Mazal tov! The rabbis teach it is harder for God to make matches between people than it was to split the sea as the Israelites left Egypt during the Exodus. It is not easy to find a life partner and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to support you and celebrate this simcha with you.
The Jewish wedding ceremony is steeped in imagery derived from the Garden of Eden, imbued with hopes for a partnership that is filled with love, companionship, blessings, and holiness. The ceremony takes place under a chuppah, a ritual canopy, meant to symbolize the Jewish home this couple will build together.
The wedding is officiated by a mesader/et kiddushin, usually a rabbi. Our clergy would love to be part of this simcha with you. Please contact Zoe Raynes at zraynes@bethelnr.org or 914-235-2700, ext. 228 if you would like a Beth El rabbi to officiate and set a date. The officiating rabbi will meet with the couple throughout the year to get to know you as a couple, walk you through the wedding rituals, and offer pastoral counseling as you embark on this transformation in your relationship.
Like other important moments in Jewish life, many couples choose to mark their upcoming marriage in the context of community. Known in Yiddish as an aufruf, this ritual involves being called up to the Torah on Shabbat morning for an aliyah. We imbue this moment with a great deal of fanfare, dancing and singing with the couple and spreading a chuppah over them during the aliyah. After reciting the blessings over the Torah, the couple receives a special blessing from one of our rabbis. If you would like to schedule aufruf, please contact Zoe Raynes at zraynes@bethelnr.org or 914-235-2700, ext. 228. It is customary for the couple or their families to sponsor kiddush lunch as a way to share this special moment. Please contact Stephanie Lederman at slederman@bethelnr.org or 914-235-2700, ext. 246 for more information on catering options at Beth El.
We invite you to explore our space rental offerings if you would like to celebrate this moment at Beth El.