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.
Traditional blessings for mikveh immersion
Original tenaim document created for an American-Israeli couple, acknowledging both cultures
Kiddush: Humanist liturgy
Learn about the ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract
The seven blessings of the wedding ceremony with original additions
An original song based on Song of Songs composed for a lesbian wedding
An original song based on lyrics from Song of Songs celebrating female same-sex love
Original song based on Pslams for a baby girl blessing, bat mitzvah, or wedding
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