Marriage

A Jewish wedding is one of the most joyful occasions in all of human experience — a moment when two lives become one under the sheltering canopy of tradition, community, and divine blessing. When I officiate a marriage, my goal is to create a ceremony that is authentically yours: steeped in the beauty of Jewish ritual, illuminated by the story of who you are as a couple, and filled with genuine warmth and joy for everyone present.

I begin by sitting down with the couple, often over coffee or tea, to learn about your relationship — how you met, what you love about each other, and what marriage means to you. I want to understand your backgrounds, your families, and any traditions that are important to you. From that conversation, I craft a ceremony that is uniquely yours while honoring the timeless structure of the Jewish wedding.

The ceremony unfolds through a series of beautiful, ancient rituals. It begins with the Bedeken — the veiling ceremony, a tender moment drawn from the story of Rebecca in Genesis. Under the chuppah (wedding canopy), which symbolizes the home you will build together, we proceed through the Kiddushin (betrothal blessings) over wine, the exchange of rings, the reading of the Ketubah (marriage contract), and the Sheva Brachot — the Seven Blessings that invoke creation, joy, and the hope of peace. The ceremony concludes with the iconic breaking of the glass and the exuberant shout of Mazel Tov!

Throughout the ceremony, I weave in song, midrash (rabbinic stories), and moments of humor. I explain each ritual as it happens, so that every guest — Jewish, non-Jewish, religious, secular — understands the profound beauty of what they are witnessing. I have found that when guests understand the rituals, they become not just observers but joyful participants, and the energy under the chuppah becomes something truly extraordinary.

For families with Sephardic heritage, I incorporate beloved customs: the special melodies of the Seven Blessings sung in the Moroccan tradition, the wrapping of the couple in a tallit, and blessings in Ladino or Judeo-Arabic that connect the celebration to generations past.

I warmly welcome interfaith couples. If your partner is not Jewish, I will work with you to create a ceremony that honors both your traditions and feels genuine to both of you. Love is love, and every couple deserves a ceremony that reflects the full truth of who they are.

What to Expect

• An initial meeting to share your story and discuss your vision for the ceremony
• A custom-crafted ceremony blending traditional Jewish elements with personal touches
• Guidance on the Ketubah, chuppah, rings, and other ceremonial elements
• A rehearsal at the venue to ensure everything flows smoothly on the day
• Active involvement of family and friends through readings, blessings, and honors
• Clear, warm explanations of each ritual so all guests can share in the joy
• Coordination with your venue and wedding planner on ceremony logistics and timing

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you officiate interfaith weddings? Yes, wholeheartedly. I believe that every couple who chooses to build a life together deserves a meaningful, sacred ceremony. I work with interfaith couples to create a celebration that honors Jewish tradition while respecting and including the non-Jewish partner’s background and family.

Can we personalize the ceremony with our own vows or readings? Absolutely. While the traditional Jewish wedding structure provides a beautiful framework, there is wonderful room within it for personal vows, poems, family readings, or any element that is meaningful to you. I will help you find the perfect balance between tradition and personalization.

How far in advance should we book? I recommend reaching out at least six to nine months before your wedding date, especially for popular seasons. This gives us time for our meetings, ceremony planning, and the Ketubah process without any rush.