Although you might not find “something blue” on Ritualwell, you will find much that is “borrowed,” “old,” and “new.” Jewish tradition is rich in wedding customs, and we have attempted to bring you some samples from this delightful smorgasbord. You will find pre-wedding customs such as ten’aim (engagement), during which it is customary for the mothers of the couple to break a plate, the bedecken (the veiling of the bride and modern alternatives), and the tischen (literally, “tables,” where grooms and/or brides receive blessings and enjoy other rituals immediately prior to the wedding ceremony). You will also find several complete wedding ceremonies along with a breakdown of the constituent parts and alternatives for them, various ketubot (wedding contracts), ideas for tzedakahCharity. In Hebrew, the word tzedakah derives from the word for justice. Tzedakah is not seen as emanating from the kindness of one’s heart but, rather, as a communal obligation. (charity), and much more. We also explore weddings and ceremonies not envisioned by the rabbis of old—interfaith marriages and weddings and commitment ceremonies between partners of the same sex.
“So dear this daughter / As she prepares to immerse”
“May you join together in songs of praise, songs of joy and songs of sorrow.”
Non-Theistic Jewish Wedding Blessings
A small, adapted wedding during COVID-19
In this monthly salon, we will use embodied practices including breathing, sound meditation and movement to quiet the inner critic, calm the nervous system, and open creative channels. From there, we will explore generative prompts connected to a Jewish theme or timely topic, designed to free your creative expression. Upcoming session: October 19.
Explore how the Jewish Calendar and holiday cycle are built on the flow of water. Together we will track our relationship with water through various rituals, then write our own. No previous experience is necessary. Six sessions starting August 23, 2023.
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