Preserve the memory of your loved one with a plaque on our Yahrzeit(Yiddish) The anniversary of a death, usually marked by the lighting of a 24-hour yahrzeit candle and the recitation of Kaddish, the memorial prayer. For U.S. Jews, the unveiling of the headstone usually takes place on or around the first yahrzeit. Wall. Learn More ->
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.
Seven wedding blessings adapted for two men
A look at the sociological and demographic implications of intermarriage in the Jewish community along with things a prospective interfaith couple should know about Jewish attitudes, family, rabbinic officiation, the ceremony, negotiating the Jewish community after the wedding, and conversion
A certificate by which a non-Jew joins his/her fate to the Jewish people without formally converting and a marriage contract for a Jew and a ger toshav (resident stranger)
Sue and Ben wrote a “verbose but helpful guide” to their wedding which is both traditional and egalitarian (incorporating both kiddushin and shutafut)
An informative wedding booklet which walks the reader through all the traditional elements of a Jewish wedding ceremony
A wedding booklet describing one couple’s choices for a traditional-egalitarian Jewish wedding
There is a folk tradition that the gates of heaven are particularly open to the prayers of the bride and groom. In some communities, wedding couples are handed small pieces of paper prior to the processional on which personal prayers are written. They read these prayers as they walk down the aisle and while circling one another. This prayer is offered in that tradition.
A brief article describing the practice of kiddushin (the first part of the wedding ceremony) and modern variations and alternatives
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
Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.
