Many couples have gone to the trouble to find the perfect ketubah - Jewish wedding contract - for their wedding. Now that it’s here…HOW do we sign it?

Rabbi LeighAnn, a rabbi for Jewish and interfaith weddings, walks you through the things to consider when planning your ketubah signing ceremony.

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.

Premarital counseling is a valuable resource that can enhance your relationship by providing tools, communication skills, and a safe space to address potential challenges. It's not a guarantee against problems, but it's a proactive step towards building a strong foundation for your marriage. Remember, it's about going in together as a team, just like you're about to embark on your married life together. So, consider it, explore your options, and ensure you're both on board with the process.

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.

It's completely valid to voice your reservations about religious aspects, such as not believing in G-d or that you haven’t felt like setting foot in synagogue since your bar mitzvah. I hear you. While I won't remain neutral – after all, I host a podcast dedicated to Jewish weddings – I'm here to provide information that will hopefully help you feel secure in whatever decision you end up making.

So, you’ve decided to look for a rabbi to officiate your Jewish or interfaith wedding. Congratulations! Let’s get started.

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as punching some things into Google and sending some emails. You need to do a little work on your end before you can even articulate what you’re looking for in a rabbi.