Invite the chldren of the couple to join their parents under the huppahMarriage canopy symbolizing the couple's new home. and address them:
You stand here today—two families about to join together. This is a joyous moment for the two of you whose commitment brings each of your families to the brink of a new life.
What begins here is something quite new. You children are being carried along by the love between each of your parents. They are making a pledge to you as well as to each other. Yet we know that this ceremony is only the statement of intention of a new way of life.
It will take time to grow into this new family. New people to getA writ of divorce. Traditionally, only a man can grant his wife a get. Liberal Jews have amended this tradition, making divorce more egalitarian. used to, new routines, new habits, new relationships.
How holy a task it is to build a relationship with stepchildren. What merit there is to accept into your life your step-brothers, your step-sisters, and your step-parent. You may feel a bit disoriented today, but those who love you hope that the promise of strong connections with your new family will carry you forward. We understand that you will always belong to your original parents. That will not change with this wedding ceremony. May you open your hearts to include the new members of your expanded family and may you accumulate wisdom and appreciation for what your new family members have to offer you and what you will bring to them in the years to come.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה.
Barukh atah adonay, eloheiyu melekh ha-olam, shehekheyanu, v’kiyimanu, v’higianu, la-zman ha-zeh.
Blessed is God, ruler of the world, who brings us to this day.
