities.
Q: Do you perform Jewish interfaith weddings?
A: Yes, I work with inter-faith couples who demonstrate a desire to create a home together compatable with Judaism. Add-ons of premarital counseling are highly recommended.
Q: Will you co-officiate with another faith minister?
A: No, my focus is on Jewish weddings.
Q: What happens if we have to cancel?
A: In the case of cancellation due to illness or emergency any full or partial payment that has been made will be credited towards a future date, up to one (1) year from the original date. A new ceremony date is based upon availability.
Q: Will you travel to do a wedding?
A: Yes, I am happy to travel.
Q: Are you a congregational rabbi?
A: No, I am an independent rabbi and a holistic health counselor. Aside from weddings and other life-cycle events, my primary focus is helping fellow Jews, and those on the path to becoming Jews, find their personal spiritual derech (path) within the larger Jewish path and to help reinstate the natural synergy between the physical body and the soul. I provide personal spirituality and wellness sessions and teach Hebrew and Judaica classes via zoom. In all my work the emphasis is on helping people obtain and maintain balance and wellness to support their goal of moving towards optimal health - body and soul.