למזל טוב
Winter has passed, the rains have fled the earth and left it bright with blossoms.
Birds wing in the low sky, dove and songbird singing in the open air above.
Earth nourishing tree and vine, green fig and tender grape, green and tender fragrance.
Come with me, my love, come away! (Song of Songs 2:11–13)
כי הנה הסתיו עבר הגשם חלף הלך לו
הניצנים נראו בארץ
עת הזמיר הגיע וקול התור נשמע בארצנו
התאנה חנטה פגיה והגפנים סמדר נתנו ריח
קומי לך רעיתי יפתי ולכי לך
May THE SOURCE OF LIFE bestow a good name and future to the provisions embodied in this agreement, which were agreed upon by the two parties hereto, that is, Jameson Greene, who is represented by Marcia and Mandell Greene, and Jennifer Corman, who is represented by Debra and Michael Corman.
The above named parties agree to take each other as partners through huppahMarriage canopy symbolizing the couple's new home. and kiddushinThe first part of the traditional wedding service in which the groom acquires the bride by giving her a small token, usually a ring, and declaring that she is betrothed to him according to Mosaic law. Today, most non-Orthodox couples have made this ceremony egalitarian, exchanging rings and empowering the bride to speak too. Some, disliking the property aspects of the ceremony, have dispensed with it altogether, substituting a brit shutafut – a partnership covenant., in accordance with the laws of MosesThe quintessential Jewish leader who spoke face to face with God, unlike any other prophet, and who freed the people from Egypt, led them through the desert for forty years, and received the Torah on Mt. Sinai. His Hebrew name is Moshe., MiriamMiriam is the sister of Moses and Aaron. As Moses' and Aaron's sister she, according to midrash, prophesies Moses' role and helps secure it by watching over the young baby, seeing to it that Pharaoh's daughter takes him and that the baby is returned to his mother for nursing. During the Israelites' trek through the desert, a magical well given on her behalf travels with the Israelites, providing water, healing, and sustenance., and IsraelLit. ''the one who struggles with God.'' Israel means many things. It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. Jacob's children, the Jewish people, become B'nai Israel, the children of Israel. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel., as is the custom of our people. They will neither flee from nor conceal from one another any property whatsoever. Rather they shall equally have power over each other’s property according to the local custom.
The above named partners vow to present each other with gifts according to the religion of Moses, Miriam, and Israel, as is the custom of our people:
Marcia and Mandell Greene, who represent Jameson Greene offer a tallitA four-cornered garment to which ritual fringes (tzitzit/tzitzi'ot) are affixed. The knots in the fringes represent the name of God and remind us of God's commandments. The tallit is worn during prayer and can also be drawn about oneself or around the bride and groom to symbolize divine protection. which will be the huppah at the wedding. It symbolizes the new home that will be built, and fulfills the first requirement of the partnership, huppah. Debra and Michael Corman, who represent Jennifer Corman, offer a kiddushThe prayer recited over wine on Shabbat, holidays, and other joyous occasions. cup which will be used at the wedding. It symbolizes the holiness of this new relationship, and fulfills the second requirement of the partnership, kiddushin. May these gifts bring light into their lives as it is said: “You Adonay, are clothed in glory and majesty; wrapped in a robe of light!” (Psalm 104:1–2)
The wedding will take place with mazalGood fortune, luck, and the Hebrew sign of the Zodiac. tov and God’s will on the nineteenth day of Sivan, five thousand seven hundred sixty-five, or sooner than that date if both parties agree to it.
If either party is stirred to consider the possibility of breaking this agreement, a process of personal reflection is first required, which is to be followed by an open discussion of each party’s concerns. The parties are then obligated to work with a skilled relationship counselor before a final decision is reached.
All that is written above was done with full understanding and an open heart, with mutual respect, the spirit of our sages, zihronam livraha, and according to the customs of our people: by means of a handshake, sincere words, and kinyanLit. Acquisition In a traditional wedding, the bride is "acquired" by the groom. The kinyan is effected by the giving of a small object, usually a ring. Under traditional Jewish law, a bride cannot acquire a groom -- therefore, this act cannot be made mutual. Liberal Jews have found various ways to work around this dilemma although the Orthodox community, for the most part, does not accept these solutions.. This agreement takes effect immediately, and it is not to be regarded as a meaningless act. We have done kinyan in the presence of all who witnessed the document by using gifts legally fit for kinyan to validate what is written above.
הכל שריר וקיים IT IS A VALID AND BINDING DOCUMENT
To further seal this agreement, the partners signed on Rosh HodeshThe new moon, which marks the beginning of the Jewish month. According to tradition, because women did not participate in the sin of the golden calf, they were given the holiday of Rosh Chodesh. It is customary for women not to work on Rosh Chodesh. Adar II, 5765:
Bride _____________________________________
Groom _____________________________________
In the presence of us, the undersigned witnesses, the partners named above attached their signatures to affirm all that is stated above. In addition, they performed kinyan in our presence in order for these Tanai’im to take place immediately. We have confirmed as is required by tradition and have affixed our names below to prove this as a legal agreement on Rosh Hodesh Adar II, 5765.
Witness _____________________________________
Witness _____________________________________
אני לדודי ודודי לי
I am for my beloved, and my beloved is for me. (Song of Songs 6:3)
