While the circling ritual is rich in symbolism, it's not without potential concerns. My couples are most commonly worried about tripping during the process, and ruining clothing/heirlooms/photos. Most of all, brides and grooms like to feel polished and pulled-together on their big day, and doing this awkward and unfamiliar choreography can really ruin that for a lot of people. Another common concern is time - especially if a couple doesn’t plan a special song or reading for this time, it can feel like walking in these circles will last FOREVER.

There are so many cross-cultural commonalities when it comes to weddings. Honoring our families, parental guidance, symbolic object exchanges, making public promises - these are universal themes. So, integrating different customs into your wedding isn't as challenging as it may seem.

These days, there are diverse viewpoints within the Jewish communityon interfaith marriage, and each one is worth acknowledging. My goal isn't to convince or persuade; it's all about understanding, inclusion, and connection. This is the case for every rabbi and Jewish professional with an opinion to share on the subject, by the way - we are universally concerned with the continuation of Jewish life in the world.

Let’s talk about the  history of Jewish-Interfaith marriage. But before we dive in, let's set a few things straight. I want to emphasize that my goal is not to convince anyone to marry within or outside their faith. It's about understanding the twists and turns of the Jewish Peoples’ relationship to interfaith marriage, and how it shapes our perspectives today. 

Premarital counseling is one of the most common questions I receive from couples planning their weddings, especially those who are hesitant about the idea. I understand; wedding planning is a whirlwind of cake tastings, venue tours, meetings with vendors, and family gatherings. The thought of adding more to the mix can be overwhelming. But let's unpack this topic and address your questions and concerns.

First and foremost, do I require premarital counseling from my couples? The answer is a straightforward "No." I do not require premarital counseling, nor do I offer it as part of my wedding officiant services. However, I do recommend it in certain cases, and here's where it gets a bit more nuanced—it depends.

Okay, so you've got a list of potential rabbis, and you're feeling pretty excited about a few of them. Now's the time to dig a little deeper. Take a moment to consider what you're looking for in terms of the rabbi's approach.