Weddings & Commitment Ceremonies

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 tzedakah (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.
 

Latest Rituals

“We celebrate the triumph / Of love over hate”
queer couple - one in a white bridal gown and one in a blue suit - embracing under a chuppah with a rabbi wearing a rainbow tallit
“I wanted a way of acknowledging and bringing my own queerness into the wedding ceremony”
Blessing of Gratitude for Queer Ancestors & Community

“So dear this daughter / As she prepares to immerse”

With My Daughter at the Mikveh

“May you join together in songs of praise, songs of joy and songs of sorrow.”

Sheva Berakhot Interpretive Translations

Non-Theistic Jewish Wedding Blessings

Brit Ahavah – Covenant of Love: Non-Theistic Jewish Wedding Blessings

“Your love is running honey”

Back in the Garden

God is loving another

Gd is Simple

A small, adapted wedding during COVID-19

Adapted Wedding Ceremony During COVID-19
two women's hands
two mens hands with wedding rings

The Reconstructionist Network

Filling the Well

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.

Weaving Water:
Recreating Jewish Water-based Rituals

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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