Preserve the memory of your loved one with a plaque on our Yahrzeit Wall. Learn More ->

Search
Close this search box.

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

Watch this video to learn about what the chuppah represents and choices couples make for creating their unique chuppah

chuppah the jewish wedding canopy

Watch this video to learn about three interpretations for breaking a glass at a Jewish wedding ceremony

why we break the glass at jewish weddings

Watch this video for a quick overview of the recipe for a Jewish wedding ceremony

what to expect at a jewish wedding

A havdalah candle-lighting ritual as part of a Jewish-Christian interfaith wedding performed on a Saturday night

a blue and white havdalah candle

Using water in place of wine or grape juice when making kiddush

goblets and pitchers of water

A ceremony in place of an auf ruf for an interfaith couple before their wedding

multiethnic-wedding-190-x-100

Liturgy of the sheva brakhot adapted for a lesbian wedding or two people identified as female

two women about to kiss

Language for ring exchange that recognizes ever-evolving laws of Moses

bride and groom holding hands

Revamping the traditional betrothal blessing to move away from the language of forbidden relationships

holding hands

Honoring seven role models by asking for their blessing

many hands touching

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

Join the Ritualwell community to explore rituals that will bring a sense of sacred awareness to your Thanksgiving table and into your everyday life!

Jewish practices provide us with valuable frameworks to foster awareness and joy through gratitude.

Get the latest from Ritualwell

Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.

The Reconstructionist Network