Weddings
V’erastich li l’olam-- ‘And I betroth you forever” And I betroth you to me in righteousness, and in justice, and in kindness” (Hosea 2:19-20)
I generally meet with couples three times, once in person and/or by Skype or face time. I generally prefer to meet at least once in person in Palm Springs. During our visits together, I want to get to know you as both individuals and as a couple.
We then explore together some important issues of making marriages work, such as communication, economics, spirituality, family interactions, and lifestyles.
In our second meeting, I gather information from the couple, which helps me personalize the wedding ceremony.
During our final meeting together, we discuss the actual ceremony itself, and the ritual items to be included in the ceremony such as a personalized ketubah, Kiddush cup, family rings, tallit etc.
Renewal of Vows Ceremony
Ani l’dodi v’dodi li- -“I am my beloved and my beloved is mine”! (Song of Songs 6:3)
What a joy it is for me to be the officiant for a couple that is renewing vows after 10, 20, 25, or more years!
You select the venue in the Coachella Valley area, and we will recapture the joy that you felt on the very day of your wedding.
I meet with the couple once either in person or by Skype or Facetime, to get to know one another and to obtain the information I will need to make the ceremony beautiful and meaningful. Mazal Tov!
Baby Namings
“Ken yikanes le-Torah, u-le-chuppah, u-le-ma'asim tovim” (Brit Milah Service)
“May this child live a life of Torah, merit standing under the wedding canopy, and live a life of good deeds”
I officiate at baby namings for girls only. (The berit milah ceremony is where a boy traditionally receives his name).
The ceremony for naming baby girls is once again personalized and involves the participation of the parents, grandparents, and uncles and aunts. A Hebrew name is given the child and the family talks about how the couple chose that particular name for their beautiful baby.
The ceremony takes place in a venue of the couple’s choosing and I am delighted to officiate at such wonderful simchas!
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Training and Ceremonies
‘Talmud torah keneged kulam”--The study of Torah is equal to all of the mitzvot (Talmud, Kiddushin 40b)
One of my best skills is working with bar and bat mitzvah students. I have trained about 2,000 students over my rabbinate. I simply love tutoring students to chant torah, haftarah and the prayer service. I am patient and work well with all types of students and tailor make the ceremony to the particular needs and learning styles of the student.
The ceremony takes place at a venue of your choosing and the learning experience and the actual ceremony will be memorable.
Conversions to Judaism
“Those seeking conversion are more dear to God than all the Jews who stood at Mt Sinai” (Talmud, saying by Rav Lakish)
Conversion to Judaism is a process, which can take an extended amount of time. Judaism welcomes those who seek to be under the wings of God. There is a learning process, which involves study and rituals affirming one’s loyalty to Judaism. I am pleased to work with any individual who sincerely seeks to be a committed Jew. I require mikveh and circumcision or hatafat dam brit, when the male candidate has already been circumcised. We will discuss the ritual requirements when we meet
Funerals
“The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of God.” (Job 1:21)
When death occurs we are often shaken, as we want our loved ones to be with us throughout. It is during this time, that a family needs a sensitive rabbi to help them through their suffering and grief. My own personal losses and my over 40 years of experience in congregations nationwide, have heightened my own sensitivity and empathy to families in need. Know that I am available in your time of need.
